Assembly Resolution No. 291

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMEMORATING the 72nd Annual observance of the
National Day of Prayer in the State of New York on
Thursday, May 4, 2023

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 72nd Annual observance of the National Day of Prayer in
the State of New York on Thursday, May 4, 2023; this year's theme is
"Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much" based on James 5:16B;
and

WHEREAS, The 72nd 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, 2023, 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 72nd consecutive observance of the National Day of
Prayer in the State of New York on Thursday, May 4, 2023, 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Greater Utica National Day of Prayer Committee and
National Day of Prayer committees throughout New York State.