On Thursday, May 7, 2026, millions of Americans will join together for the National Day of Prayer. This annual observance calls citizens to pray for our leaders, our families, and the future of our country. This year’s theme, “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations,” is inspired by 1 Chronicles 16:24: “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples”.
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A Heritage Committed to Prayer
While the official modern law was enacted in 1952, the tradition of national prayer is as old as America itself. As early as 1775, the Second Continental Congress issued a proclamation for a day of “publick humiliation, fasting, and prayer” for the English Colonies. Throughout history, leaders have turned to prayer during our most defining moments:
- Abraham Lincoln (1863): Called for a day of prayer during the darkest hours of the Civil War.
- Harry S. Truman (1952): Signed the joint resolution of Congress that established the National Day of Prayer as an annual event.
- Ronald Reagan (1988): Permanently designated the first Thursday in May as the official day for the observance.
National Involvement Today
Today, the National Day of Prayer is a massive nationwide effort. In 2026, events are expected at state capitols, county courthouses, community parks, and over 60,000 local gatherings across all 50 states. Every president since 1952 has issued an official proclamation, and most state governors follow suit, inviting citizens to “turn to God in prayer and meditation”. It is a day that unites Americans in a shared plea for wisdom, guidance, peace, and mercy.
A Call to Families at The Bridge
At The Bridge Bible Fellowship, we want to encourage each home to go beyond your normal routine of prayer this week as we pray together for the salvation of our neighbors and God’s hand in our nation. We believe that family prayer strengthens homes and focuses hearts on the unshaken sovereignty of God.
To help your family get involved, we have created a Handy Guide for Family Prayer. This resource will be available on Sunday, May 3. Printed booklets will be handed out at the door and will also be available at the Welcome Center. The guide is not only for this day, but keep using it throughout the year as you continue to make prayer a priority in your family and in our church!
We challenge every family to set aside an extended time on May 7 to pray together–seeking God’s will for our homes, our church family, our neighborhoods, our nation, and the generations to come.
How will / did your family participate in this year’s National Day of Prayer?
Take a photo and post it on social media as we encourage one another in the discipline of prayer.
#ndop #familyprayer2026 #thebridgebiblefellowship
“Now, O my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.”
2 Chronicles 6:38