May 7, 2021: Day of Prayer

WHEREAS, the 70th observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held on May 7, 2021 with the theme "Lord, Pour Out Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY," based on a verse from 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty;" and,

 

WHEREAS, a National Day of Prayer has been part of our heritage since it was declared by the First Continental Congress in 1775, 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 freedom to pray, affirming our spiritual heritage and the free principles upon which our nation was founded; and,

 

WHEREAS, recognizing the love and power of God, we unite with fellow citizens to exercise our freedom 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, safety, and well-being throughout our state, nation, and world, especially during the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic; and,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2021 as Day of Prayer in Michigan.