05/07/2026
May 7, 2026
By Dutch Sheets, 07 May 2026
CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 2026
America’s National Day of Prayer is a national treasure. Our nation has known from its foundations that we must call on the Name of the Lord to remain secure in His protection and blessing.
“When George Washington was leaving home to begin what would become a lifelong service for his country, he recorded the parting words of his mother, Mrs. Mary Washington: ‘Remember that God is our only sure trust. To Him, I commend you…My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer.’”(1)
When challenged as to the Christian roots of America, many believers like to quote President John Adams, who boldly stated, “We recognize no sovereign but God, and no king but Jesus!”(2)
America’s history reveals that this presidential acknowledgment of God did not end as we entered the modern age. President John F. Kennedy sought the Lord’s blessing for our nation at the National Day of Prayer in 1962. He asked the Lord to bless “our homes, that this integral unit of society may nurture our youth and give to them the needed faith in God, in our Nation, and in their future; our citizens, that they may increase in the desire to promote mercy and justice, peace and freedom, good will and brotherhood; our Nation, that each new achievement may add to our heritage of faith.”(3)
In 1983, at the National Day of Prayer in Washington, D.C., President Ronald Reagan reminded the nation of its need for and reliance on God. He proclaimed, “From General Washington’s struggle at Valley Forge to the present, this Nation has fervently sought and received divine guidance as it pursued the course of history. This occasion provides our Nation with an opportunity to further recognize the source of our blessings, and to seek His help for the challenges we face today and in the future.”(4)
In 2020, while the nation struggled with covid, President Donald J. Trump reminded our country of God’s faithfulness and commitment to us. He declared, “In every part of our country, we’ve seen the grace of God through the love and devotion of our fellow citizens. As scripture assures us, ‘The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save.’”(5) (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV). On April 21 of this year, during “America Reads Through the Bible,” Trump read aloud 2 Chronicles 7-11-22 over our nation, which includes the great “If My People” verse.
So today, we celebrate another National Day of Prayer. We turn to the Lord, humble ourselves, repent of our personal and national sin, and pray together in unity, asking Him to heal our land, just as we have since America’s beginning (see 2 Chronicles 7:14).
“The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of ‘humiliation, fasting, and prayer’ in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Typically, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories, along with thousands of mayors, city councils, and other local government leaders!”(6)
The National Day of Prayer Task Force President Kathy Branzell comments on this year’s theme:
“Every year we pray and seek the Lord for the National Day of Prayer theme that will guide our year and unite the tens of thousands of prayer gatherings we host from coast to coast. This year, on May 7, 2026, we will unite and pray as our new 2026 theme calls us to, ‘Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.’”
“Last year, our theme was inspired by a prayer that the apostle Paul prayed over the believers in Rome.
“In 2026, our theme is inspired by a passionate prayer of Thanksgiving, prayed by King David in 1 Chronicles 16 after bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.”(7)
This chapter records David and Israel celebrating the return of the Ark after it had been separated from them for 20 years. It had been captured from Shiloh by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:11. The Philistines returned it after seven months due to judgments from God (1 Samuel 5-6). It remained in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim for 20 years before David returned it to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 16).
The Ark was more than a box for carrying holy items; it represented the presence and glory of God. I can’t help but feel that the choosing of this year’s NDP theme is prophetic. The glory of the Lord is returning to America.
Take the time to pray for America today. You may still have time to find a prayer gathering in your area where you can gather with other believers to intercede for the nation. Click here to see what’s near you. If you prefer, there are many prayer calls you can participate in. You can find the official National Day of Prayer call-in information here. Let’s make this year’s National Day of Prayer a defining moment in America.
Pray with me:
Lord, we are humbled and blessed at the grace and love You have shown the United States of America. Though our sins have been great, there has been much repentance for this nation. We have repented for abortion, for slavery, and for breaking covenant with the Native Americans many times. There have been other national sins, but as we repent, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. Forgive us and restore us completely to Your plan and purpose.
We are thankful that You are awakening Your church in America. The Ekklesia will be everything You said we would be. We will function in power, might, glory, love, great faith, and uncompromising boldness. Today, we honor our covenant with You; On May 17, we will do so in a formal rededication time to You. We recommit to making You known in America and the nations - let the full manifestation of Your Kingdom be seen. We worship You over our nation. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Our decree:
America is a nation whose God is the Lord, and His glory is returning to our land.
