Texas Gov. Rick Perry proclaims 'Days of Prayer for Rain'

Republican Governor Rick Perry has issued an official proclamation urging Texans to pray for rain in the midst of a severe drought that has sparked more than 8,000 wildfires.

"These dire conditions have caused agricultural crops to fail, lake and reservoir levels to fall and cattle and livestock to struggle under intense stress, imposing a tremendous financial and emotional toll on our land and our people," Perry said in his proclamation, which was issued on Thursday. The wildfires have swept across nearly 1.8 million acres of land and destroyed almost 400 homes.

"Throughout our history, both as a state and as individuals, Texans have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer; it seems right and fitting that the people of Texas should join together in prayer to humbly seek an end to this devastating drought and these dangerous wildfires," he continued.

Perry proclaimed Friday, April 22 to Sunday, April 24, as days of prayer for rain in Texas, suggesting residents of all faiths ask god to restore Texans' normal way of life.