February 12, 1982
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
National prayer is deeply rooted in our American heritage. From the earliest days of our Republic,
Americans have asked God to hear their prayers in times of sorrow and crisis and in times of
bounty.
The first National Day of Prayer was proclaimed in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress. As
thousands gathered in prayer in places of worship and encampments throughout the new land, the
dispersed colonists found a new spirit of unity and resolve in this remarkable expression of public
faith. For the first time, Americans of every religious persuasion prayed as one, asking for divine
guidance in their quest for liberty and justice. Ever since, Americans have shared a special sense
of destiny as a nation dedicated under God to the cause of liberty for all men.
Through the storms of Revolution, Civil War, and the great World Wars, as well as during times
of disillusionment and disarray, the nation has turned to God in prayer for deliverance. We thank
Him for answering our call, for, surely, He has. As a nation, we have been richly blessed with His
love and generosity.
Just 30 years ago, a Joint Resolution of the Congress requested the President to proclaim a day
each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United
States may turn to God in prayer and meditation in places of worship, in groups, and as
individuals. Eight Presidents since then have annually proclaimed a Day of Prayer to the nation,
resuming the tradition started by the Continental Congress.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim Thursday, May 6, 1982, National Day of Prayer. On that day, I ask Americans to join
with me in giving thanks to Almighty God for the blessings He has bestowed on this land and the
protection He affords us as a people. Let us as a nation join together before God, aware of the
trials that lie ahead and of the need for divine guidance. With unshakable faith in God and the
liberty which is our heritage, we as a free nation will continue to grow and prosper.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of February, in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and sixth.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:48 p.m., February 12, 1982]
Note: The President signed the proclamation at a ceremony attended by American religious
leaders in the Cabinet Room at the White House.