Virginia Day of Prayer (2008)

WHEREAS, prayer plays a powerful role in the lives of people of all cultures, religions and backgrounds and serves as a source of moral and spiritual guidance for millions throughout our Commonwealth and nation; and

WHEREAS, National Day of Prayer was first observed by members of the Continental Congress in 1775 and President Truman signed a joint resolution declaring an annual National Day of Prayer in 1952; and

WHEREAS, the 100th United States Congress passed a resolution on May 5, 1988, proclaiming the observance of the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May each year thereafter; and

WHEREAS, the theme for this day of prayer, Prayer! America's Strength and Shield,comes from the scripture Psalm 28:7, which says, "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped"; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Day of Prayer is recognized by Virginians and Americans of all religious faiths, and those who participate will join in prayer for our loved ones and for our enemies, and to reaffirm our course as a democratic nation with the promise of liberty and justice for all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby recognize May 1, 2008, as DAY OF PRAYER in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.