The National Day of Prayer 2026 is on Thursday, May 7. This holiday is observed yearly on the first Thursday in May. Designated by the United States Congress, it calls citizens “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” The day brings together people of all faiths to pray for our nation. Join me in celebration of the National Day of Prayer 2026!
National Day of Prayer 2026 — Quick Facts
- Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
- Theme: “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations”
- Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NASB) — “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.”
- Broadcast: May 7, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET — watch live at nationaldayofprayer.org
- Milestone: 75th Annual National Day of Prayer
For many of us, prayer is an essential part of our daily lives. Praying provides a connection to our spiritual lives, nurturing our relationships and faith. It also provides comfort in times of crisis or need.
The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress. It was then signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This year’s theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations,” inspired by a passionate prayer of thanksgiving prayed by King David in 1 Chronicles 16. The theme scripture is 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NASB): “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.”
The National Day of Prayer broadcast is happening on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8 pm Eastern. It will be a powerful 90-minute virtual prayer gathering uniting believers across America and around the world. Experience uplifting prayer and worship led by distinguished Christian voices from every sphere of influence.
The event will be hosted by National Day of Prayer Task Force President Kathy Branzell, along with special guests Will Graham, Dr. Rob Pacienza, Os Guinness, Rosemary Siemens, Eli Bennett, and many more! Here is the live-stream link for you to join believers across the country in prayer and worship next Thursday night at 8 pm Eastern. This year marks the 75th Annual National Day of Prayer, with coordinators hosting gatherings in tens of thousands of communities across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C.
Praying Through the Wait on National Day of Prayer
For adoptive families, the National Day of Prayer carries a meaning that goes beyond civic observance. When you are in the middle of an adoption wait, hoping to be chosen by a birth mother, prayer can feel like the only thing you truly have control over. And that is not a small thing. That is everything.
The National Day of Prayer 2026 theme, “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations,” speaks directly to the heart of adoption. Every child placed through adoption crosses generations and, often, distances. Every adoptive family is saying yes to a child they have not yet met, trusting that God is already at work in the story being written between them and a birth mother who loves her baby deeply.
On May 7, we invite adoptive families — whether you are just beginning your adoption journey, actively waiting, or celebrating a completed adoption — to use this National Day of Prayer as a spiritual milestone. Light a candle. Write in your adoption journal. Pray by name for the birth mother you haven’t met yet. Pray for the baby who is coming. Pray for your social worker, your attorney, and everyone walking this road alongside you.
If you are a birth mother reading this, the National Day of Prayer is for you too. Choosing adoption for your child is one of the most courageous, selfless decisions a person can make. You are not forgotten in this day of prayer. You are at the center of it.
My Adoption Prayer
The journey that led me to adopt my son 39 years ago was life-changing. With prayer and patience, we made the right decisions. I hope that you will also prayerfully make the right decisions. We started our adoption with hope and very little money. We had to make sacrifices, but I knew my desire to hold a baby in my arms was stronger than any desire for material items.
My adoption was not without challenges, but I believe my challenges were a blessing in disguise. God was preparing me for the work I do today: helping others become parents and helping babies find their forever homes through what is now Lifetime Adoption.
I remember that prayer that helped as I waited to become a mother through adoption. Prayer kept me levelheaded and calm while we waited to adopt our son. I would pray a similar prayer like this one.
I hope it will help you too. To remember to pray daily, I put it in a place where I’d see it every day. Prayer helps; never stop praying for your adoption. I would pray:
Lord, remind me to turn to You when things seem too difficult on my own.
Help me to be patient while I wait.
Keep my eyes, my heart, and mind wide open to all that You are doing in my life now.
Give me energy & strength today, Lord.
Help me focus and be calm in Your peace.
Remind me there will be enough time and resources to do what I need to do.
Remind me to breathe deeply and to also enjoy my day.
It’s only in Your grace & time that I will discover why You’ve put me on this path.
I trust Your lead, Lord. Amen
Celebrate National Day of Prayer 2026
If you’re an adoptive mom or an adoptive mom-to-be, you’ll love these beautiful, encouraging, handmade Adoption Prayer Bracelets. They’re a beautiful reminder never to stop praying for adoption.
“My Adoption Prayer bracelet is such a precious reminder to pray for our adoption, not only for us but our future birth mother and all those on the same adoption journey as us. Wearing my bracelet and knowing that it was handmade with love encourages me that I am not alone in our journey and that waiting on God in this process is such a special place to be,” shares adoptive mother Rebekah.
An Adoption Prayer Bracelet is a great gift idea for those praying for adoption! The handmade, originally-designed Adoption Prayer Bracelet will be a treasure for you, a prayer partner, or anyone touched by adoption.
Each purchase of an Adoption Prayer Bracelet helps women who have chosen adoption for a child! The proceeds directly support the Lifetime Adoption Foundation, a non-profit organization which provides help and support, educational scholarships, and unique resources to women and families in need. To view styles and buy a bracelet, visit AdoptionPrayerBracelet.com.
Trust and the Lord Will Provide
I know that there were days it was easy to look around at others who had children and feel that I was somehow being punished by God or simply being forgotten by Him. Why do we do this? The Bible is clear: just trust, and He will provide. Looking back, I know that His plan is perfect, but why is it so hard to believe in the midst of my adoption journey?
This is God’s challenge to us. To teach us patience, obedience and trust. To show us that He is our Father who loves us and He wants to provide blessings for us. We need to trust Him, not fuss and fight every step of the way.
Spend some time today in prayer and find the place in your heart and mind where you can truly trust God and simply rejoice.
Is becoming a mother or father your dream? Pregnancy is not the only path to parenthood. Adoption was the answer to my questions and my prayers. Learn more about adoption today by calling Lifetime at 727-493-0933.
National Day of Prayer 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the National Day of Prayer 2026?
The National Day of Prayer 2026 is on Thursday, May 7, 2026. It is observed annually on the first Thursday of May, as established by U.S. law in 1952.
What is the theme for National Day of Prayer 2026?
The 2026 theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.” It is drawn from 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NASB): “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.”
What is the scripture verse for National Day of Prayer 2026?
The theme scripture is 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NASB). It is inspired by King David’s prayer of thanksgiving after bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, recorded in 1 Chronicles 16.
Where can I watch the National Day of Prayer 2026 broadcast?
The official National Day of Prayer broadcast will air on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. You can watch it live at nationaldayofprayer.org/2026-broadcast.
Is the National Day of Prayer 2026 a milestone year?
Yes. The 2026 observance is the 75th Annual National Day of Prayer, marking 75 years since Congress established the observance in 1952 under President Harry S. Truman.
How can adoptive families observe the National Day of Prayer?
Adoptive families can use May 7 as a day of intentional prayer for their adoption journey — praying for their future child, their birth mother, and everyone supporting their adoption. Many families find it meaningful to pray Mardie’s Adoption Prayer (above), wear their Adoption Prayer Bracelet, or gather with their church community for a local National Day of Prayer event. You can find a local gathering at nationaldayofprayer.org.
How can birth mothers observe the National Day of Prayer?
Birth mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy or considering adoption are warmly invited to observe the National Day of Prayer. You might pray for clarity, peace, and courage as you consider your options. Lifetime Adoption counselors are also available to talk, pray, and support you. Call or text us anytime at 1-800-923-6784.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 31, 2017, and has since been updated for 2026.
Founder of Lifetime Adoption, adoptive mom, adoption expert, and Certified Open Adoption Practitioner (C.O.A.P).
Since 1986, adoption expert Mardie Caldwell has been dedicated to bringing couples and birth parents together in order to fulfill their dreams.
“Many years ago, I was also searching for a child to adopt. We didn’t know where or how to get started. Through research, determination, and a prayer, our dream of a family became reality. I started with a plan, a notebook, assistance from a caring adoption consultant and a lot of hard work; this was my family I was building. We had a few heartaches along the way, but the pain of not having children was worse!
Within weeks we had three different birth mothers choose us. We were overwhelmed and delighted. Many unsettling events would take place before our adoption would be finalized, many months later. Little did I know that God was training and aligning me for the adoption work I now do today. It is my goal to share with our families the methods and plans which succeed and do not succeed. I believe adoption should be affordable and can be a wonderful “pregnancy” for the adoptive couple.
I have also been on both sides of infertility with the loss of seven pregnancies and then conceiving by new technology, giving birth to a healthy daughter. I have experienced first-hand the emotional pain of infertility and believe my experience allows me to serve your needs better.
It is my hope that for you, the prospective parents, your desire for a child will be fulfilled soon.”
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