“America Prays” initiative launched to prepare for U.S.’s 250th anniversary

(Catholic News Agency & Catholic Vote) – President Donald Trump unveiled the “America Prays” campaign Sept. 8, calling on Americans to hold weekly prayer gatherings as the US prepares to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year.

At the Religious Liberty Commission hearing at Washington D.C.’s Museum of the Bible, Trump laid out the initiative, urging Americans to dedicate one hour each week, gathering in groups of 10 or more, to pray for our nation, our leaders, our families, freedoms, and future.

“Next year, we will celebrate 250 years since that Declaration was signed,” Trump said. “We’ve invited America’s great faith communities to pray for our nation and for our people and for peace in the world.”

“America has always been a nation that believes in the power of prayer and we will never apologize for our faith,” Trump said during a speech…

According to a Sept. 8 White House statement, “America Prays” builds on Trump’s July 3 remarks in Iowa, where he launched the America250 campaign and urged Americans to “rededicate ourselves to one nation under God.”

“As we prepare to celebrate two and a half centuries of freedom, I am inviting America’s great religious communities to pray for our nation and for our people,” Trump said at the time. “From the beginning, this has always been a country sustained and strengthened by prayer. If we bring religion back stronger, you’re going to see everything get better. So as we chart our course toward the next 250 years, let us rededicate ourselves to one nation under God.”

On the America Prays website, the White House outlined suggested resources for prayer, including Scriptural readings, intercessions for communities and leaders, and historic prayers rooted in America’s religious tradition.

The initiative echoes George Washington’s Farewell Address, the White House noted, in which he said: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

The White House also included 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 (who is also a Baptist pastor) to the stage to speak about the initiative.

“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,” Turner 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.

Compiled from articles published at CNA (Catholic News Agency) by Tyler Arnold on Sept. 9 and Catholic Vote by Elise Winland on Sept. 8.