Celebrate National Day of Prayer

Senate Resolution No. 427 BY: Senator MARCHIONE COMMEMORATING the 66th Annual observance of the National Day of Prayer in the State of New York, Thursday, May 4, 2017 WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this great Empire State, if the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor combine in the symmetry of a commitment to governance, there have emerged among the facilities of the State of New York certain events which warrant commemoration; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate the 66th Annual observance of the National Day of Prayer in the State of New York, on Thursday, May 4, 2017; this year's theme is "For Your Great Name's Sake! Hear Us... Forgive Us... Heal Us!"; taken from Daniel 9:19, which says, "O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God..."; and WHEREAS, The 66th Annual National Day of Prayer will have profound significance as millions of Americans join together to pray at thousands of events across the county; and WHEREAS, Prayer has always been an important part of our nation's heritage; National Day of Prayer is a tradition first proclaimed by the Continental Congress in 1775, when John Hancock signed the congressional order establishing the first Day of Prayer; and WHEREAS, In keeping with our founding fathers' faith, civic prayers and national days of prayer have a long and venerable history in our constitutional republic; in 1983, in MARSH V. CHAMBERS, the Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer, a tradition that is honored by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, The observance of a National Day of Prayer became the law of the land in 1952 when a resolution asking people "to turn to God in prayer and meditation," was unanimously passed by Congress and was signed by President Harry Truman; and WHEREAS, An amendment to this law was signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, designating the first Thursday in May as the annual Day of Prayer; and WHEREAS, Since our nation's earliest days, Americans have prayed as a way of guiding, uniting, and healing; in times of peace and prosperity, tragedy and joy, prayer has provided comfort and sustenance; and WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper to give thanks to God by observing this National Day of Prayer in New York State on May 4, 2017, when all may acknowledge our blessings and express gratitude for them, while recognizing the need for strengthening religious and moral values in our State and nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 66th consecutive observance of the National Day of Prayer in the State of New York on Thursday, May 4, 2017, and to urge the citizens of New York to observe this day in ways appropriate to its importance and significance; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Reverend Stephen P. Lalor, Chairman, Albany National Day of Prayer Task Force.