Unite America in Prayer for

America Prays

America's 250th Anniversary

The White House has invited Americans to pray for our country. Join the nation each week in praying for America.

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TIMELINE

Trace the story of prayer woven through America's earliest days. From ocean crossings and harsh winters to moments of gratitude and worship, these milestones reveal how faith shaped a new nation.

1607

Cape Henry Landing

English settlers land in Virginia and dedicate the new land to God with the first official Anglican service in America.

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1620

Pilgrims Set Sail

The Pilgrims depart for the New World, gathered around the Geneva Bible and sent off with a pastoral prayer for their voyage.

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1621

Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving

After a brutal winter, Pilgrims and Wampanoag share a three-day feast of gratitude, giving thanks to God for survival and peace.

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1774

Prayer in the Continental Congress

Rev. Jacob Duché opens the First Continental Congress in prayer, setting a lasting precedent of public prayer in national government.

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1775–1784

Proclamations of Fasting & Prayer

Congress and early governors call the young nation to days of fasting, repentance, and thanksgiving in seasons of war and uncertainty.

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1787

Prayer for the Constitution

At a moment of deadlock, Franklin urges daily prayer; a July 4th sermon helps shift the tone toward compromise and the final Constitution.

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1789

A Jewish Prayer for President Washington

Congregation Beth Shalome offers one of the first Jewish prayers for the new American government and its leaders.

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1837

Independence Day Oration

Adams links America's founding ideals with Christian faith, calling the nation to recognize God as the moral Ruler of the universe.

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1863

Humiliation, Fasting & Prayer

In the midst of Civil War, Lincoln calls Americans to repent, confess national sins, and seek God's mercy and healing.

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1944

Prayer for the D-Day Invasion

As Allied troops land in Normandy, President Roosevelt leads the nation in a radio prayer for courage, victory, and lasting peace.

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1951

Prayers for Soldiers

Pocket Bibles and prayer books, including "Heart-Shield" steel-covered editions, are distributed to service members in time of war.

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1953

A President's Own Prayer

Dwight D. Eisenhower opens his presidency with a self-written public prayer, asking God for wisdom and justice for all people.

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1963

MLK's Broadcast Prayers

From Ebenezer Baptist Church, a young Dr. King prays on radio for forgiveness, justice, and a more loving, righteous society.

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1967–1972

Prayer in Space

After the Apollo 1 tragedy, NASA workers form the Apollo Prayer League; Apollo 8 reads Genesis from lunar orbit on Christmas Eve.

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1969

Invocation at Nixon's Inauguration

Billy Graham prays for national repentance and spiritual renewal as America enters a turbulent new era.

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2001

National Prayer Service After 9/11

Three days after the attacks, President Bush speaks at Washington National Cathedral, offering words of grief, hope, and resolve.

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Our Partners

Catholic Vote
Salem Media
Concerned Women for America
Samaritan's Purse
Southern Baptist Convention
National Religious Broadcasters
Hallow
Free Chapel
IFA - Intercessors for America
The American Association of Christian Counselors
180 Church
Fight for Truth
40 Days for Life
Crossroads Church