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El Paso County proclaims May 1 as National Day of Prayer; commissioners, clergy speak to importance of faith
Summary
The El Paso County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing May 1, 2025, as the National Day of Prayer. Commissioners and local faith leaders spoke about prayer’s role in public life and community support for people at end of life.
The El Paso County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to proclaim May 1, 2025, as the National Day of Prayer in the county.
The proclamation, read by Commissioner Corey Applegate, traces the observance to a 1952 joint resolution signed during the Truman administration and to Public Law 100-307, which set the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. The board recorded a 4-0 vote to adopt the proclamation.
The proclamation notes historical precedent for public prayer in U.S. government proceedings and cites the 1988 law establishing the annual observance. Commissioner Applegate said the county has included invocations in its meetings since Jan. 11, 2011. "This is a proclamation recognizing May 1 as the National Day of Prayer," Applegate said while reading the proclamation.
Monte Mora, associate pastor at Restoration Church and faith-based liaison at Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, told commissioners about the role of prayer in hospice settings. "Cannot tell you the importance of prayer, not only just within a local congregation here in Colorado Springs, but also the power of prayer for patients and families who have entered that stage of life where we call end of life," Mora said.
Several commissioners offered brief personal remarks about prayer. Commissioner Waisel described a personal example of a prayer chain and a recovery from a serious medical event. Commissioner Brower said he relies on his faith and the prayers of the community while serving in office.
The board’s recorded vote was: Commissioner Bremer — aye; Commissioner Wysong — aye; Commissioner Applegate — aye; the chair — aye. The motion passed 4-0. The board recessed briefly afterward for a photograph.
The proclamation text cites Romans 15:13 as the theme for the local observance and references the federal statutory history included in the proclamation. No subsequent board action to implement policy or programming tied to the proclamation was recorded.
