R 217

2018 -- H 8161 Enacted 05/03/2018

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING AND RECOGNIZING MAY 3, 2018, AS "NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Hull, Diaz, Azzinaro, Edwards, and Vella-Wilkinson

Date Introduced: May 03, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

annual prayer day as the first Thursday in May; and

WHEREAS, The theme for this year's National Day of Prayer is "Pray for America-

Unity." Guided by the belief that prayer brings unity and that God can bring anyone and anything

together, including opposing persons and opposing political parties, Ephesians 4:3 was chosen as

this year's highlighted scripture with its challenge to unify by "Making every effort to keep unity

of the spirit through the bond of peace"; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims and recognizes May 3, 2018, as "National Day of

Prayer" in Rhode Island; and be it further

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

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

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

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LC005481

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