Congressional leaders kicked off America’s 75th National Day of Prayer Thursday with a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, marking both the milestone anniversary and the nation’s 250 years of history.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner led the event in Statuary Hall, where Johnson addressed attendees about America’s founding principles.
“Our founders did their best to set up our nation in accordance with his guidelines and principles. And my friends, that is why God has blessed America for 250 years. He is the one that has endowed us with our inalienable rights, among those of the rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness,” Johnson said to the assembled crowd.
This year’s observance follows the tradition established in 1952 when Congress passed a joint resolution creating the annual event, which President Harry S. Truman signed into law. The commemoration takes place each year on the first Thursday in May, welcoming Americans of all faith backgrounds to join in prayer for the country.
The 2026 celebration centers around the theme “Glorify God Among the Nations – Seeking Him in All Generations,” drawn from 1 Chronicles 16:24 in the New American Standard Bible.
An evening broadcast from the Capitol’s Statuary Hall was scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time, featuring NDP Task Force leader Kathy Branzell alongside guests including Will Graham, Dr. Rob Pacienza, Os Guinness, Rosemary Siemens, and Eli Bennett.
Branzell authored this year’s official National Prayer, which begins: “Almighty God, King of Glory, we confess our sins and repent of our pride that sought our own glory and comfort, allowing evil to take root instead of Your fruit in our hearts, homes, culture, and country. Please forgive us.”
The prayer continues with themes of renewal and dedication: “Now, with this declaration of rededication, we humble ourselves, pray, and seek Your face, turning from our wicked ways, that You would heal our lives and our land. Please purify and renew our hearts with holy attributes, affections, attitudes, and actions-to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.”
The text acknowledges America’s history while looking forward: “For 250 years You have guarded and guided America in wisdom, grace, mercy, and love. We praise and thank You for our Founding Fathers, for all who sought You in fervent prayer throughout history and answered Your call to defend justice and freedom.”
The prayer concludes with a commitment to the year’s theme: “We prayerfully commit to ‘Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.’ In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
