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Get ready to join in on a day of spiritual reflection and gratitude as we celebrate National Prayer Day on October 18! This holiday has been observed since the early 1950s, when it was first recognized by President Harry S. Truman as a time for Americans to come together and pray for peace and unity. Whether you have a specific religious affiliation or simply believe in the power of positive thoughts, this day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your inner self and spread love and kindness to those around you. So let's take a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks on this special day.
<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'>Establishment of National Prayer Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Prayer Day was first recognized by President Harry S. Truman as a time for Americans to come together and pray for peace and unity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1957</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Prayer Breakfast</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Prayer Breakfast was held in Washington D.C., hosted by the United States Congress and The Fellowship Foundation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reagan's Proclamation</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan officially designates the first Thursday in May as a day of national prayer.</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'>Amendment to the Law</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan amends the law for National Prayer Day to be fixed on the first Thursday in May, where it remains.</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'>Launch of National Day of Prayer Task Force</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Day of Prayer Task Force was established to coordinate events for the National Day of Prayer.</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'>Attend a prayer service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local church or religious organization hosting a prayer service and attend to join in on the communal prayers and reflection.</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'>Create a prayer journal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take time to reflect on your own personal prayers and create a prayer journal to write them down and revisit them in the future.</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'>Join a virtual prayer group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>With the rise of technology, there are many online communities and groups dedicated to prayer. Join one and connect with others on National Prayer Day.</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'>Volunteer at a local charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put your prayers into action by volunteering at a local charity or organization that aligns with your values and beliefs.</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'>Create a prayer garden</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create a serene outdoor space dedicated to prayer and reflection, filled with plants, flowers, and other elements that bring you peace and comfort.</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 brings people of all faiths together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Prayer Day is a time for people of different religions to come together and pray for common goals such as peace, unity, and harmony. It's a reminder that despite our differences, we can all come together in prayer for the greater good.</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 promotes reflection and gratitude</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Prayer allows us to reflect on our blessings and express gratitude for everything we have. National Prayer Day serves as a reminder to take a moment and give thanks for the things we often take for granted.</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 encourages positive intentions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether it's through personal prayers or group gatherings, National Prayer Day promotes positivity, kindness, and compassion. It reminds us to send out positive vibes to those in need and to strive towards making the world a better place through our actions and intentions.</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 Prayer Day is Observed Across Various Religions</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Prayer Day is not specific to any single religion. It invites people of multiple faiths including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and others, to unite in the act of prayer and reflection.</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'>More than half of Americans Pray Daily </h3><p class='facts-content'>According to Pew Research Center, 55% of Americans say they pray every day. National Prayer Day amplifies this existing practice for many.</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'>Prayer Has Been Shown to Boost Psychological Well-being</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many studies have shown the benefit of prayer on mental health. It can alleviate stress, enhance mood, and promote a more positive outlook on life.</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'>National Day of Prayer is Officially Nonpartisan</h3><p class='facts-content'>The law specifies that the National Day of Prayer should be observed by people "irrespective of partisan political affiliation or other divisive factor." It aims to bring together all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs or affiliation.</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'>In Different Settings, Prayer Takes on Different Shapes</h3><p class='facts-content'>Prayer isn't limited to words alone. It can be expressed through numerous other forms like meditation, yoga, dance, art, silence, music, or simply mindful being. National Prayer Day encourages exploration of these various forms.</p></div></div>
National Prayer Day is celebrated on October 18 every year. In 2024 National Prayer Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Oct 18
Wednesday
2024
Oct 18
Friday
2025
Oct 18
Saturday
2026
Oct 18
Sunday
2027
Oct 18
Monday
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