National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer exists to mobilize unified public prayer for America.

TURN TO GOD IN PRAYER

The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May. This day of observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” The modern law formalizing the annual National Day of Prayer observance was enacted in 1952, and each year since, the President of the United States has signed a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.

PRAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY

This year’s National Day of Prayer will be observed on May 7, and the theme verse is Habakkuk 2:14: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” However, due to events around the world, we will not gather in churches or town squares to pray. Instead, we are encouraging individuals to pray throughout the day and to invite others to join with them online so that we may fill the earth with prayers of hope.

#NATIONALDAYOFPRAYER

We ask that you post your written prayer by text or video on your own social media site with the hashtag #NationalDayofPrayer and join the prayer movement this year as we petition God to move in mighty ways across our communities, our country, and our world.

As a church, you can make short prayer videos from key community leaders, pastors, and national leaders to support each area of emphasis and post these prayer videos at different times throughout the day.

Download social media graphics.

Schedule for Thursday, May 7:

9:00 am – Pray for your community and neighbors.
10:00 am – Pray for churches and their impact to share the Gospel.
11:00 am – Pray for those that are vulnerable and those that have lost loved ones due to COVID-19.
Noon – Pray for businesses and those that have lost their jobs.
1:00 pm – Pray for teachers, schools, students, and parents.
2:00 pm – Pray for those serving in the military.
3:00 pm – Pray for healthcare workers, first responders, and those in the service industry.
4:00 pm – Pray for city leaders and state officials.
5:00 pm – Pray for the President and national leaders.
6:00 pm – Pray for a movement of God across our country and around the world.
7:00 pm – Join with others across the country on your front porch and sing “Amazing Grace.”

Finally, we invite everyone to conclude the day with the National Day of Prayer Broadcast: Pray God’s Glory across the Earth, which will be presented from 8:00pm to 10:00pm EST on GodTV, Daystar, Facebook Live, and additional outlets.

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION Prayer Opportunities:

SBC President J.D. Greear offers tips for fasting as well as prayer points in the article, A call to a day of fasting and prayer.

The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention also has developed a prayer guide, urging participants to pray for the Seven Centers of Influence on the National Day of Prayer.