By Tyler Arnold
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 9, 2025 /
06:00 am
President Donald Trump launched an initiative that urges Americans to pray for the country and its citizens in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
The initiative, called “America Prays,” urges Americans to dedicate one hour of prayer every week for the United States and its people. The White House is encouraging the faithful to create prayer groups of 10 or more people to pray together for the nation.
“America’s always been a nation that believes in the power of prayer and we will never apologize for our faith,” Trump said during a speech announcing the initiative at the second hearing of the Religious Liberty Commission, which took place at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 8.
“We will never surrender our God-given rights; we will defend our liberties, our values, our sovereignty, and we will defend our freedom,” said Trump, who is a Protestant Christian. “And with the help of amazing faith communities across the land … we will truly make this the golden age of America.”
The White House suggested that prayer groups organize their meetings by different subjects, such as prayer for government leaders, cultural renewal, protection of freedom, and families. It also encouraged every member to commit to praying daily for a specific issue or person.
In addition to forming groups, the White House encouraged people to join online prayer communities, such as Hallow and Pray.com, both of which are participating in the initiative.
To date, more than 70 organizations and well-known personalities are participating in the initiative. This includes Catholic groups, such as Catholics for Catholics and CatholicVote, and Protestant groups, such as the Southern Baptist Convention and WallBuilders.
On the “America Prays” website, the White House has posted a 22-page document titled “Prayers and Proclamation Throughout American History” that contains historic prayers, sermons, and presidential proclamations. This includes the prayer for George Washington’s army, Benjamin Franklin’s prayer at the Constitutional Convention, and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s D-Day prayer from the day the United States formally started fighting in World War II.
During the speech, Trump invited Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to the stage to speak about the initiative. Turner is also a Baptist pastor.
“What if 1 million people pray for our country every single week between now and next July Fourth?” Turner asked. “More specifically, what if believers all across this great nation got together with 10 people — friends, family members, colleagues, work associates — 10 people each week to pray for our country and for our fellow citizens?”
“Think about the miracles that would take place over the next year,” he said. “Think about the transformation that you and I could witness in communities all across the land.”
Turner urged Americans “to pray with unwavering faith for the renewal of our nation and our fellow citizens.”
The HUD secretary also said a prayer to “rededicate America to ‘one nation under God’” during his speech, referencing the Pledge of Allegiance.
“As we call our nation to pray, Lord God, as we rededicate our nation to ‘one nation under God,’ Father, we pray for your forgiveness, we pray, Lord Jesus, that you would give us great favor and understanding, Father God, as we bow our knee before you, as we humble ourselves before you,” Turner prayed.
Turner also prayed for “healing and revitalization” and “new life” to come to the country.
Tyler Arnold is a staff reporter for Catholic News Agency, based in EWTN News’ Washington Bureau. He previously worked at The Center Square and has been published in a variety of outlets, including The Associated Press, National Review, The American Conservative, and The Federalist.
