For the second year in a row, the Florida Senate at Majority Leader Dan Webster's urging passed a resolution establishing the first day of hurricane season as a day of prayer.

"Last year, we passed this resolution in the face of forecasters telling us to expect several hurricanes," said Webster, a longtime conservative Baptist lawmaker who is leaving the Legislature . "Let's ask God again for mercy. ...This is a great tribute to God himself."

The resolution reads:

WHEREAS, we have been warned by leading forecasters to  expect several major storms this season, and WHEREAS, our preparations can protect against hurricanes but cannot influence the strength or frequency with which they occur, and WHEREAS, in addition to these preparations, the residents of this state are in need of protection, NOW, THEREFORE,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
That, in recognition of the first day of Hurricane Season,
June 1, 2008, the Senate calls upon the residents of this state
to pray that God will have mercy on our state and protect us from
harm.