May 3, 2007
Letter from Governor Tim Pawlenty to
Minnesotans on the National Day of Prayer
Dear praying friends:
Thank you for gathering to observe the Minnesota Day of Prayer of 2007. It has been my honor to proclaim this important event the last five years because I believe prayer changes people and prayer changes circumstances for the better.
The Minnesota Constitution begins with these words:
We, the people of the state of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
In other words, Minnesota is constituted by thanksgiving.
People of faith do not have a monopoly on goodness, but they certainly have contributed mightily to the quality of life of all our citizens. In Minnesota we have critically important human needs in health care, hunger, crime, substance abuse and all kinds of personal alienation. As in generations past, we need the abundant skills and inspired efforts of people of faith from all traditions to address the issues of the heart which can lead to transformed lives.
When we look at our world, we know that Minnesota has been uniquely blessed in beauty, prosperity, and security. We know that the scriptures teach that “to whom much is given, much will be required.” I pray today for our military families who have given much in laying down their lives in the cause of freedom. My prayer is also for a greater awakening and coming together of Minnesotans to express our gratitude in sacrificial action on behalf of those among us who suffer or are in need.
May we in this generation strive to fulfill our founders’ dream of liberty and blessing for all of our people.
Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty
Governor
Chaplain Dan Hall
