Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue - Governor Sonny Perdue Proclaims Weekend of Prayer

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Governor Sonny Perdue Proclaims Weekend of Prayer

Monday, March 10, 2003

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today issued a proclamation designating Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16, 2003 as a Weekend of Prayer in Georgia.

In signing the proclamation, Governor Sonny Perdue said: "I call on our state leadership, religious leaders, and all Georgians to join in this Weekend of Prayer."

"In this time of uncertainty and concern for our nation, we need to lift up our President, his Cabinet and staff, our elected leaders, and the men and women who wear our Nation's uniform." The following is the text of the letter sent today to President Bush from Governor Perdue about the Weekend of Prayer proclamation.

Letter to President Bush
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As we stand on the threshold of conflict, I firmly believe that we, as Americans, should return to our roots and reaffirm our belief in the power of prayer. Since our Nation's humble beginnings, our people have always turned to God for inspiration, strength, and guidance. If ever we need that divine wisdom and direction, it is now.

Therefore, as Governor of Georgia, I am officially proclaiming this weekend, March 14-16, 2003, as a Weekend of Prayer in our State. I am personally calling upon citizens and congregations in Georgia to pray for several groups of people as their respective faiths direct.

We uplift the brave men and women who wear our Nation's uniform. We give thanks for their willingness to sacrifice their lives in the defense of freedom and liberty not only for America but also for civilization. We remember their families who are left behind to face uncertain and lonely days. We are grateful for our allies who have courageously joined in the struggle against terrorism.

We pray for the thousands upon thousands of people throughout the world who live under oppressive regimes. We intercede on their behalf and pray that their suffering be short and that peace be swift and sure. We also pray a special prayer for our Nation's leadership, particularly you, your Cabinet, and your advisors. In the coming weeks and months, you will need a double portion of discretion, grace, and patience to face the challenges that come our way.

Mary and I remain in prayer for you and the First Lady. May God continue to bless you and grant you calm assurance in these times.

Sincerely,
Sonny Perdue

Text of Proclamation:

WEEKEND OF PRAYER

WHEREAS:	Since our Nation's founding, Americans have always turned to their faith for inspiration, strength and wisdom; and
WHEREAS:	Our nation and Georgia have a rich heritage of diverse faiths, and no matter the name we call in prayer, it is our faith and our prayer that unite us, allowing us to give thanks in times of joy and providing comfort, strength and solace in moments of challenge; and
WHEREAS:	We continue to mourn those who suffered devastating losses in the most evil of acts on September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS:	Today, we remain in a most perilous time as our President and all of our nation's leaders seek to protect Georgians and all Americans alike and to preserve the values of freedom, justice and democracy for our people and the people of the world; and
WHEREAS:	Courageous men and women from Georgia and across the country have been called to action to serve as protectors in this fight against terrorism and, as they hold firm in the face of this evil, we hold firm in our responsibility to support their families and loved ones; and
WHEREAS:	We urge all Georgians to remember these dedicated men and women in their prayers and to ask God to protect them as they protect us and bless them and their families for their selfless acts, as they discharge their solemn duty on our behalf in our time of need; and
WHEREAS:	We know that any battle is not won by might, but by His spirit, through His love and with His strength. May the brave men and women, whether on the front lines or back here at home, be filled with His spirit and touched by His loving hand; and
WHEREAS:	We ask that your prayers sustain President George W. Bush and provide him, those who command our Armed Forces and all of our nation's leaders with wisdom, strength and a certainty of purpose that will guide them even in this most trying hour; and
WHEREAS:	We ask that all Georgians unite together to find the strength to serve and encourage each other in hope and prayer, and to support our President and our leaders as they do what is necessary to protect our people, our land and our freedoms; and that, when peering into the face of the evils of terrorism, we remain united, "One Nation Under God;" now
THEREFORE:	I, SONNY PERDUE, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim the days of March 14-16, 2003, as a WEEKEND OF PRAYER in Georgia and call upon the people of Georgia to come together for a weekend of prayer.

In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 10th day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand three.