A Heritage of Prayer in Our Nation
This year holds special significance as America marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we celebrate this milestone, we remember that prayer has held deep significance for us as a nation, and we follow in our Founding Fathers’ footsteps and seek God’s wisdom when faced with critical decisions. This is a call for us to humbly come before God and seek His guidance and grace for our individual lives, our families, our communities, and our nation. The Apostle Paul offers us this encouragement:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7
Early Americans knew God’s Word and understood the power of prayer. Their letters and diaries reveal that they regularly prayed for wise leaders who would protect the people’s rights, for strength to fulfill their duties well, and for wisdom to raise children who would honor God and become good citizens. Prayer is woven into the very fabric of our nation’s heritage.
Public Prayer
In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the colonists to pray for wisdom as they discussed the birth of a new nation. This call to prayer has continued throughout our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. In 1952, Congress passed a joint resolution that President Truman signed declaring an annual National Day of Prayer.
A few decades later, the Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh v. Chambers (1983). There have been more than 1,500 state and federal calls for national prayer since 1775.
Homeschoolers Pray
Just as early Americans sought God in prayer concerning private and public matters, we as homeschoolers must seek God as we face challenging times in our nation and homes. This year, the National Homeschool Day of Prayer falls just three days after the November 3 midterm elections, a timely reminder to pray for those newly elected and for all who serve in public office.
God has richly blessed homeschoolers in America, giving us the freedom to raise and teach our children according to our convictions. But this freedom doesn’t come with a lifetime guarantee. It was fought for and prayed for by courageous pioneer homeschoolers, and keeping it will require continued vigilance on our part. Let us follow in their footsteps as we continue to pray for and protect homeschool freedom across our nation.
As homeschoolers, we fill many different roles in our families, churches, and communities. The responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Paul tells us in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
God hears our prayers for our families and children, and He is faithful and merciful.
The Homeschool Community Prays
Homeschoolers may be known for their individuality, but we know how to come together to support, protect, and pray for what matters most!
Join us Friday, November 6, 2026 as we pray for homeschooling across North America and around the globe. Prayer is powerful! Don’t miss this significant event.
Check out Homeschool Freedom to find out how you can participate in the National Homeschool Day of Prayer:
- Watch for hourly prayer prompts on the Homeschool Freedom Facebook page starting at 10:00 AM ET
- Download the free activity guide to use with your family
- Hear from statewide homeschool leaders who will be praying with us throughout the day
- Connect with your statewide homeschool organization for accurate information about homeschooling in your state or province.
- Share what you love about homeschooling using #nationalhomeschooldayofprayer and #NHDP2026
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