Started as an idea in April 1952, the National Day of Prayer has grown into an annual event held on the first Thursday in May. Tens of thousands of local prayer gatherings are held each year and are broadcast via television and multiple online platforms.
Event coordinators selected the 2024 theme: Lift Up the Word. Light Up the World. You can join other Christians across the country at local events, or you can watch the broadcast at nationaldayofprayer.org when it livestreams at 8 pm ET, on May 2, 2024.
If you can’t make it to a local event, you can recite the 2024 prayer on your own or with your family and friends.
“Jesus, we profess our faith in You. You are the
Light of the world, and in You there is no
darkness. For You are our lamp, O LORD, and
our God who lights our darkness. Forgive us for
fearing and focusing on the darkness around us
instead of being filled with faith and shining like
the city on a hill You have called us to be.
Forgive us for the times when we have been the
absence of light, allowing darkness to dwell in
America. Lead us forward to dispel the darkness
and bring light throughout the Church, Family,
Education, Business, Military, Government, and
Arts, Entertainment, and Media.
We are saved by grace through faith, released
from the darkness that once held us captive and
now free to walk in the newness of life in You.
Light dispels darkness and exposes what is
hidden and wicked, so we commit to rise and
shine! For by You, Lord, we can take courage to
run against the enemy, and by our God we can
fight the good fight and keep the faith as living
lampstands in our communities and country.
We fear no evil for You are with us.
Lord, Your way is perfect, You lead us on paths
of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Your
Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our
path. Your Word is Truth, instructing and
inspiring us to live in the abundant life You gave
when You saved us from the death and
destruction of the enemy. Fill us with Truth as
we read, study, and live Your Word.
God, You are a shield for all those who take
refuge in You. As we abide in You and Your
Word abides in us, we take up our shield of
faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the
Word of God and run boldly into the darkness
to Lift Up the Word and Light Up the World!
In the Mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen!”