Since 1952, the United States has observed an annual National Day of Prayer, a time to ask God for strength and direction and express thanks to Him for His goodness and grace. Since 1988, this day of prayer has been held on the first Thursday in May.
At the White House event marking the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Sister Tracy Y. Browning of the Primary General Presidency, which oversees the Church’s programs for children around the world, represented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Sister Browning’s attendance is the latest instance of Latter-day Saint leaders engaging in national observances that promote faith and community. For example, Relief Society General President Jean B. Bingham (2018), Primary General President Joy D. Jones (2019) and Debbie Marriott Harrison (2020) of the Church’s D.C. Public Affairs Advisory Council offered prayers at the White House’s National Day of Prayer event. Prior to these National Day of Prayer events at the White House, in 2017, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered a prayer at the post-inaugural interfaith National Prayer Service held at the Washington National Cathedral.
While deeply personal, the act of prayer also extends outward for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church members have a deep sense of civic responsibility and a desire to contribute to and strengthen the spiritual and moral fabric of society. The participation of Church leaders in national prayer events is a manifestation of this belief, joining with others of faith to seek divine favor and guidance.
