RALEIGH — The National Mall in Washington, D.C. will host “Rededicate 250 — A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving” on Sunday, a daylong gathering of scripture, testimony, prayer and worship as the nation’s 250th anniversary approaches in July.
Gates open at 9 a.m. with the full program running from 10:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the main stage at 12th Street. The event seeks to express gratitude for God’s presence throughout 250 years of American history and a collective rededication of the country as “One Nation Under God.” A livestream will be available nationwide through partner churches, ministries and organizations.
The day is organized around three pillars:
- Pillar I — The Miracles that Made Us: A reflection on God’s providence throughout 250 years, honoring the faith that inspired America’s founders and has sustained every generation since.
- Pillar II — The Miracles Still in Our Midst: Personal testimonies of God’s healing in individual lives and across the land.
- Pillar III — A New Birth of Faith and Freedom: A unified expression of gratitude for 250 years of freedom and a moment of rededication seeking God’s blessing, guidance, and grace for the next 250 years.
President Donald Trump first announced the event during remarks at the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast in early February 2026, stating it would “rededicate America as one nation under God.”
Earlier this year, Trump also launched “America Prays” to restore prayer across the nation, coinciding with his proclamation designating 2026 as a year of “Celebration and Rededication.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) issued a letter on May 6 inviting Americans to participate.
“This is a unique moment for believers. For the first time in modern history, a U.S. president has called our nation to prayer — to humble ourselves and to rededicate America to God,” Johnson wrote. “This is a call for unity, repentance, and hope, and one that truly transcends politics. I invite you all to join us on Sunday, May 17th on the National Mall for what I believe is a civilizational moment in the history of our country. This will be the first time that Americans will gather together to rededicate the United States as One Nation Under God.”
Johnson also cited the historical connection, when on May 17, 1776, the Second Continental Congress observed a day of “prayer, fasting, and humiliation” just weeks before the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Johnson’s letter notes faith leaders and public servants scheduled to speak include Jonathan Roumie, Jentezen Franklin, Jack Graham, Lou Engles, Jonathan Pokluda, Cissie Graham, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Dr. Ben Carson, Eric Metaxas and Bishop Robert Barron. A worship concert featuring Chris Tomlin, Blessing Offor and Aodhan King will follow the central moment of rededication.
North Carolina Congressman Mark Harris (R-Indian Trail), who also serves as a Baptist pastor, addressed the U.S. House this past week in support of the event.
In floor remarks delivered Tuesday, Harris stated, “The foundation of this nation was not laid in silence, but in prayer, praise and thanksgiving.”
Harris continued by invoking Revolutionary-era traditions of national prayer and called for prayer on several fronts.
“In 1777, the Continental Congress called Americans to come together ‘with one heart and one voice’ in solemn thanksgiving and praise,” Harris said. “That same spirit is reflected in today’s National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving — a time to unite in gratitude, seek God’s guidance and renew our commitment to the values that strengthen our nation.
“So today, let us pray for an end to political violence in our nation. No American should be targeted for their beliefs, their service, or their convictions. Let us pray for peace in the Middle East. Let us pray for our president and for my colleagues in the House and Senate, regardless of party. And let us pray for a revival of prayer, thanksgiving and praise across our nation. May the Lord continue his good work through this nation. For without his guidance, we are lost.”
More information, including speakers and the full schedule for the event are available at freedom250.org.
