Since 1952, believers across America have joined together on National Day of Prayer to intercede for our nation, just as the Bible guides us to do (1 Timothy 2:1–4). It’s a day of repentance and intercession that has helped unify leaders, churches, and families for 75 years.
The theme for 2026 is “Glorify God Among the Nations—Seeking Him in All Generations.” It’s based on 1 Chronicles 16:24, which reads, “Tell every nation on earth, ‘The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things!’”
Ways to Pray This National Day of Prayer
American Bible Society invites you to partner with us in prayer on May 7th. Here are specific ways you can pray for our nation this year, provided by National Day of Prayer.
Families
Pray for unity and love among families and for healthy relationships between parents and children. Pray that American families would be compelled to reach out in hospitality towards others in their community.
Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good. Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself. Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord. Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying. Take care of God’s needy people and welcome strangers into your home. —Romans 12:9–13 CEV
More verses to guide your prayer: Mark 3:25, Malachi 4:5-6
Churches across America
Pray that churches in the United States would find a new zeal and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for unity and integrity among church members that will reveal God’s love to the world.
You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may sound wise, but they are only human teachings. They come from the powers of this world and not from Christ. —Colossians 2:6–8 CEV
More verses to guide your prayer: Matthew 22:37, John 17:23, 1 Peter 2:11, 1 Corinthians 13:6
The Education System
Pray for a safe atmosphere that is conducive for learning, excellence in educators, and abundant opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential. Ask God to give our teachers the wisdom needed to cultivate a generation of citizens that is caring and responsible.
Beg as loud as you can for good common sense. Search for wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to respect and to know the Lord God. All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding. —Proverbs 2:3–6 CEV
More verses to guide your prayer: Exodus 18:20–21, Philippians 1:9
Nation-Wide and Local Businesses
Pray for God to bless Americans with the ideas and resources to open principled businesses so that local communities can thrive and families can earn their livelihood. Pray for Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their colleagues.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! —Psalm 90:17 ESV
More verses to guide your prayer: Exodus 31:3–4, Philippians 2:3
The Media
Pray that decision makers within the media see the value in producing stories that encourage unity and goodwill. Pray that Christians in media will find favor in this field and be filled with creative ideas that bring the Bible’s life-giving message to the public.
Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. —Philippians 4:8 CEV
More verses to guide your prayer: Proverbs 8:10–11, Proverbs 2:1–15
Our Military
Pray for the men and women serving in our military. Ask God to give them safety wherever they serve, courage to persevere through hardship, wisdom as they lead, and protection and support for the families they have left behind.
When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown. When you walk through fire, you won’t be burned or scorched by the flames. —Isaiah 43:2 CEV
More verses to guide your prayer: 2 Chronicles 32:6–8, Deuteronomy 31:6, Romans 13:1, Romans 1:8–10
The Government
Pray for our political leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. May they lead this nation with compassion and courage, informed by wisdom and administered in integrity. Pray also that God would keep them and their families safe as they serve.
First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them. Pray for kings and others in power, so we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God. —1 Timothy 2:1–2 CEV
More verses to guide your prayer: 1 Kings 3:28, Exodus 18:21, Proverbs 11:3, Romans 13:1–2
More Ways to Get Involved
In addition to personal prayer, here are two more ways you can get involved on National Day of Prayer!
Join a Local Prayer Gathering
Discover nearby gatherings and virtual events that are happening all across the country, organized by individuals just like you!
Post OR Find a Prayer Gathering
Watch the National Day of Prayer Broadcast
Tune into the National Day of Prayer Broadcast—live on TV and Facebook!
Read the Bible with Americans across History
You can learn more about how the Bible and prayer has shaped our nation with the Faith and Liberty Bible—an original American Bible Society resource we know you’ll love.
- Read the Bible in the company of people from 400 years of American history
- Explore how the Bible informed American ideals, shaped foundational documents, and influenced historical moments
- Connect with history and find inspiration for the present and hope for the future
- Experience how the Bible can transform your own life as you encounter God in his Word
Don’t wait! Get your copy of the Faith and Liberty Bible here.
