R 278
2022 -- S 2920
Enacted 05/05/2022

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING AND RECOGNIZING MAY 5, 2022, AS "NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators F Lombardi, Archambault, Felag, Lombardo, de la Cruz, Picard, Raptakis, and Ciccone

Date Introduced: May 05, 2022

     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 2
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, The theme for this year's National Day of Prayer is "Exalt the Lord, who has
established us." This theme comes from the New Testament, Colossians 2:6-7. This theme is "set
against the backdrop of an inspiring painting created exclusively for the National Day of Prayer."
"The image illustrates God's people joining His angels in exalting Him as we pray, because He is
God Almighty"; now, therefore be it
     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates and
recognizes May 5, 2022, 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 a duly certified copy of this resolution to Richard and Cheryl Russell, State Coordinators
of the National Day of Prayer.
========
LC003931
========