White House Launches ‘America Prays’ Initiative Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

Americans Invited to Unite in Weekly Prayer, Drawing on Historic Faith Traditions to Rededicate the Nation as “One Nation Under God”

In a significant move to emphasize faith’s role in American life, the White House officially launched the America Prays initiative on September 8, 2025, during an address by President Donald J. Trump at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The program urges Americans to dedicate time to prayer as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.

President Trump, who first previewed the initiative during a July 3, event in Iowa, stated: “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. From the beginning, this has always been a country sustained and strengthened by prayer. […] So, as we chart our course for the next 250 years, let us rededicate ourselves to one nation under God.”

The initiative repositions God and faith as central to national strength, echoing George Washington’s Farewell Address: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

The Core Invitation

At its heart, America Prays poses a simple yet ambitious question: What if one million Americans committed to one hour a week praying for the country and its citizens?

Participants are encouraged to form groups of at least 10 people to meet weekly for focused prayer. Suggestions include using the ACTS model (Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication), beginning with scriptures on God’s sovereignty over nations (such as 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 33:12, and 1 Timothy 2:1-4), and organizing sessions around topics like government leaders, cultural renewal, protection of freedoms, families, and individuals.

Additional ideas include daily prayer challenges for specific issues, praying for community members by name, and engaging with online platforms like Hallow and Pray.com.

Rooted in American History

To inspire participants, the White House released a document titled “Prayers and Proclamations Throughout American History,” which highlights 17 key moments of faith from the nation’s founding onward. It underscores that America’s strength has long been tied to prayer, from early settlers to times of crisis.

Among the featured moments of spiritual renewal and breakthrough in our nation were:

• – Cape Henry Landing, Jamestown, Virginia (1607) — On April 29, 1607, English settlers led by Reverend Robert Hunt held the first official Anglican worship on American soil, raising a cross and dedicating the land. While the commonly cited prayer text — which includes a covenant to spread the Gospel worldwide — is a powerful symbol, no contemporaneous records fully verify its exact wording. It reflects the charter’s charge to propagate Christianity.
• – Embarkation of the Pilgrims (1620) — As depicted in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda painting, the Pilgrims gathered around the Geneva Bible with the inscription “God With Us.” Pastor John Robinson offered a blessing for their voyage: “He who hath made the heavens and the earth […] would so guide and guard you in your ways […] as that both you and we also, for and with you, may have after matter of praising His name all the days of your and our lives.”
• – Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving (1621) — Following a harsh winter, the Plymouth settlers joined Wampanoag allies in a harvest feast of thanksgiving. While exact words are unknown, a representative prayer from the era expresses gratitude: “O Lord our God and heavenly Father […] Grant us peace to use them reverently, as from Thy hands, with thankful hearts […] and grant we humbly beseech Thee […] that as we do hunger and thirst for this food of our bodies, so our souls may earnestly long after the food of eternal life.”
• – The First Prayer in Congress (1774) — On September 7, 1774, at the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Reverend Jacob Duché led an opening prayer after a motion by John and Samuel Adams. Despite denominational differences, the session unified delegates, including George Washington. Duché’s extended prayer appealed to God for mercy on the American colonies, wisdom in council, valor in battle, and restoration of peace, justice, and piety.

These historical examples illustrate faith’s enduring presence in shaping American institutions, guiding crises, and fostering moral purpose.

Support and Participation

More than 70 organizations have joined, including Samaritan’s Purse, National Religious Broadcasters, Southern Baptist Convention, Pray.com, Hallow, Focus on the Family, Faith and Freedom Coalition, National Day of Prayer Task Force, and others spanning churches, ministries, and advocacy groups.

For more details, including resources and the full historical document, visit the official White House America Prays page. As preparations for 2026 continue, this initiative reminds us that prayer has long been a cornerstone of American resilience and hope.