We Are a Nation in Need of Prayer

In God We Trust

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12

We are a nation desperately in need of prayer. Our country has always recognized the reality that the success of our nation is solely dependent upon the grace of God, in whom we trust. In fact, we sing this prayerful petition in the words: “America, America, God shed His grace on thee.”

Moreover, throughout our 250 years of existence, our top leaders have both informally and formally called for and/or established national times of prayer.

• In 1775, the Continental Congress proclaimed the first National Day of Prayer…
• President Washington declared on October 3, 1789: “Whereas both Houses of Congress … requested me ‘to recommend to the People of the United States a Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer…’”
• On March 30, 1863, Lincoln proclaimed a Day of Fasting and Prayer.
• In 1952, President Truman signed legislation recognizing a National Day of Prayer.
• On May 5, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed an amendment passed by Congress that permanently established the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. This law does not require participation but mandates that the sitting President issue a proclamation each year calling the people of the United States to a day of prayer.
• President Reagan understood the importance of prayer: “Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer... We have acknowledged... our dependence on Almighty God.”
• Throughout his first and second terms, President Trump has affirmed and continues to call the American people to national days of prayer.

This week, thousands will gather again for the 2026 National Day of Prayer and we invite you (wherever you are this Thursday) to join God-fearing Christians for a time of prayer and/or invite others to join you. 

Below is a simple prayer guide we hope will serve you as you approach the throne of God.

Let’s call down heaven upon this land this Thursday and, for that matter, let’s do the same every day of the year.

National Day of Prayer
Individual Prayer Guide

Prayer of Praise
God, we praise You for this beautiful and blessed home we call America. Thank You for the rights, privileges, and freedom we enjoy. Thank You also for the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, to preserve, protect, and defend our freedom.

Prayer of Repentance and Protection
God, give us the strength to follow Your instructions and embrace Your promises in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Prayer Points
God, we lift each of these prayer points to You, one at a time:

• Government leaders (federal and state)
• The judicial system
• Schools (educators and students)
• Law enforcement and first responders
• Families and life (the unborn and the elderly)
• Pastors and churches
• Texas legislators and the border
• Military and veterans

Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving
God, thank You for hearing our prayers. We pray that Your Kingdom would come and that Your will would be done throughout this land.