HOUSE MEMORIAL 78

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Sheryl Williams Stapleton and David M. Gallegos and

Joseph L. Sanchez and Candie G. Sweetser and James G. Townsend

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING MARCH 7, 2019 "A CALL TO PRAYER FOR AMERICA DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, throughout the history of the United States, citizens have drawn strength, hope and guidance from prayer; and

     WHEREAS, from the very first continental congress, through every form of adversity and blessing, Americans have fallen to their knees and implored God Almighty to protect their families and to heal their land; and

     WHEREAS, the freedom upon which America was founded affords the right to any individual to decline to pray if he or she so desires; and

     WHEREAS, however, the same freedom allows those who believe in the power of prayer to utilize that great opportunity to ask God to bless and sustain the nation; and

     WHEREAS, the freedom is not diminished merely because someone is elected to public office; and

     WHEREAS, to quite the contrary, the cloak of authority placed upon the shoulders of a public servant should be an inspiration for those who believe in the power of prayer, and it should be an inspiration to use that great power to ask God to bless and sustain the nation; and

     WHEREAS, in early 2005, a small group of members of the United States house of representatives began meeting in the United States capitol to pray for the nation; and

     WHEREAS, soon thereafter, these members formed the congressional prayer caucus to vigilantly watch and to protect the right of individuals to pray in America; and

     WHEREAS, their vision for the caucus inspired the members to form the congressional prayer caucus foundation, incorporated, which is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization designed to support the call of America back to prayer; and

     WHEREAS, on March 7, 2015, members of congress and state legislatures across America gathered for the purpose of calling the nation back to prayer, and they realized the need for America to turn back to God and prayer, not for a single day or month, but to pray "without ceasing"; and

     WHEREAS, accordingly, a "call to prayer for America" is respectfully and humbly issued with an invitation to join in the call and to pray for God's continued blessing on the United States; and

     WHEREAS, there is a sincere belief that God will hear the prayers of His people and will heal the land;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 7, 2019 be declared "A Call to Prayer for America Day"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the congressional prayer caucus foundation, incorporated.

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