From its earliest days, the United States has looked to prayer during times of peace and crisis, prosperity and need. That tradition was formalized in the modern era through the establishment of the National Day of Prayer, a day set aside each year for Americans of all faiths to come together in humble petition before God. Its roots, however, stretch all the way back to the colonial era and the founding fathers.
During the American Revolution, leaders of the Continental Congress called for days of fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving. One of the earliest examples came in 1775, when the Congress urged the colonies to seek divine guidance and intervention as war with Great Britain loomed. These proclamations were often read aloud in churches, with citizens gathering to repent, pray for victory, and reaffirm their trust in Providence.
After independence, President George Washington continued this practice. In 1789, he issued a proclamation calling for a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed on November 26, encouraging citizens to express gratitude for the new nation and seek God’s guidance for the future. Washington wrote:
“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God… and to implore His protection and favor.”
Subsequent presidents, including John Adams, James Madison, and Abraham Lincoln, followed this tradition. Lincoln, in particular, issued multiple proclamations during the Civil War, urging the nation to humble itself before God. In 1863, he declared a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer, asking Americans to seek mercy and healing for the divided land.
Though national calls to prayer were sporadic over the years, the desire to institutionalize such a day grew stronger in the 20th century. Amid the tensions of the Cold War, a renewed emphasis on spiritual unity took root. In 1952, during the Korean War and fears of communism, Evangelist Billy Graham preached on the steps of the Capitol and urged Congress to establish a national day dedicated to prayer.
That same year, Congress passed a joint resolution calling for an annual National Day of Prayer, and President Harry S. Truman signed it into law. From that point forward, each president was encouraged to issue a proclamation declaring a specific day for prayer. Truman stated:
“In times of national peril, when our strength has been unequal to the task… we have turned to Almighty God for help and guidance.”
In 1988, the law was amended under President Ronald Reagan, who designated the first Thursday of May as the official annual date. Since then, every U.S. president—regardless of political party—has issued proclamations for the National Day of Prayer.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force, a non-governmental organization founded in the 1980s, now organizes many of the events nationwide. These include prayer breakfasts, rallies, church gatherings, and online observances. The day brings together people across denominations and traditions, reflecting the religious diversity of the American people.
Each year, a specific theme and Scripture are chosen to guide the prayers of the nation. Past themes have included unity, repentance, wisdom for leaders, and healing for the nation. Participants are encouraged to pray for the President, Congress, governors, judges, military, media, churches, families, and schools—recognizing that every sphere of public and private life can benefit from divine guidance.
The National Day of Prayer is not just a ceremonial observance—it is a reminder of the nation’s spiritual heritage. It affirms the belief that freedom and faith can walk hand in hand, and that no matter how advanced society becomes, the need for God’s wisdom and mercy remains constant.
In times of war and peace, prosperity and trial, the National Day of Prayer continues to call Americans to lift their hearts to heaven—not as a political statement, but as a timeless act of faith, humility, and unity.
