WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R–Miss.) has signed onto two House Resolutions to convey his support and appreciation for the National Day of Prayer.
“As our nation reflects on God’s blessings, may we remember the Christian principles that have presented a firm, time-tested foundation into our government,” said Harper.
H. Res. 1273 expresses the sense of Congress that the National Day of Prayer is constitutional and a needed tribute to the value of prayer. Introduced by Representative Lamar Smith of Texas, this resolution acknowledges our nation’s rich religious history – from the signing of the Declaration of Independence – to signing of legislation by President Harry S. Truman providing that, “The President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year” as a National Day of Prayer.
Harper added, “President Truman eloquently affirmed the purpose of setting aside a day for prayer, understanding that ‘…from the earliest days of our history our people have been accustomed to turn to Almighty God for help and guidance.’”
The second resolution calls for an appeal of the April 15, 2010 ruling by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb that the National Day of Prayer was a violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution. H. Res. 1279 expresses the support of the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage Attorney General Eric Holder to appeal the district court ruling and reaffirms the commitment of the House to the institution of an annual day to reflect in prayer.
“I thank the President for issuing a proclamation declaring a day for the nation to pray, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1952,” said Harper.
The 2010 National Day of Prayer will be observed on Thursday, May 6th.
