“One Nation Under God” to culminate on the 250th birthday of the United States on July 4
One Nation Under God press kit
DOVER, Del., May 20, 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 Mike Rittenhouse from Delmar, Delaware, will lead in prayer on May 22. He said, “Heavenly Father, as we approach the 250th milestone of this great nation, we come before You with grateful hearts for the freedom that we enjoy. We lift up this next generation to You. In a culture that often calls evil good and good evil—raise up young men and women who are unashamed of the Gospel.” The pastor of 3C USA Church continued, “Lord, we ask that You would bring this nation to its knees, not in defeat, but in humble adoration of Jesus Christ. May our 250th year be marked by a great awakening that prepares our hearts for Your return.”
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. The prayer initiative will conclude on July 4, America’s 250th birthday.
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