City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Throughout history, Americans have lifted fervent prayers to God on behalf of our nation. From the gatherings of our Founding Fathers, elected officials have prayed and encouraged those they serve to join them in prayer, including the authors of our Declaration of Independence, who wrote that they were “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world,” and continuing to present day in Presidential Proclamations inviting citizens to seek God’s guidance, mercy, and protection; and
WHEREAS, A National Day of Prayer has been part of our heritage since it was declared by the First Continental Congress in 1775, and was established into law in 1952, later amended in 1988, affirming the importance of prayer and directing the President to proclaim the first Thursday of May each year as a National Day of Prayer; and
WHEREAS, The observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with the theme, “Glorify God among the nati ons – Seeking Him in all generations,” based on 1 Chronicles 16:24; and
WHEREAS, Each first Thursday of May, Americans express their faith and exercise their freedom in prayer, uniting in personal prayer and public gatherings with praise, repentance, love, and humble intercession for our neighbors and nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, I ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria hereby proclaim, May 7th, 2026, as
“Day of Prayer”
in the City of Santa Maria and I commend this observance to all our citizens.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 5th day of May 2026.
______________________________
Alice M. Patino, Mayor