White House Calls for National Prayer Initiative as America Nears 250th Anniversary
WASHINGTON — In anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary, President Donald J. Trump has issued a heartfelt invitation to Americans of all faiths to participate in a collective moment of prayer and rededication for the United States. The initiative, titled “America Prays,” encourages religious communities across the country to pray for the nation and its people, reaffirming the historical role of faith in American public life.
“As we prepare to celebrate two and a half centuries of freedom, I am inviting America’s great religious communities to pray for our nation and for our people,” President Trump stated during an address in Iowa on July 3, 2025. “From the beginning, this has always been a country sustained and strengthened by prayer.”
The call to prayer is deeply rooted in American tradition, as illustrated in the White House publication Prayers and Proclamations Throughout American History. The document traces the integral role of faith from the earliest colonial settlements to modern presidential proclamations. It includes prayers from pivotal moments such as the landing at Cape Henry in 1607, the first prayer in the Continental Congress in 1774, Abraham Lincoln’s call for a day of humiliation and prayer in 1863, and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s D-Day prayer in 1944.
The publication emphasizes that public prayer has not only been a source of unity during times of crisis but has also helped shape the nation’s moral and civic foundation. President George Washington’s words from his Farewell Address are cited: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
The “America Prays” initiative challenges citizens to dedicate one hour each week to pray for the country. Participants are encouraged to gather in groups of at least ten, fostering community and solidarity through shared spiritual practice. The effort aims to engage one million Americans in regular prayer for the nation’s future.
“This dedicated time of prayer is not only for our nation, but for its people because a nation is only as strong as its citizens,” the invitation reads.
Accompanying the announcement is an official image bearing the words: “America Prays – An Invitation to Prayer & Rededication of the U.S. as One Nation Under God.” The image reinforces the message of national unity and divine guidance as the country reflects on its past and looks toward its future.
The full text of the publication and details about the prayer initiative can be found on the White House website at: www.whitehouse.gov/america250/america-prays/
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, this call to prayer echoes the enduring belief that faith remains a cornerstone of American identity and resilience.
