Did you know? The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”.

Each president is required by law (36 U.S.C.§ 119) to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. The fall observance was established by President Abraham Lincoln as the official Thanksgiving holiday in 1863. The spring observance was established by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 as the National Day of Prayer.

I can’t lie, I miss going to Church on Sunday since the freedom of religious expression in a church setting has been restricted by the State. However, when I get that feeling, I am reminded that Church is all around us and we don’t have to be confined by brick and mortar places of worship.

In times of crises, many people religious or not, turn to prayer and meditation for calm and understanding. This is an opportunity for all of us to think about what we have, not what we lost, and be thankful. The words “we are all in this together” are true regardless of your beliefs.

Peter Abbarno, candidate for State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District.