America Prays

1607

Cape Henry Landing

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1951

Prayers for Soldiers

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

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.

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.

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.

1969

Invocation at Nixon's Inauguration

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

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.