National Day of Prayer
More Americans pray in their car than in a place of worship, survey finds
By Adelle M. Banks — May 4, 2023
(RNS) — A distinct majority of those who pray (87%) said they believed they’d received an answer to their prayers in the last 12 months.
National Day of Prayer observances to feature in-person worship, online petitions
By Adelle M. Banks — May 4, 2022
(RNS) — Proclaimed by Congress in 1952, the prayer day has been observed since 1988 on the first Thursday in May, with a more diverse array of participants in recent years.
National Day of Prayer to be marked with petitions for racial justice
By Adelle M. Banks — May 5, 2021
(RNS) — ‘It is time for us to stand up and own this racism,’ said a leader of Religions for Peace USA, ahead of its second prayer day event.
National Day of Prayer, reshaped by pandemic, includes interfaith and online events
By Adelle M. Banks — May 6, 2020
(RNS) — In its 69th year, the observance — often predominated by evangelical Christians gathering in public places — will feature interfaith and even international voices on computer screens and cellphones.
Widower of Emanuel 9 victim, formerly detained pastor call for unity on prayer day
By Adelle M. Banks — May 3, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Tonight we will cry out to God together from this unique place, that God will give America a ‘Love One Another Movement’ that will change the course of this nation,' said National Day of Prayer Task Force President Ronnie Floyd.
Trump, rabbi of attacked synagogue observe National Day of Prayer at White House
By Adelle M. Banks — May 2, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Trump used the occasion to tick off new and old efforts he said he has pursued to enhance religious liberty for Americans.
Cheers and caution for President Trump’s new faith-based initiative
By Jacob Lupfer — May 4, 2018
(RNS) — I applaud the broad outline of President Trump’s faith initiative. Better late than never. But implementation will be key. This has to be done right.
6 months after massacre, Sutherland Springs pastor says nation should put God first
By Adelle M. Banks — May 4, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'From the blood that was spilled, from the ashes, glory is rising,' said Pastor Frank Pomeroy.
Trump marks National Day of Prayer with new faith initiative
By Adelle M. Banks — May 3, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'We take this step because we know that in solving the many, many problems and our great challenges, faith is more powerful than government and nothing is more powerful than God,' he said in a Rose Garden ceremony.
From Washington to Wyoming, leaders and locals prepare for prayer day
By Adelle M. Banks — May 2, 2018
(RNS) — Organizers expect millions to attend some 40,000 events to mark the day that has been observed annually since 1952 according to an act of Congress.
Believers in the power of prayer gather at state capitols for annual rite
By Yonat Shimron — May 4, 2017
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) In Washington, it was a highly partisan day. But there was very little politics at National Day of Prayer events here and across the nation.
Religious liberty executive order draws mixed reviews
By Adelle M. Banks — May 4, 2017
(RNS) The executive order signed on the National Day of Prayer draws fire from the left and mixed reviews from conservatives, many of whom say the order doesn’t go far enough.
National Day of Prayer speakers decry moral decline
By Adelle M. Banks — May 5, 2016
WASHINGTON (RNS) Long a celebration of evangelical influence, speakers at this year's National Day of Prayer event avoided endorsing any presidential candidate and decried the acceptance of same-sex marriage.
Graham daughter: Prayer, not politics
By Adelle M. Banks — May 5, 2016
WASHINGTON (RNS) It grieves Anne Graham Lotz that evangelicals are often known as a voting bloc rather than for their Christian identity.
Humanists push for a National Day of Reason
By Kimberly Winston — May 3, 2016
(RNS) Not all Americans pray, and some want an officially designated day to prove it.
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