On Thursday, May 1, the town of Irmo gathered at the Prisma Health Amphitheater for the National Day of Prayer, with the 2025 theme being ‘’Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled.”

National Day of Prayer brings millions of people across the nation together to pray at churches, homes, schools, parks and more. 

In attendance were community members, churches, Mayor Bill Danielson, Irmo Councilman Gabriel Penfield and Lexington County Council member Charlene "Charli" Wessinger. Leaders prayed for the United States, the community, children, young adults, elected officials, families and more. 

Before worship, a shofar was blown. A shofar is made from the horn of an animal, such as a ram, and sounds similar to a trumpet. In the Bible, a shofar was used for events, as well as a way to signal warning and spiritual awakening.

In 1952, the National Day of Prayer was crafted by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

This law states, “The President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”

In 1998, President Ronald Reagan amended the law, designating the first Thursday in May each year as the National Day of Prayer.

In 2020, during COVID-19,  individuals around the country were still able to pray through video chat, phone calls, prayer drives and more. 

Broadcasts such as the National Day of Prayer, National Prayer Gathering Broadcast,  GodTV, Pray.com, Daystar, Bott Radio Network, CBN and more allow people to listen to sermons and prayers, reaching millions throughout the nation and world. 

It is estimated that over two million individuals participate every year, and according to the National Day of Prayer website, every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation. 

In 2024, it was reported that 18,597 volunteers coordinated gatherings for individuals to attend the National Day of Prayer in their local communities.

“This National Day of Prayer, we recognize that the true strength of the American spirit has always been found in churches, chapels, pews, parishes and synagogues, and the hearts and souls of our citizens of faith,” President Donald Trump said as he signed the proclamation on May 1.