America’s 250th Birthday will be preceded by many prayer initiatives: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
From sundown this Friday, May 15, 2026, to nightfall on Saturday, May 16, 2026, President Trump has encouraged a voluntary “national Sabbath” (“Shabbat 250”) observance. [Photo courtesy of Jonathan Feldstein]
This marks the first time a sitting U.S. President has explicitly called for a national Shabbat observance in a formal proclamation.
During America’s 250th anniversary year (semiquincentennial), this is a call in President Trump’s official Jewish American Heritage Month 2026 proclamation for Jewish Americans—and by extension, people of all backgrounds—to observe a day of rest, reflection, gratitude to God and appreciation for the nation.
The text of the President’s proclamation states: “In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence… Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath. . . .This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection and gratitude to the Almighty.”
President Trump also called on all Americans to rededicate the nation to the Almighty on Sunday May 17 during this special anniversary year at the national mall in Washington, D.C.
In his shabbat proclamation, Trump referenced Jewish contributions to America and echoed founding-era respect for religious liberty (e.g., George Washington’s letter to the Touro Synagogue). In his letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1790, President Washington stated, “May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
Since the earliest days of the American Republic, Jewish Americans have helped build the cause of liberty and sustain the greatness of the USA. Among them was Haym Salomon, an early supporter of the war for independence. Salomon was instrumental in the success of the Continental Congress and Founding Fathers, and rallied support for freedom. He was a zealous advocate against tyranny, and even after imprisonment by the British Crown, he continued his work in defense of freedom. In the end, he gave everything to the success of the American Revolution. Like so many Jewish Americans who follow in his footsteps, Salomon’s legacy stands as a testament to the unshakable belief in the American promise. Some would call it the American dream.
In the same letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport, President Washington proclaimed that the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
The full text of President Trump’s proclamation is listed on the White House proclamations page: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamations/
At the same time, also beginning this Friday, Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), has called for a 50-day prayer initiative titled “One Nation Under God.” It will run through July 4, 2026, culminating on the United States’ 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial).
Format: Each day at noon, a short video will feature a pastor from one of the 50 states leading a focused prayer for the nation — covering homes, schools, government, society, churches, and culture. Franklin Graham will begin on May 15 and conclude on July 4.
Goal: To call Christians to unite in prayer for national repentance, revival, and a return to God. Graham emphasizes that America is at a crossroads and that “the only hope for us as individuals and for America is the Lord, Jesus Christ.” His initiative draws on Psalm 33:12: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
How to Participate: Daily videos are available on:
OneNationUnderGod.com
The BGEA app
Social media channels (including Franklin Graham’s and BGEA’s Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.)
Graham’s initiative aligns closely with President Trump’s call for a voluntary national Sabbath observance and the National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving (Rededicate 250) on the National Mall Sunday May 17.
It’s a voluntary, faith-based movement open to Christians nationwide, focused on prayer rather than politics or mandates. For the full schedule of state pastors and more resources, visit the official site linked above.
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