National days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in the United States. Perhaps the first such event took place even before this was a country when, in 1775, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation.
The call of the nation to prayer has continued ever since, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in `1863.
In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress that declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
This year, it is my great honor to serve as Honorary Chairman as the National Day of Prayer is observed on May 6. I will be privileged to join Mrs. Shirley Dobson to urge people all over the United States to intercede on behalf of our country.
This is an important undertaking. Our country has strayed far from our Christian heritage, and it is vital that we return to God, the only source of mercy and forgiveness. Please find an event near you and join us on May 6.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse