Celebrate the National Day of Prayer |Resources for Kids & Families

The first Thursday in May each year is the National Day of Prayer. It’s the perfect time to turn to God in prayer to contend for our nation. Explore these resources for kids and whole family to celebrate the National Day of Prayer together.

What is the History of the National Day of Prayer?

• 1775 – Prayer in the government dates back to 1775 when the Continental Congress and founding fathers asked the colonies to pray for wisdom as they formed the nation.
  
• In 1952, the United States Congress and President Harry S. Truman signed into law a day of observance inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation.
  
• Then in 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan to officially make the National Day of Prayer the first Thursday of every May.
  
• Since 1952 to the present day, every President has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

Why Should We Pray for our Nation?

• Prayer has been a significant part of our heritage since the beginning of our nation’s birth.
• No matter the controversies going on in this day, it is true that our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God whenever faced with critical decisions to make.
• It was a great example of how we should come before God as a nation seeking guidance for our leadership and God’s grace on us as a people.
• It is true that many of us have made it a point to pray for our nation within the past few years.
• Our nations have faced trying times, and it seems as if things won’t be getting better any time soon.
• So, whether you already prayer often for our nation as part of your routine or need to start, it stands as a very present need throughout our country.
• More and more people are turning from Christ, even those who know the truth. And God commands us to pray for our governing bodies. Specifically, he says this:

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV), “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

So, here are some resources for kids and families to celebrate the National Day of Prayer this year and in the years to come:

Free Lord’s Prayer Handwriting Worksheets

National Day of Prayer | Verses, Prayers and Guide

• FREE Printable National Day of Prayer Guide for Kids | Children’s Ministry Deals
• National Day of Prayer Prayer Guide | Equipping Godly Women
• Verses and Prayers for Our Nation and Elected Leaders | Heather C. King
• Seven Ways to Pray on the National Day of Prayer | Joni and Friends

National Day of Prayer Craft Ideas

Get the kids engaged with these crafts to do on National Prayer Day.

• The Lord’s Prayer Craft | Adventures in Mommydom
• Easy DIY Prayer Cross (Teach Your Kids the Power of Prayer) | Easy Breezy Sunday School
• DIY Prayer Hands for Kids (FREE Printable) | Your Modern Family
• FREE Thank You God Prayer Crowns Craft | Juniper’s Own
• I Can Pray | Crafting the Word of God
• Make A Paper Prayer Chain for National Day Of Prayer | Christianity Cove

National Day of Prayer Coloring Pages

If your kids enjoy coloring pages, then be sure to explore these options to explore prayer.

• National Day of Prayer FREE Coloring Page | Children’s Ministry Deals
• FREE printable Lord’s Prayer Coloring pages for the National Day of Prayer | Teach Us To Pray
• National Day of Prayer Flag Coloring and Activity Sheet | Danielle’s Place

Free Activities to Celebrate the National Day of Prayer:

• The National Day of Prayer: Praying for Our Nation Activities | Focus on the Family
• National Day of Prayer Activities | Children’s Ministry
• National Day of Prayer LEGO Style | Building Legos with Christ
• Praying Hands Activity | Sheep Tending Sheep
• National Day of Prayer Preschool Theme Ideas | Preschool Plan It
• The Popcorn Game | Confessions of a Sunday School Teacher
• Teaching Children to Pray: The Five Finger Prayer | Mothering From Scratch
• DIY Prayer Hands For Kids | Your Modern Family      
• Easy Sensory Prayer Path | Fame Creative Kids
• Starting a Kid’s Prayer Journal (FREE Download) | Sarah Titus
• Meaningful and Stretching Prayer Activities for Kids | Little Shoots Deep Roots
• Developing Prayer Stations | Adventures in Mommydom
• How to Use Prayer Stations with Children | Future Flying Saucers
• Prayer Prompts for Kids | My Printable Faith
• Five Finger Prayer for Children FREE Printable PDF | Ministry to Children

How to Teach your Child to Pray

The best way to teach your child how to pray for our nation or any reason is to model it and pray with them. Here are some resources to teach your children how to pray:

• Kids Prayer Poster | Sami Cone
• FREE Prayer Book for Kids | 123 Homeschool 4 Me
• Head to Toe Prayer Cards | Ben and Me
• FREE Printable Prayer Prompt Cards for Kids | Meet Penny
• Jelly Bean Prayer FREE Printable | That’s What Che Said
• FREE Prayer Buddy Printables | Sara J Creations
• Printable Prayer Journals for Kids FREE | Cheri Gamble
• Lord’s Prayer FREE Booklet Cards | Flame Creative Kids
• FREE Printable Prayer Book for Kids | 123 Homeschool 4 Me
• Lord’s Prayer FREE Print | Arrows and  Applesauce
• FREE Prayer Journal and Pages | Activities for Kids
• Kids Prayer Poster FREE Printable Instructions | Sami Cone
• FREE Printable Prayer Journal and Tracker | Raise Your Word
• Developing a Habit of Prayer FREE Printable | Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart

Final Thoughts

We can be intentional about praying for our nation, and the National Day of Prayer is a great time to begin your family’s dedication to continual prayer for our land.