Proclamation - National Day of Prayer, 2025

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2025

A Proclamation

May 1, 2025

President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From the dawn of our founding, America has been guided by the grace of Almighty God. Beginning with the opening prayer at the First Continental Congress in 1774, our faith has remained a constant, unwavering source of our strength, the foundation of our unity, and the wellspring of our greatness. On this National Day of Prayer, we give thanks for God's boundless blessings and pray that He grant us the fortitude, wisdom, and a renewed spirit of justice as we continue our efforts to save our country and reclaim the promise of our nation.

From General George Washington’s humble prayer at Valley Forge to the legendary rallies of Reverend Billy Graham in the heart of Manhattan, and the solemn National Day of Prayer following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, great leaders throughout every chapter of our American history have recognized the necessity of faith, prayer, and devotion to God. As President Washington stated in his landmark Farewell Address, 'Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.'

For these reasons, my Administration is fighting to protect America’s long-standing heritage of prayer, faith, and trust in God. As President, I have proudly established task forces to eradicate religious prejudice by combating anti-Semitism, anti-Christianity, and other forms of anti-religious bigotry. These task forces are charged with identifying and eliminating any anti-religious policies, practices, and actions within the executive branch. Furthermore, I have established the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative to strengthen families and protect religious liberty. I will never waver in defending the right to religious freedom in the public square and in protecting God.

Nine months ago, on July 13, 2024, my faith took on a new meaning. An assassin’s bullet came within inches of taking my life. In the moment the Secret Service swarmed me and tackled me to the ground, I felt the supernatural hand of God. I believe God saved my life for a reason: to save our country and restore America to greatness. This is a sacred reminder of the boundless goodness, guidance, and grace of our Creator.

Through America’s triumphs and trials, victories and setbacks, peace and wartime, the sacred power of prayer has been an unwavering support for our people, our culture, and our beloved nation. It was faith that guided our ancestors across the turbulent seas to Plymouth Rock. It was faith that inspired our Founding Fathers to pen the immortal words that 'all men are created equal.' It was faith that liberated our country from the clutches of tyranny nearly 250 years ago. And it is faith that has time and again delivered our freedom from the forces of evil.

On this National Day of Prayer, we recognize that the true strength of the American spirit has always been found in our churches, chapels, meeting houses, parishes, synagogues, and in the hearts and souls of our citizens of faith. Today, and every day, we bow our heads in prayer to thank God for His countless gifts and to seek His continued protection. Above all, we acknowledge that prayer is the foundation of our past, the guiding hand of our present, and the light of our future.

In 1988, the Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, called upon the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a 'National Day of Prayer,' on which 'the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.'

Now, Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2025, as a National Day of Prayer. I encourage all Americans to observe this day, to reflect on the blessings our country has received and the importance of prayer, and to hold appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in places of worship, communities, workplaces, schools, and homes.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

Donald J. Trump