National Day of Prayer Activities

These activities will help kids take the National Day of Prayer to heart.

National Day Of Prayer Roots

In 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a Joint Resolution of Congress establishing an annual National Day of Prayer. The government amended the law in 1988 and President Ronald Reagan signed it, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday in May. This call to prayer is referred to as “A Presidential Proclamation of Prayer.”

Prayer-Starters

Read your city’s newspaper and pray for people by name. Pray for your mayor and city council members who help make your city a good place to live. Walk or drive through town to discover things you can praise God for. Draw a picture of the White House. Pray for the president, his family, and others who work there. Visit your county government center or city hall. Write a prayer for a public official and then send it to that person in the mail.

Prayer and Care Package

Have each child send a National Day of Prayer care package filled with goodies to a family in the armed forces. Have children list the things they’re praying for them, such as for physical protection as they defend freedom around the world and for comfort as they’re separated from family and friends.

Try including a self-addressed stamped envelope for them to return prayer requests, a picture of the child’s family, a poem or Bible verse, a music tape or devotional book, paper and pens, stamps, gum, or mints. Enclose a thank you note telling them how much you appreciate them.

Many churches maintain a list of military families from their fellowship who serve in other countries. Or to find a military family, contact the public information officer at a military base near you.

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