Lankford, King Introduce Resolution Recognizing the National Day of Prayer

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Angus King (I-ME) today introduced a resolution to recognize May 2, 2019, as this year’s National Day of Prayer, which is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan to designate the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. As President Ronald Reagan noted in a radio address in 1982, “Prayer is one of the few things in this world that…sustains the spirit of millions.”

“The National Day of Prayer is an important moment for Americans of all faiths to pray for their families, their communities, our nation, our nation’s leaders, our first responders, our military, and anyone else in their lives that they feel should be lifted up by prayer,” said Lankford. “As our nation reels from yet another senseless attack on a house of worship, we can help ensure hate does not drive out love by maintaining our commitment to prayer among all faiths. The National Day of Prayer sets the United States apart as a country but also serves as an example to the world. I am grateful to our founding fathers for prioritizing the freedom to have a faith and live that faith in our nation. I will continue to do what I can to help preserve those freedoms for all Americans to have a faith or choose to have no faith at all. I pray that Americans would extend love to others today through their actions, words, and prayers.”

“The National Day of Prayer is a time to come together to celebrate the diversity of culture and freedom of religion that make the American experiment so special,” said King. “Our nation was built upon these ideas, and because of them we continue to grow, learn from our neighbors, and better understand our own respective faiths – and ourselves. So today and every day, let us commit to love and respect one another, and work to be a little gentler and a little kinder to all people.”

Lankford served as the honorary co-chairman of this year’s National Prayer Breakfast and serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.

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