In 2026, the National Day of Prayer Task Force will commemorate two historic milestones: 250 years of prayer in America and 75 years of prayer for America. As we observe the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding alongside the 75th annual National Day of Prayer, we recognize this as a significant and sacred moment in our history. We believe God is stirring the hearts of believers across our nation to pray more fervently for America during this pivotal year.

To help launch and sustain those prayers, the National Day of Prayer Task Force has created the Pray Across Americaprayer guide, available as a free download at nationaldayofprayer.org. This guide includes Scriptures and prayers prayerfully selected by National Day of Prayer Task Force leaders from across the country, with prayers for every state, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together, these prayers unite us as “one nation under God” as we seek the Lord.

Join us as we begin on the East Coast and pray from east to west across the nation, following the order of state capitals as they appear on the map. Each Scripture has been carefully selected by a National Day of Prayer Task Force state or territory coordinator, and each leader shares a brief, focused prayer for their state or territory.

While the tradition of setting aside a national day of prayer predates the founding of the United States, a major modern milestone came on February 3, 1952, when Billy Graham stood on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and challenged the nation to pray. Later that year, Congress established an annual day of prayer. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the designation of the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. It remains the only day of prayer established in our nation’s public law.