national day of prayer - May 7, 2026

by Rev. Linda J. Ivey, MSW & Founder of YDH

Thursday, May 7, 2026, is recognized as the National Day of Prayer and all of America is asked to participate in this amazing event by simultaneously connecting with God. All of America is encouraged to mobilize in a unified public prayer. 

This unified prayer experience could occur over the phone, in person, or virtually. Wherever people congregate, we’re being urged to join believers all across America to stop and pray for our country and for the world. Create prayer events with various themes and in spaces such as churches, homes, schools, on the job, community centers, malls, hospitals, nursing homes, and homeless shelters. They could be formatted as a prayer breakfast, or a brown bag lunch gathering with drinks and chips provided.

Our nation is under attack externally as well as internally and is in need of prayer. The Word explains how God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Each prayer location could have a different theme for our nation:

1. Seeking God’s guidanceand wisdom for national decision-making by those in authority. 

2. Intercession for our leaders and the nation’s military personnel, first responders, and the entire world population. 

3. Unity for fellowship across faiths of different denominations and backgrounds.

4. Gratitude and thanksgivingfor God’s blessings, for our nation’s history, and our freedoms. 

5. Lifting national and global needs regarding healthcare, education, social justice, peace, and protection from harm. 

6. Declaring spiritual renewal for our nation’s repentance, righteousness, and dependence on God. 

Supporting the National Day of Prayer is a spiritual act of reinforcing our dependence on God, and creating unity, gratitude, and hope for the future. It reminds us that our nation’s prosperity comes from God, not from our human effort.

by Ashanti Raysor

Progress is not always marked by dramatic change. More often, it takes shape through steady effort, quiet resilience, and a continued commitment to move forward.

In everyday life, growth often unfolds in ways that are not immediately visible. It appears in small but meaningful steps: identifying the things in which we’d like to change or improve, setting forth a plan to achieve that goal, and then following through. These moments—though sometimes overlooked—are the foundation of lasting transformation.

As we move through this season, we are also reminded of the importance of reflection and grounding. With the upcoming National Day of Prayer, there is an opportunity to pause and reset—whether through prayer, meditation, or simply taking a moment to be still. It can serve as a reminder that even in the midst of our goals and responsibilities, creating space for intention and clarity is just as important as the work itself.

That sense of reflection can strengthen the path forward. It allows us to move with purpose, approach challenges with a clearer mindset, and remain connected to both ourselves and our communities.

Growth does not happen all at once. It is built through consistency, self-awareness, and the willingness to keep going. As we continue forward, let’s carry both determination and reflection with us—recognizing that progress is not just about where we’re going, but how we choose to get there.