Governor Rick Perry Declares Three Days of Prayer for Rain

Alex Eichler Alex Eichler – Thu Apr 21, 5:46 pm ET

The situation in Texas is pretty dreadful right now, as massive fires continue to sweep across the state. The fires were made possible, at least in part, by a historic drought--every part of Texas is suffering from at least moderate drought conditions, with over 90 percent experiencing severe drought. So that might explain why Governor Rick Perry has called upon Texans to pray for rain for the next three days.

A proclamation issued by Perry's office today reads:

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.

It's worth noting that a few days ago, Perry asked the federal government for help in fighting the wildfires. So it's not like a public call to prayer was his go-to here. Then again, is it the logical next step? The period he's outlining does fall between Good Friday and Easter Sunday--so it seems like if a miracle is going to take place, that would be the time for it. That may not offer solace to those troubled by the movement along the church/state line, though. We hope that rain and relief do come to Texas, however it happens.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/atlantic/20110421/pl_atlantic/governorrickperryaskstexansprayrain36925