Senator Kathy Marchione: “Whatever your faith, whatever your beliefs, join me in observing May 1 as ‘National Day of Prayer’ to pray for our state, nation”

Senator Kathy Marchione: “Whatever your faith, whatever your beliefs, join me in observing May 1 as ‘National Day of Prayer’ to pray for our state, nation”

Senator Kathy Marchione speaks on her bi-partisan Senate resolution observing May 1, 2014 as “National Day of Prayer” in New York State, asks New Yorkers of all faiths, beliefs to join her in prayer tomorrow

Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) today spoke on the Senate floor in support of her bi-partisan resolution observing May 1, 2014 as the “National Day of Prayer” in New York State. During her remarks, Senator Marchione asked New Yorkers of all faiths to join her in prayer tomorrow to help pray for their state and our nation.

Senator Marchione’s bi-partisan resolution – J3434 – commemorates the 63^rd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer in New York State as Thursday, May 1, 2014. The resolution initially passed the Senate on February 11, 2014 and was recalled for reconsideration and floor comments by Senators as part of today’s session. Senator Marchione’s resolution was opened-up (i.e., made available for sponsorship) to all Senators for their support.

Noted on www.nationaldayofprayer.org – the official website of the National Day of Prayer – the National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans. The National Day of Prayer concentrates on the need to pray for the well-being of America and for those in leadership on all levels of national, religious and educational areas of influence and is observed annually on the first Thursday of May.

“On the National Day of Prayer, we will ask God to bless our nation, and give our elected leaders wisdom, and the courage to do what is right. We will pray for the protection of our military, thank Him for our freedoms and pray for the courageous soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect us. We will pray for people who are struggling – financially, emotionally or physically –and ask our Lord for joy in the midst of difficulties,” Senator Marchione said.

“Prayer is powerful. Prayer has comforted suffering, healed hurting, made sense of senselessness and served as an expression of joy and praise. In war and peace, in hardship and prosperity, in tragedy and triumph, prayer has been the one constant. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, whatever your faith, whatever your beliefs, stop for a moment and pray tomorrow, May 1, as part of the National Day of Prayer. Pray for our state, pray for our nation, pray for peace, justice and understanding, for strength and solace, to heal all who suffer,” Senator Marchione stated.

“During this year’s National Day of Prayer in the State of New York, we are calling for all people of faith from all traditions in ‘One Voice United in Prayer’ to pray for our state and our leaders so that all human life will be protected and cherished, and that the chasm between those who have been blessed with much will share with those who need,” said Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz (Senate District 32).

Rev. Jason J. McGuire, President, New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation, said: “Our Founding Fathers understood that the acquisition of freedom comes at a great cost. It’s why the very last statement in the Declaration of Independence is, ‘with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor.’ Many things may have changed since America’s earliest days, but not our need for divine Providence. The National Day of Prayer is an annual reminder of our nation’s continued need for God’s guidance and protection. It is a call to recalibrate our nation’s conscience to the Author of Liberty’s commands.”

Mr. President and my colleagues…

It is an honor to speak on my bi-partisan resolution commemorating Thursday, May 1, 2014, as the “National Day of Prayer” here in New York State.

2014 marks the 63^rd observance of the National Day of Prayer in New York State, with prayer and events taking place all across the country.

This year’s theme – “One Voice, United in Prayer” – focuses on the need to place our faith in the character of our Creator and to believe in something greater than ourselves.

Tomorrow, on the National Day of Prayer, we will ask God to bless our nation, and give our elected leaders wisdom, and the courage to do what is right.

We will pray for the protection of our military, thank Him for our freedoms and pray for the courageous soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect us.

We will pray for people who are struggling –financially, emotionally or physically – and ask our Lord for joy in the midst of difficulties.

And we will pray for our enemies.

Prayer is powerful.

Prayer has comforted suffering, healed hurting, made sense of senselessness and served as an expression of joy and praise.

We all recognize, and appreciate, that America is a nation founded on religious freedom, that believers and non-believers alike are equally American and equally valued.

Prayer – and the National Day of Prayer – has strong, deep roots in our national character.

In 1775, the National Day of Prayer was first proclaimed by the Continental Congress when John Hancock signed the Congressional Order establishing the first Day of Prayer.

On June 6, 1944, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of the D-Day invasion, he asked citizens to join him in prayer for the success and safe return of our soldiers.

On September 14, 2001, President George W. Bush spoke at the “National Day of Prayer and Remembrance” he offered a prayer to console a grieving and stunned nation in the wake of the terror attacks of September 11^th.

Here in the Senate, we opened today’s Session – as we do every Session – with a prayer.

The men and women serving in this Chamber are of different faiths, different ideologies, but we are united in our belief of a better, more just, New York for everyone.

Tomorrow – Thursday, May 1^st – is the National Day of Prayer.

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, whatever your faith, whatever your beliefs, stop for a moment and pray.

Pray for our state, pray for our nation, pray for peace, justice and understanding, for strength and solace, to heal all who suffer.

And pray for God’s divine providence and continued blessings on our nation, and all its people. Thank you.

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