AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
May 7, 2026
Issue
Today is the National Day of Prayer
Details
Can anyone deny that our nation needs prayer! We are living in a very divided nation that needs to turn back to God. This year’s theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.”
Here’s a little history:
1952: As part of his Washington D.C. crusade, Rev. Billy Graham stood on the U.S. Capitol steps on February 3 and challenged congress to pass legislation establishing a national day of prayer in America.
1952: On April 17 a bill initiated by Mr. Conrad Hilton of Hilton Hotels and Senator Frank Carlson of Kansas was passed (Public Law 82-324, Sec. 119) that:
The President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.
1979: The National Prayer Committee is officially formed. Today there are 18 members on the NPC Executive Board.
1983: The first National Day of Prayer observance, organized by the NPC, takes place at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. with featured speakers Vice President George Bush and Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie.
1986: Vonette Bright and the National Prayer Committee contact Senator Strom Thurmond (R) for guidance on writing a bill that would designate a day for the National Day of Prayer.
1987: Senator Thurmond wrote the bill then introduces it to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It became bill S.1378, which would amend public law 82-324. While Senator Thurmond works the bill through the Senate, Congressman Tony Hall champions the bill through the House of Representatives.
1988: May 5 – Ronald Reagan signs into law Public Law 100-307 the designation of the first Thursday in May as the annual observance for the National Day of Prayer.
Action Steps:
Pray for America today! Click here for some guidance from the National Day of Prayer Task Force.
Loading ...