Southern Baptists are among many who will pray in churches, businesses and the public square today (May 7) on the 75th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer, months ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial.
NDP Task Force President Kathy Branzell expects millions to participate in NDP in the U.S. and several of its territories.
“The annual National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for Americans to pray together in faith, standing on promises of God. On Thursday, May 7, 2026, millions of people will gather to intercede for neighbor and nation and pray for those who lead, and those in need,” Branzell said in a press release. “This theme is not about elevating ourselves; it’s about magnifying God alone.
“History reminds us that every true move of God has been preceded by an outpouring of effective, fervent prayer … marked by repentance, humility and wholehearted seeking.”
Thousands of events
Tens of thousands of events scheduled across the nation are searchable here, with the day culminating in a 90-minute virtual NDP prayer service broadcast from Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol at 8 p.m. EDT May 7. The event will be livestreamed and broadcast on several channels and stations, including CBN and Salem Radio.
Branzell will join several ministers in the national broadcast, including special guest Will Graham, executive vice president and evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
NDP is an annual observance founded by Congress in 1952.
“Before every great awakening, God’s people turned away from sin, selfishness, and distraction, and turned fully toward Him. That is what we’re praying for now: another great awakening,” Branzell said. “A turning back to the one and only living God, His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Holy Word, found in the Bible.”
The NDP Task Force offers both free resources, as well as additional promotional items for purchase, at nationaldayofprayer.org. The 2026 national prayer is available here.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This report is an excerpt of the full story written by Diana Chandler and originally published by Baptist Press.
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