How to pray for our country on its 250th anniversary

On July 4, America will celebrate the 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a significant anniversary in our country’s history. As the nation faces the forces of secularism, liberalism, and other dangerous ideologies, it is more important than ever to pray for the United States. 

In fact, last fall at the Museum of the Bible, President Donald Trump asked Americans to pray weekly for the nation as part of our national celebration of this momentous year. In collaboration with his request, Zeale invites you to start a Zeale for America 250 prayer group.

While each of us should be praying daily for our nation, government leaders, and the people in our local communities, there is something powerful about gathering together to bring our petitions to God the Father in a group setting. Center your celebration of America’s sesquicentennial around prayer, both by remembering our nation in your own private morning or evening prayer routine and by inviting friends to join you for a weekly prayer group,. 

Forming an America 250 prayer group

The structure, meeting time, and content of these prayer groups is up to your discretion, offering a flexibility to fit anyone’s routine.

Start by inviting friends, family, and neighbors. Personal invitations after Mass, on the playground, or via personal text or phone call emphasize the importance you place on not just this activity, but on sharing it with the person you are inviting.

Next, identify a consistent day and time that works for the most committed members of the group. Then, choose a location: You could try rotating homes, going to Eucharistic Adoration together, or meeting at a park or coffee shop.

As the leader of the group, you can choose which devotions to pray together – perhaps the Rosary, meditations on Scripture, or silent adoration. Praying Cardinal Burke’s Daily Prayer for America 250 is also a good option.

Hosting a prayer group does not require anything fancy. If you are hosting, check out Refine’s tips for designing a prayer space in your home. Start with a focal point, such as a crucifix, statue, or other religious image. Consider adding some flowers and candles. Make sure there is comfortable seating for those attending. 

Be respectful of everyone’s time by prioritizing what you are there to do – pray for our nation first. However, perhaps consider providing simple snacks and drinks in another room to encourage fellowship and community building among the group after praying together.

With your help, faithful Catholics and Christians across America can rally together to pray for this country. If you create a group, let us know by registering it and sharing your story with us!

Movement rising

Make plans now to travel with your prayer group to the Zeale for America 250 Rally in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this June. Join Catholics from all across the country to celebrate our country’s anniversary, seek the renewal of our nation’s soul, and share a unique moment in American Catholic history.