The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, an invitation for all people to pray for the nation.

It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and its families.

This national observance is based on the understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.

Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition.
The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863.

In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the President signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.

History
1775 - The first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer

1863 - Abraham Lincoln called for such a day.

1952 - Congress established NDP as an annual event, signed by President Truman.

1988 - The law was amended and signed by President Reagan,

designating the NDP as the first Thursday in May.

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Please pray for our nation and its leaders this Thursday (and every day).