| National Day of Prayer | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | United States |
| Date | First Thursday in May |
| 2023 date | May 4 |
| 2024 date | May 2 |
| 2025 date | May 1 |
| 2026 date | May 7 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Related to | Day of Prayer |
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress and held on the first Thursday of May, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". The president is required by law (36 U.S.C. § 119) to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.[1][2]
The modern law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952 as part of the public reaction to the threats perceived in the Korean War, although earlier days of fasting and prayer had been established by the Second Continental Congress from 1775 until 1783, and by President John Adams in 1798 and 1799.[3][4]
The constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer was unsuccessfully challenged in court by the Freedom From Religion Foundation after an appellate court dismissed the case based on standing without ruling on the day's legality. The Alliance Defense Fund (now known as the Alliance Defending Freedom) provided the defense for observance of the National Day of Prayer.[5][6][7]