National Day of Prayer
Photo: Attendees pray at the Olive Branch observance of the National Day of Prayer. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
May 1, 2025 – Faith followers in DeSoto County paused for a moment today to pray for the nation as part of the National Day of Prayer observance. It is an annual event held across the nation, designated by the U.S. Congress, when Americans are encouraged to turn to God in prayer and meditation. National Day of Prayer is held on the first Thursday of May each year and this year fell on May 1.
Two observances were held in DeSoto County again this year. DeSoto County officials gathered inside the DeSoto County Courthouse at 7 a.m. this morning, followed by a 12 noon gathering for the City of Olive Branch outside City Hall.
The theme for the National Day of Prayer in 2025 is “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled.”
This theme is inspired by Romans 15:13 (NASB): “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of 1 the Holy Spirit.” Prayers were said for many facets of the nation, the church, education, media, business, families, military, law enforcement, and first responders.
Following are photos from the Olive Branch National Day of Prayer:
The modern observance was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan amended the law to fix the observance on the first Thursday of May. The day is meant to unite Americans of all backgrounds in prayer and reflection, regardless of religious denomination. While its origins are rooted in Christian traditions, it now includes participation from diverse faiths and interfaith groups.
While many embrace the day as a unifying tradition, some civil liberties organizations have challenged it on the grounds of separation of church and state.
A 2010 federal court ruling briefly found the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, but the decision was overturned on appeal in 2011, reaffirming the day as a legal observance.
Photos from the morning observance, moved inside the DeSoto County Courthouse from the courthouse lawn due to the threat of rain:
