As devastating floods continue to grip Texas, taking the lives of at least 91 people and leaving families shattered across the Hill Country, leaders across the state are turning to prayer for comfort, strength, and hope.

Governor Greg Abbott has officially declared Sunday, July 6, as a “Day of Prayer” in Texas, urging residents of all faiths to lift up prayers for the healing of victims, the safety of first responders, and the restoration of communities battered by the rising waters.

“I urge Texans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers on that day for the healing of individuals, safety of our first responders and public safety officers, rebuilding of communities, and restoration of the region struck by this disaster,” Abbott said in a proclamation.

In a quiet moment over breakfast tacos in Kerrville, Rep. Chip Roy shared a video of a restaurant streaming a First Baptist service, simply writing, “Only in Texas… Great is thy faithfulness, indeed.”

“Prayer works,” Abbott emphasized as the state pressed on with rescue and recovery operations, with over 500 first responders still searching for the missing.

Across the political aisle, even former congressman and 2020 presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke encouraged Texans to pray for survivors and donate to assist those who have lost everything. Rep. Dan Crenshaw echoed the call, urging, “Please pray with me while over 500 first responders continue their search for those still missing. Pray we find survivors.”

Faith runs deep in Texas, where 67 percent of residents identify as Christian, according to Pew Research Center’s 2024 Religious Landscape study. The sense of shared faith has become a source of resilience during these dark days.

Sen. Ted Cruz pleaded for prayer, specifically asking Texans to remember those affected at Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls on the Guadalupe River that was hit hard by the flooding. At least 27 young girls and counselors have been confirmed dead, with the camp community left grappling with the heartbreaking losses.

“Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic,” Cruz urged.

Camp Mystic itself has turned to prayer to guide its grieving families and staff. “Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors following the catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River. Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” the camp shared in a statement.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick shared a harrowing account of a counselor who smashed a window with a rock and led campers to safety through neck-high water in the dead of night, wearing only a nightgown. “Please continue to pray for the families affected by this tragedy,” Patrick said.

Attorney General Ken Paxton added, “Texans are praying for these families. God be with them during this time of unimaginable pain and suffering.”