“One Nation Under God” to culminate on the 250th birthday of the United States on July 4
HARTFORD, Conn., May 19, 2026 – For 50 days, 50 pastors from 50 states are joining together in prayer for America as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding on July 4. Franklin Graham is calling for Christians to pray that America would turn back to Jesus Christ and be One Nation Under God.
“Two and a half centuries since our founding, the United States is at a crossroads,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse. “The America of 2026 is vastly different than the country that our forefathers established. The spiritual climate of our country has decayed, and we need to turn to God in repentance. The only hope for us as individuals and for America is the Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Since Franklin Graham launched the 50 days of prayer on May 15, pastors from across the country have led daily prayers for the issues facing our families, our schools, our society, and our government. The short videos are released each day at noon on OneNationUnderGod.com, as well as on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s app and social media channels.
As the nationwide prayer initiative moves forward state by state, Pastor Andrew Browning from Torrington, Connecticut, will lead in prayer on May 21. He said, “We pray for our country—that we would realize and remember that life does not just begin when it’s convenient. Life begins when you say it does. Give us eyes to see the dignity of every person—of the forgotten, and the suffering of the elderly. I pray that we would be a people who protect life in our communities, in our homes, and in our laws.” The pastor of New Hope Baptist Church continued, “We believe you’re not finished with our country. Lord, please soften our hearts, strengthen our faith, and make us a nation that truly values one another.”
Franklin Graham has called Christians across the United States to prayer during critical moments many times before, including in 2016 when he prayed at all 50 state capitals, and in 2020 when he led a Prayer March at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
His father, Billy Graham, also recognized the importance of praying for our nation. When he stood on the steps on the U.S. Capitol building in 1952, he called on Congress to establish a national day of prayer—which was enacted later that year. This year marked the 75th year that the United States has observed the National Day of Prayer.
To find out more about One Nation Under God: 50 Days of Prayer for Our Nation, and to join in praying, visit OneNationUnderGod.com.
About The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Founded by Billy Graham in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shares the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world. From its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale outreaches led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; the Billy Graham Library; the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, North Carolina; SearchforJesus.net, an internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the internet. For more information, please visit billygraham.org. Get news updates on X at x.com/BGEAnews.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org