National Day of Prayer

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

National Day of Prayer

WHEREAS, in 1988, Congress amended the 1952 public law to designate the first Thursday in May as the annual National Day of Prayer, an observance that continues to be recognized by individuals throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia in ways that reflect their diverse faiths, philosophies, and personal convictions; and

WHEREAS, the National Day of Prayer was first acknowledged by the First Continental Congress in 1775, and later established by the United States Congress in 1952 as a day set aside each year for individuals across the nation to engage in personal reflection according to their own beliefs and traditions; and

WHEREAS, communities across the nation gather on this day in a spirit of unity, participating in readings, reflections, and civic or cultural observances that encourage thoughtful engagement with the well-being of the places in which we live, learn, work, and serve; and

WHEREAS, throughout our history, Americans of many religions, belief systems, and secular traditions have drawn upon their values to seek strength, hope, and guidance for themselves, their families, and their communities; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 7th, 2026, as the VIRGINIA DAY OF PRAYER in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.