Whereas section 119 of title 36, United States Code, states that, The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals. ; Whereas May 3, 2018, marks the 30th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer established under the Act entitled An Act to provide for setting aside the first Thursday in May as the date on which the National Day of Prayer is celebrated , approved May 5, 1988 ( Public Law 100–307 ; 102 Stat. 456) (referred to in this preamble as Public Law 100–307 ), which was signed by President Ronald Reagan on May 5, 1988, and later codified as section 119 of title 36, United States Code; Whereas, as Senator Jesse Helms stated on the day the vehicle that would become Public Law 100–307 passed the Senate— (1) Designating the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer allows the people of the United States to plan and prepare to intercede as a corporate body on behalf of the Nation and its leaders from year to year with certainty. ; and (2) [T]he magnitude of America's problems, within and without the country, evidence a need for divine healing and guidance. ; Whereas, as Representative Tony Hall stated on the day the vehicle that would become Public Law 100–307 passed the House of Representatives, This will help to bring more certainty to the scheduling of events related to the National Day of Prayer, and permit more effective long-range planning. For the past 7 years, the day has been observed in May, but before this period it was observed at different times of the year. Clarifying legislation is needed to ensure consistent and dependable observance of the National Day of Prayer.