Senate Resolution No. 107, introduced by the State Affairs Committee, expresses the Idaho Senate's support for the longstanding tradition of beginning each day of the legislative session with an official time of prayer. The resolution highlights the historical significance of prayer in American legislative practices, tracing its roots back to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It cites various Founding Fathers, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, who emphasized the importance of prayer in guiding deliberations and invoking divine assistance for the nation's governance.
The resolution further references the Supreme Court's affirmation of the constitutionality of legislative prayer, noting that it has been a consistent practice in the United States for nearly 200 years. It underscores the belief that acknowledging a higher power is integral to the nation's moral and political prosperity, as articulated by historical figures such as Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Ultimately, the resolution reaffirms the Idaho Senate's commitment to this tradition by officially observing a time of prayer during each day of the Regular Session.