The state of Texas is facing a record drought with declining aquifers in the face of major statewide wildfires. The governor already has applied to the federal government for assistance in the midst of the emergency. Now he is asking his entire state to seek help from a ‘higher’ power.

On Thursday Gov. Rick Perry issued a declaration declaring the upcoming holiday weekend as “Days of Prayer for Rain” :

WHEREAS, throughout our history, both as a state and as individuals, Texans have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer; it seems right and fitting that the people of Texas should join together in prayer to humbly seek an end to this devastating drought and these dangerous wildfires;

I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby proclaim the three-day period from Friday, April 22, 2011, to Sunday, April 24, 2011, as Days of Prayer for Rain in the State of Texas. I urge Texans of all faiths and traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of our land, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of our normal and robust way of life.

Response: We commend Gov. Rick for his bold leadership. For a governor to set aside official ‘days of prayer’ is nothing new and has been going on since the founding of this country. However, now we live in times when even the most bland religious declaration by a political leader is met with legal opposition usually from the ACLU.

Recently a federal circuit court dismissed a lawsuit challenging the ‘National Day of Prayer’ so it is doubtful that any forthcoming legal response would be successful in this case. Following through with prayers for the state is obviously optional.

Besides, Texas is an overwhelmingly ‘religious’ state and many Texans claim claim that their prayers and faith have kept their state pretty much out of the on-going recession that has affected the rest of the nation. Hopefully their prayers will continue to be answered.

If you remember to think about Texas during this busy holiday weekend, please join me in prayer for their drought, also in prayer for our entire country.            *Top

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