On May 2, four Alaska cities are set to observe the National Day of Prayer, an annual event across the nation that invites Americans to pray for their country.

National public prayer is a longstanding tradition in American. The first call to prayer occurred in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. President Lincoln later proclaimed of a national day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863.

In 1952, by a joint resolution of Congress, the day was officially formalized and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman to highlight the need to mobilize citizens to intercede for America’s leaders and families.

In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations. It is estimated that over two million people attended more than 30,000 observances – organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers.

At state capitals, county court houses, on the steps of city halls, and in schools, businesses, churches and homes, people stopped their activities and gathered for prayer. Gatherings will be held in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla and Palmer. Click here for detailed information about each event, including times and locations.

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