[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 5958]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 19--AFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF A NATIONAL 
 DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING, AND EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT 
 MARCH 17, 2003, SHOULD BE DESIGNATED AS A NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND 
                                FASTING

  Mr. SANTORUM (for himself and Mr. Brownback) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                            S. Con. Res. 19

       Whereas the President has sought the support of the 
     international community in responding to the threat of 
     terrorism, violent extremist organizations, and states that 
     permit or host organizations that are opposed to democratic 
     ideals;
       Whereas a united stance against terrorism and terrorist 
     regimes will likely lead to an increased threat to the armed 
     forces and law enforcement personnel of those states that 
     oppose these regimes of terror, and that take an active role 
     in rooting out these enemy forces;
       Whereas Congress has aided and supported a united response 
     to acts of terrorism and violence inflicted upon the United 
     States, our allies, and peaceful individuals all over the 
     world;
       Whereas President Abraham Lincoln, at the outbreak of the 
     Civil War, proclaimed that the last Thursday in September 
     1861 should be designated as a day of humility, prayer, and 
     fasting for all people of the Nation;
       Whereas it is appropriate and fitting to seek guidance, 
     direction, and focus from God in times of conflict and in 
     periods of turmoil;
       Whereas it is through prayer, self-reflection, and fasting 
     that we can better examine those elements of our lives that 
     can benefit from God's wisdom and love;
       Whereas prayer to God and the admission of human 
     limitations and frailties begins the process of becoming both 
     stronger and closer to God;
       Whereas becoming closer to God helps provide direction, 
     purpose, and conviction in those daily actions and decisions 
     we must take;
       Whereas our Nation, tested by civil war, military 
     conflicts, and world wars, has always benefited from the 
     grace and benevolence bestowed by God; and
       Whereas dangers and threats to our Nation persist, and in 
     this time of peril it is appropriate that the people of the 
     United States, leaders and citizens alike, seek guidance, 
     strength, and resolve through prayer and fasting: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) March 17, 2003, should be designated as a day for 
     humility, prayer, and fasting for all people of the United 
     States; and
       (2) all people of the United States should--
       (A) observe this day as a day of prayer and fasting;
       (B) seek guidance from God to achieve greater understanding 
     of our own failings;
       (C) learn how we can do better in our everyday activities; 
     and
       (D) gain resolve in how to confront those challenges which 
     we must confront.

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