Commemorating and Recognizing May 7, 2026, as "National Day of Prayer" in the State of Rhode Island

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 Christian Bible underscores the precious promise of faith in Chronicles 7:14, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land"; and

WHEREAS, This year's theme, “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations” is inspired by King David’s prayer of Thanksgiving upon his triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem after a seventy year absence, as recounted in 1 Chronicles 16; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates and recognizes May 7, 2026, as "National Day of Prayer" in Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby encourages all Rhode Islanders 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; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Jaime Lind and Greg Johnson, State Coordinators of the National Day of Prayer.