Thousands Expected to Observe National Day of Prayer Today (May 5)

Veronica Neffinger | iBelieve Contributor | Updated: May 05, 2016

Thousands Expected to Observe National Day of Prayer Today (May 5)

Today (May 5) marks the 2016 observance of the National Day of Prayer when people from all over the country take time to intercede for the nation and its leaders.

SRNNews.com explains: “The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.” 

The first Continental Congress also called for a National Day of Prayer all the way back in 1775. The tradition has been continued throughout America’s history, with President Abraham Lincoln calling for a National Day of Prayer in 1863 and President Reagan doing the same in 1988.

As ChristianHeadlines.com previously reported, the theme of this year’s event is “Wake Up America,” emphasizing the need for the nation to repent of sins and turn back to God.

The Rev. Tony Evans will be speaking at the National Day of Prayer event in Washington, D.C. Rev. Evans also spoke Wednesday evening before the event, urging Americans to pray for the transformation of the culture and the restoration of families and morality.

Evans also composed a prayer of repentance which many people are expected to recite at noon as part of their National Day of Prayer observance.

Former President of Focus on the Family Dr. James Dobson said that at least 47,000 prayer gatherings are planned for all over the country, in addition to the main gathering at the Capitol. 

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication day: May 5, 2016



Thousands Expected to Observe National Day of Prayer Today (May 5)