Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer

Heritage Days 2026 honors “America’s 250th Celebration,” June 10 through June 14. We remember all the trials and sacrifices made over the years to achieve and preserve our freedom. On May 17, 1776, the Second Continental Congress observed a nationwide Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. Initially proclaimed on March 16, the resolution called for the colonies to repent, seek divine forgiveness and ask for guidance as tensions with Great Britain approached open war.

As the resolution called for colonists to seek God’s grace, the day is recognized as a foundational moment of spiritual unity, and this occurred just weeks before Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. Across the colonies, Americans gathered in meetinghouses and churches and paused their daily lives to pray for their liberties and leaders. Congressional delegates set aside political matters to publicly acknowledge their “dependence on Divine Providence.”

In mid-March 1776, New Jersey Delegate William Livingston, a 52-year-old brigadier general in the colonial militia and member of the Continental Congress, submitted this resolution calling for a national day of fasting in support of America’s defense against what he called “the warlike preparations of the British Ministry.” Lawmakers agreed to Livingston’s resolution and called on Americans everywhere – “with united hearts” – to “pray for peace and for Britain’s leaders to withdraw their troops.”

Part of the resolution also said, “In times of impending calamity and distress; when the liberties of America are imminently endangered by the secret machinations and open assaults of an insidious and vindictive administration, it becomes the indispensable duty of these hitherto free and happy colonies, with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion, publicly to acknowledge the over ruling providence of God.” Congress had the complete resolution printed for public distribution in the Pennsylvania Gazette.

This was also the second time that the Continental Congress voted to set aside a day for reflection in support of America’s revolutionary campaign. The first had occurred a year earlier in June 1775 when the Continental Congress appointed John Adams, Robert Treat Paine and William Hooper to a committee to draft “a resolve” naming July 20 of that year “as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer.” Every year from 1775 to 1783 the Continental Congress approved days of fasting, prayer or thanksgiving. These proclamations marked something new in American history, the creation of national holidays and observances.

This past Sunday, May 17, 2026, President Trump hosted the “Rededicate 250” National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving on the National Mall. The event gathered Americans to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday and rededicate the country as “One Nation under God.”