Trump launches ‘America Prays’ initiative ahead of nation’s 250th birthday; CatholicVote joins effort

President Donald Trump unveiled the “America Prays” campaign Sept. 8, calling on Americans to hold weekly prayer gatherings as the US prepares to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year. 

At the Religious Liberty Commission hearing at Washington D.C.’s Museum of the Bible, Trump laid out the initiative, urging Americans to dedicate one hour each week, gathering in groups of 10 or more, to pray for the nation, its leaders, families, freedoms, and future. 

“Next year, we will celebrate 250 years since that Declaration was signed,” Trump said. “We've invited America's great faith communities to pray for our nation and for our people and for peace in the world.”

CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt announced CatholicVote has joined the initiative, saying it reflects the organization’s mission to bring the Catholic faith into the public square. 

“Nothing is more important than winning back the soul of America. Prayer is the essential weapon in this battle,” Reinhardt said. “We are grateful to President Trump for leading the way and inspiring citizens of all faiths to once again turn their hearts and minds toward God as our country marks the milestone of the 250th anniversary of her birth.”

“Today, CatholicVote joins the President’s call to change the heart of the nation — not through politics as usual,” she said, “but through prayer, sacrament, and surrender.” 

Reinhardt added that CatholicVote will launch a daily nationwide prayer effort that will be rooted in Eucharistic revival during the “Jubilee of America.”  

CatholicVote’s mission includes:

• Encouraging a return to Sunday Mass — the source and summit of our faith.

• Promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with enthronements in homes across the country.

• Building a prayer network of faithful Catholics united in intercession for the soul of America.

“Our nation thrives when it remembers that it was not born of human will alone, but by the providence of God,” Reinhardt continued. “We believe that America — like every nation — has a divine mission. As Catholic Americans, we contribute to that mission by being beacons of hope, defenders of human dignity, and witnesses to the love of Jesus Christ. May we always live up to that calling. Let the revival begin — one heart at a time.” 

According to a Sept. 8 White House statement, “America Prays” builds on Trump’s July 3 remarks in Iowa, where he launched the America250 campaign and urged Americans to “rededicate ourselves to one nation under God.”

The White House outlined suggested resources for prayer, including Scriptural readings, intercessions for communities and leaders, and historic prayers rooted in America’s religious tradition. 

The initiative echoes George Washington’s Farewell Address: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports,” the White House said. 

Other organizations supporting the initiative include Samaritan’s Purse, Pray.com, Catholics for Catholics, Hallow, the Southern Baptist Convention, National Religious Broadcasters, and Faith and Freedom Coalition.

Scott Turner, Trump’s housing and urban development secretary, joined Trump on the stage at the hearing to describe the initiative’s potential: “What if 1 million people pray for our country every single week between now and next July 4?”

“Think about the miracles that would take place over the next year,” Turner said. “Think about the transformation that you and I could witness in communities all across the land: sons returning to their fathers, daughters returning to their mothers, families coming back together, health being restored, financial needs being met, mountains being moved.”