.svg)
National Day of Prayer is a special day for prayer and reflection that takes place on the First Thursday in May. This tradition dates back to 1775 when the Continental Congress appointed a time for prayer in forming a new nation. Since then, it has become an annual event with millions of Americans coming together to pray for their nation, its leaders, and its citizens. National Day of Prayer provides a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on our blessings as well as our struggles, and to give thanks for all that we have been given.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1775</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Congress Calls for Prayer</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Continental Congress proclaimed the first day of prayer when forming a new nation, marking the foundation of the National Day of Prayer.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lincoln's Proclamation</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Abraham Lincoln signs a Congressional resolution calling for a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer amidst the Civil War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Day of Prayer Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Harry S. Truman signs a bill into law making the National Day of Prayer an annual observance, encouraging people of all faiths to pray for the nation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Designation to First Thursday in May</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan signs a law designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growing Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>As the new millennium begins, participation grows with millions of Americans across different faiths joining in prayer on this day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a prayer group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a small group of like-minded individuals in your community and organize a prayer group. You can meet in person or virtually to discuss and pray together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a prayer gathering</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local event or gathering that is celebrating the National Day of Prayer. Check your local churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other places of worship for events.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send a prayer card</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Send a prayer card to someone who you think could use the extra support. This could be a family member, friend, or even a stranger.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a prayer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to write out a meaningful prayer that you can use on the National Day of Prayer. This could be a personal prayer or one that you share with others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Practice mindfulness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to sit in silence and practice mindfulness meditation. This can help you connect with yourself and feel closer to God.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It allows us to connect with God in a spiritual way</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The National Day of Prayer provides an opportunity for people of all faiths to come together and pray for their own beliefs. This helps us to experience the power of prayer and find a deeper connection with the divine. Through prayer, we can ask and receive strength, peace and hope during difficult times.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people of different faiths together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The National Day of Prayer encourages people from different religions and backgrounds to gather together in unity and solidarity. It's a wonderful chance to celebrate our diversity, open our eyes to other cultures, and show respect for one another's beliefs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reminds us that we are not alone</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Often times, it can feel like we are facing life's challenges alone, but the National Day of Prayer gives us comfort knowing that everyone else is praying along with us. It serves as a reminder that we are surrounded by a greater power - one who will watch over us and provide guidance when times get tough.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Day of Prayer Acknowledges All Religions</h3><p class='facts-content'>The day is not tied to a specific religion, and it encourages people from all religious backgrounds to participate.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Largest Prayer Gathering in Human History</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 2017, the day witnessed one of the largest prayer gatherings in human history, with millions of Americans uniting in prayer for their nation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Theme Changes Every Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each National Day of Prayer has its own theme, which changes annually and provides a different focus for prayers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The President Proclaims it Every Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, the day is officially proclaimed by the U.S. President, usually with an official document known as a proclamation which encourages participation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There Are Regional Coordinators</h3><p class='facts-content'>To help facilitate the day of prayer, there are designated regional and state coordinators assigned to support individuals, churches, and other organizations participating in the event.</p></div></div>
2023
May 4
Thursday
2024
May 2
Thursday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 7
Thursday
2027
May 6
Thursday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
