May 2, 2019: Day of Prayer

WHEREAS, the 68th observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019, with the theme “PRAY for AMERICA: LOVE ONE ANOTHER” based on John 13:34, “Love one another just as I have loved you.”; and,

WHEREAS, a National Day of Prayer has been part of our heritage since it was declared by the First Continental Congress in1775, and the United States Congress approved a Joint Resolution setting aside a day each year to pray in our nation in 1952; and,

WHEREAS, the United States Congress, by Public Law 100-307, in 1988, as amended, affirms that it is essential for us as a nation to pray and directed the President of the United States to set aside and proclaim the first Thursday of May annually as a National Day of Prayer; and,

WHEREAS, leaders and citizens of our nation are afforded the privilege of prayer, affirming our spiritual heritage and the principles upon which our nation was founded; and,

WHEREAS, recognizing the love and power of God, we unite with fellow citizens to exercise the freedom we have to gather in prayer with thankfulness while seeking guidance, provision, protection, and purpose for the benefit of every individual and our state as a whole; and,

WHEREAS, we specifically thank God for those who defend our freedoms and ask for peace throughout our state, nation, and world;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2, 2019, as Day of Prayer in Michigan.