The first Thursday of May, which is set aside as a National Day of Prayer, is this week.
The National Day of Prayer is an American tradition, rooted deeply in the history of the U.S., with origins reaching all the way back to the birth of the nation.
Today, there’s a task force that organizes the day and chooses a theme each year. It’s largely rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, but is recognized as a day of prayer for all religions and denominations of Christianity.
This year, the National Day of Prayer may feel a bit different for Catholics in the U.S., who are currently mourning the death of Pope Francis.
Here’s what to know about the National Day of Prayer, when it is and what the theme is this year.
Why is there a National Day of Prayer? Is it a National Day of Prayer for all religions?
National days of prayer in the U.S. are as old as the country itself, starting with the Continental Congress calling days of prayer in 1775 for a then-new nation. At the height of the Civil War, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln also called for a day of prayer.
But the now-established National Day of Prayer that we observe today got its start under President Truman in the 1950s.
“Officially, the NDP was established as an annual event by an act of Congress in 1952 and was signed into law by President Truman,” according to the National Day of Prayer Task Force.
“President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the NDP.”
And according to the National Day of Prayer Task Force, it isn’t just a day for praying Christians and Catholics, although the messaging of the day has a Christian tone to it.
“This government-proclaimed day is offered to all Americans to ‘turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals,’” the NDP Task Force website says.
“However, the efforts of the NDP Task Force are implemented specifically in accordance with its Judeo-Christian beliefs.”
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National Day of Prayer 2025: Is it the same day every year?
Although the National Day of Prayer isn’t tied to a specific calendar date, it always falls on the first Thursday of May.
This year, the National Day of Prayer will be this Thursday, May 1, 2025.
What is the theme for 2025 National Day of Prayer?
The 2025 theme for the National Day of Prayer is hope – more specifically, “Pour out to the God of hope and be filled,” which is a reference to a Bible verse found in Romans.
Here’s the Bible verse that inspired the 2025 theme: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” Romans chapter 15, verse 13.
There will be nationwide gatherings, as there are every year, with the most visible gathering being held at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., as is tradition.
“The executive, legislative and judicial branches of government are represented, as well as the military,” according to the NDP task force.
“In addition, Christian leaders address the current year’s theme and other areas of interest (i.e. education, youth, families, etc.). Every year, tens of thousands of gatherings are held nationwide.”
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: National Day of Prayer 2025: Here’s what, when it is, This year’s theme