Gov. Bill Lee invites Tennesseans to observe September 18 by seeking God’s wisdom, forgiveness and grace.
Gov. Bill Lee designated Friday, September 18, as a voluntary Day of Prayer, Humility and Fasting, continuing an observance proclaimed throughout his tenure.
The proclamation, signed September 1, acknowledges dependence on God and invites residents to pause in prayer for the state and nation. Tennessee’s official proclamation listing records the observance and signing date.
Lee publicly highlighted the invitation September 14, encouraging Tennesseans to humble themselves and seek God’s guidance, according to Christian Post.
An Invitation to Seek God
The proclamation connects gratitude with repentance. Its language recognizes blessings while acknowledging wrongdoing and the challenges ahead.
It calls for renewed hearts and minds, asks for wisdom and describes justice, kindness and love as qualities to practice in daily life.
Participation is voluntary. The proclamation invites an observance; it does not require residents to pray, fast or attend a religious service.
The complete document is available through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s proclamation archive.
A Practice Throughout Lee’s Tenure
Lee has issued a prayer, humility and fasting proclamation in each year of his governorship, according to the Christian Post.
The first observance took place October 10, 2019. Later dates have varied, with last year’s day falling on September 12.
The 2026 observance comes during Lee’s eighth and final year in office. The governor has frequently discussed his Christian faith, including the role it played as his family grieved the death of his first wife.
Friday’s designation continues that public expression of faith while leaving participation to individual Tennesseans.
Why This Matters
A statewide invitation can draw attention to prayer amid schedules usually shaped by work, school and public controversy.
For congregations, families and individuals who choose to participate, the occasion provides time to remember neighbors, public servants and people facing difficult circumstances.
The proclamation’s practical significance will rest in what participants do with the invitation. Prayer, reflection and care for others take place through people and communities; a government document cannot perform those acts for them.
THRIVE!’s continuing religious-liberty coverage examines the relationship between faith, public life and freedom of conscience.
THRIVE! Perspective
First Timothy 2:1–2 instructs Christians to pray for those in authority. That calling includes leaders with whom believers disagree, as well as those they support.
Jesus also taught that prayer and fasting should be directed toward the Father rather than practiced to attract admiration. Matthew 6:5–18 places the emphasis on sincerity, dependence and the condition of the heart.
For Christians observing the day, that offers a clear direction: seek God honestly, confess personal sin and pray for others. A public invitation can provide the occasion, but communion with God is the purpose.
Prayer can also lead into practical obedience—encouraging a struggling family, helping a neighbor or making time for someone who feels forgotten. Faithfulness to Jesus continues after the designated day ends.
