Community members from across Putnam County are invited to participate in a solemn and historic moment of faith on Tuesday, July 15, at 4:30 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers on the third floor of the Historic Putnam County Courthouse.

The event is part of a statewide initiative launched by House Joint Resolution 0051 (HJR0051), which declares each July in Tennessee as a time of prayer, fasting and repentance. The resolution was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by Gov. Bill Lee on May 2, 2025—coinciding with the National Day of Prayer.

Rep. Monty Fritts, R-Kingston, who authored the resolution, is scheduled to attend the Putnam County gathering.

“It is altogether fitting and proper that the citizens of Tennessee should humble ourselves before Almighty God,” the resolution states, “and repent of our sins, both individually and corporately, and seek His mercy and guidance.”

Fritts said the measure was not about politics, but about returning to the spiritual roots that have shaped the state and nation. He cited Psalm 20:7 during House debate: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

The resolution also references 2 Chronicles 7:14, which reads: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Local coordinators Gene and Marcia Mullins are leading the effort in Putnam County and are encouraging churches, families and faith leaders to attend.

The program will include an opening prayer, a reading of the resolution, a time of silent repentance and intercessory prayer for local communities, government leaders and families. The Mullinses said they are working to share the invitation broadly across the Upper Cumberland region.

HJR0051 does not require any government participation or mandate religious activity, but instead encourages Tennesseans to voluntarily observe the month in personal or corporate reflection. The resolution is modeled after past national proclamations issued by Presidents George Washington, John Adams and Abraham Lincoln.

The House adopted the resolution on April 23, 2025, and the Senate followed on April 30. Gov. Lee’s signature on May 2 officially recognized July as a month of prayer and repentance across the state.

Other counties in the Highlands region are hosting events as part of the Pray4TN movement, a statewide initiative launched to coordinate local efforts and support the resolution’s call.

In addition to Putnam County, other counties across the Highlands region are participating with their own events under the Pray4TN initiative:

All events are free and open to the public. Organizers recommend modest or respectful attire and encourage early arrival for seating. Individuals of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome to attend.

For more information, a full list of county gatherings, and downloadable resources, visit www.pray4tn.us.

If you or someone you know needs prayer, hope, or a reminder that they are not forgotten—this is for you.