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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, People across the State of Texas are observing the |
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66th annual National Day of Prayer on May 4, 2017; and |
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WHEREAS, The United States has a long-standing tradition of |
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public prayer dating back to the earliest days of its founding; in |
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1775, the Second Continental Congress ordered a day of prayer for |
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the fledgling nation, and during the ensuing decades and centuries, |
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special days of prayer were issued by state and federal elected |
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leaders; President Abraham Lincoln famously proclaimed a national |
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day of prayer and fasting in the midst of the calamitous Civil War, |
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calling upon citizens of the war-torn states to humble themselves |
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before the Almighty; and |
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WHEREAS, The National Day of Prayer was made an annual event |
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when President Harry Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress |
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in 1952; the permanent date was set in 1988 when President Ronald |
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Reagan signed the public law designating the first Thursday in May |
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for the observance; and |
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WHEREAS, Throughout the history of our nation, in times of |
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crisis and of calm, Americans have turned to prayer for strength, |
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guidance, and inspiration, and the National Day of Prayer provides |
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an opportunity for citizens from all walks of life to join together |
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on a special occasion of fellowship, unity, and hope for our common |
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future; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize May 4, 2017, as National Day of Prayer |
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in Texas; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That all Texans be encouraged to set aside a |
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particular moment on this day to give thanks for our manifold |
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freedoms and blessings. |