Overview
- The White House released a Presidential Message honoring the National Day of Prayer and urged Americans to pray at home, work, schools, and houses of worship.
- The message announced that thousands plan to gather on the National Mall on Sunday, May 17, to rededicate the United States as One Nation Under God.
- Federal law sets the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday in May and requires a yearly presidential proclamation designating that day.
- The Religion Clause blog noted the message’s timing and wording suggested a different date than the statutory observance, while the National Day of Prayer Task Force promoted first‑Thursday events.
- HHS emphasized support for faith-based service through its Center for Faith and Office for Civil Rights, and noted that qualified religious providers can seek federal funds on equal terms while retaining their religious autonomy.