2013 -- S 0896

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LC02519

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING AND RECOGNIZING MAY 2, 2013, AS THE NATIONAL DAY OF

PRAYER IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Metts, Paiva Weed, Ruggerio, Goodwin, and Algiere

     Date Introduced: May 02, 2013

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, During times of strength and times of weakness, in moments of joy and

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moments of despair, Americans of many different faiths and traditions have turned to prayer as a

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means of seeking comfort, giving thanks, and asking for guidance and grace; and

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     WHEREAS, Prayer brings communities together and can be a source of inspiration and

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courage. In the aftermath of senseless acts of violence and unnecessary suffering and death, the

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prayers of countless Americans signal to grieving families and communities that they are not

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alone. Their pain is a shared pain, and their hope is a shared hope. Regardless of religion or creed,

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Americans of faith reflect on the sacredness of life and express their sympathy for the wounded

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and the recovering, offering comfort and holding up a light in a time of darkness; and

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     WHEREAS, Today, Americans continue the tradition of our ancestors by acknowledging

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the power of prayer in our lives and cherishing our right to pray freely; and

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     WHEREAS, The tradition of national supplication was made official in 1952, when

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President Harry Truman signed a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress establishing a floating

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annual national day of prayer. Finally, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan set the date for the

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annual prayer day as the first Thursday in May; and

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     WHEREAS, The Christian Bible underscores the precious promise of faith in 2

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Chronicles 7:14, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray

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and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will

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forgive their sin and will heal their land”; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby proclaims and recognizes May 2, 2013, as the National Day of Prayer in Rhode Island;

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and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That all Rhode Islanders are encouraged to set aside a particular moment

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on this day to participate in this meaningful spiritual event and to encourage their friends and

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neighbors to observe this year's National Day of Prayer according to their own faith or practice.

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LC02519

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