Medina to mark National Day of Prayer with communitywide events

America stands at the crossroads of a historic and holy moment in 2026. During the nation’s 250th anniversary, the country also will observe the 75th observance of the National Day of Prayer.

This year’s theme, “Glorify God Among the Nations – Seeking Him in All Generations,” is a call to know the word, will and ways of God and to give Him glory. It is based on 1 Chronicles 16:24 of the Bible.

The Medina community will come together Thursday, May 7, to take part in the national observance and highlight mutual dependence on God.

“This convergence of these anniversaries is not accidental; it’s providential,” said the Rev. Michael Wilson, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, Medina. “We believe it is a sacred invitation from God. It is a moment calling His people to humility, repentance and a renewed dependence on Him.”

Three events on May 7 have been organized to provide opportunities for people to gather in prayer.

First, a prayer breakfast will be held from 6:30-7:30 a.m. at Medina United Methodist Church, 4545 Foote Road, to begin the day in prayer.

“We invite those who are heading off to work to first join us for breakfast and a word of encouragement from Pastor Wilson,” said the Rev. Tal Lewis, pastor of Medina United Methodist Church.

The potluck-style buffet breakfast is free to attend; donations of prepared food items are requested from attendees.

Second, a morning prayer service will be held at 9 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 606 E. Washington St. The service, led by Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl, will include short reflections by the Rev. Arthur Ruffin, pastor of Second Baptist Church, Medina; Wilson; and Kipfstuhl. First-graders from St. Francis Xavier School will read from Scripture and offer intercessory prayers.

Third, a noon service at the gazebo in Medina’s public square will allow those taking their lunch break to pause and worship. In this service, prayers will be offered for every segment of the community, state and nation.

These events, planned by Medina’s clergy and community, are part of a much larger and intentional gathering of believers, dating back to the Founding Fathers who sought divine guidance and grace.

“In Medina, we have a long history of collaborating across denominations and religious boundaries to embrace what we share as beloved children of God,” Kipfstuhl said. “We are pleased to invite everyone of every faith to join us for one or more of these events as together we glorify God.”

The National Day of Prayer observance was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman. Each year since then, the president has called upon the nation’s citizens to pray, and in 1988 President Ronald Reagan established the day as the first Thursday of May. The observance enables Americans to recall and stand on a foundation of seeking God when faced with critical challenges and decisions, calling for humility and guidance for leaders and the nation.

“This theme is not about elevating ourselves; it’s about magnifying God alone,” said National Day of Prayer Task Force President Kathy Branzell. “History reminds us that every true move of God has been preceded by an outpouring of effective, fervent prayer – prayer marked by repentance, humility and wholehearted seeking. Before every great awakening, God’s people turned away from sin, selfishness and distraction and turned fully toward Him.

“That is what we’re praying for now: another great awakening. A turning back to the one and only living God, His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Holy Word, found in the Bible.”

Prayers of repentance and intercession will be lifted up in all 50 states and several U.S. territories through tens of thousands of local prayer gatherings on the National Day of Prayer. The annual national broadcast will air at 8 p.m. ET on television, radio and streaming platforms.