79R15896 MAM-D By: Gattis H.R. No. 1488R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The National Day of Prayer is an annual event involving millions of people across the United States of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds who unite in prayer; and WHEREAS, This tradition has roots deep in the history of our country, when the founding fathers, as part of the Continental Congress, issued a proclamation encouraging residents of the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation; in 1952, Congress officially declared an annual national day of prayer, and in 1988, President Reagan signed an amendment designating the first Thursday of May as National Prayer Day; and WHEREAS, In the past, an estimated two million people have attended more than 40,000 observances organized around the country in honor of this special day; under the leadership of chair Shirley Dobson, this year's event embraces the theme of "God Shed His Grace on Thee," inspired by Hebrews 4:16; and WHEREAS, The National Day of Prayer encourages all Texans to take a moment in the course of their busy, fruitful lives, to join with other Americans in an affirmation of our course as one nation under God and an expression of gratitude for the many freedoms that we enjoy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature hereby recognize May 5, 2005, as the National Day of Prayer and extend to all participants sincere best wishes for a reverent and prayerful observance.