A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO DECLARE THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024, AS A DAY OF PRAYER IN SOUTH CAROLINA, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OBSERVANCE OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, AND TO URGE OUR STATE'S CITIZENS TO JOIN TOGETHER IN THEIR HOMES, PLACES OF WORK, AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP TO PRAY FOR THE UNITY OF THE HEARTS OF ALL MANKIND AND TO CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR OUR STATE AND OUR NATION.

Whereas, National Days of Prayer have been part of our country's heritage since the first one was declared by the Continental Congress in 1775; and

Whereas, leaders of our nation have relied upon the power of prayer throughout American history; and

Whereas, especially since September 11, 2001, millions of Americans have been led to prayer. They have prayed for comfort in a time of grief, for understanding in a time of anger, and for protection in a time of uncertainty; and

Whereas, May 2, 2024, marks the seventy-third consecutive observance of the National Day of Prayer, as mandated by both houses of Congress and by our president in Public Law 100-307; and

Whereas, it is good that we acknowledge that we are all God's handiwork and that it is appropriate to call upon Him in prayer; and

Whereas, the theme for the 2024 National Day of Prayer is "Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World," based on II Samuel 22:29-31; and

Whereas, with one voice, the General Assembly would like to recognize Chris Smith, Midlands Regional Coordinator for National Day of Prayer, for his dedicated commitment in organizing the event and to express its strong support of this effort as it calls on all citizens of South Carolina to join in the observance of the day on May 2, 2024. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, declare Thursday, May 2, 2024, as a Day of Prayer in South Carolina, in accordance with the observance of the National Day of Prayer, and urge our state's citizens to join together in their homes, places of work, and houses of worship to pray for the unity of the hearts of all mankind and to continue in prayer for our State and our nation.

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