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.
Cape Henry Landing
English settlers land in Virginia and dedicate the new land to God with the first official Anglican service in America.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Jewish Prayer for President Washington
Congregation Beth Shalome offers one of the first Jewish prayers for the new American government and its leaders.
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.
Humiliation, Fasting & Prayer
In the midst of Civil War, Lincoln calls Americans to repent, confess national sins, and seek God's mercy and healing.
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.
Prayers for Soldiers
Pocket Bibles and prayer books, including "Heart-Shield" steel-covered editions, are distributed to service members in time of war.
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.
MLK's Broadcast Prayers
From Ebenezer Baptist Church, a young Dr. King prays on radio for forgiveness, justice, and a more loving, righteous society.
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.
Invocation at Nixon's Inauguration
Billy Graham prays for national repentance and spiritual renewal as America enters a turbulent new era.
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.
