May 1, 2025
Issue
National Day of Prayer 2025
Details:
Some history from the National Day of Prayer website:
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.
1987: Senator Thurmond wrote the bill to designate a specific day for the National Day of Prayer, 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: On April 22 – The bill is passed in the Senate
- On April 25 – It is sent to the House of Representatives
- On May 2 – The bill is passed in the House
- On May 3 – It is signed in the Senate
- On May 4 – The Senate presents the legislation to President Reagan
- On 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.
Public Law 100-307, May 5, 1988
The President shall set aside and proclaim the First Thursday in May in each year, 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.
1998: President Bill Clinton signs into law – Pub. L. 105-225, August 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1258, The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May 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.
Action Steps:
No one can doubt that the nation needs prayer. Today is specifically set aside to do just that! Here’s the link to many of the National Day of Prayer events in PA. These are the ones that have been reported to the National Day of Prayer Task Force, but there are others. If at all possible, plan on attending an event near you.
