Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, Thursday, May 7, 2020, marks the 69^th observance of the National Day of Prayer; and

WHEREAS, the theme is “PRAY GOD’S GLORY Across the Earth” based on Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea”; and

WHEREAS, a 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 100^th United States Congress, by Public Law 100-307, in 1988, as amended, affirms the observance of the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May each year; and

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 the Commonwealth and the nation; and

WHEREAS, we unite with fellow citizens to exercise the freedom we have to gather in prayer to seek guidance, provision, protection, and purpose for the benefit of every individual and our Commonwealth as a whole; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize May 7, 2020, as a NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.