.avif)
District of Columbia
_logo%201.svg)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 16, 2026) — As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, thousands of believers are expected to gather on the National Mall this weekend for “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving,” a national Christian prayer event focused on worship, repentance, and gratitude to God for America’s history.
Organized through the Freedom 250 initiative, the all-day event is scheduled for May 17 and will feature prayer, Scripture readings, worship music, testimonies, military ceremonial presentations, and remarks from faith leaders and public officials. According to Freedom 250, the gathering is intended to encourage Americans to “rededicate our country as One Nation under God.”
According to The Washington Post, organizers describe the event as part of a broader national observance connected to America’s semiquincentennial celebration.
Rededicate 250 Draws National Christian Leaders
Freedom 250 announced that the gathering will run from 9:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the National Mall, with worship beginning near the U.S. Capitol before continuing at the main stage located near 12th Street.
Faith leaders scheduled to participate include Franklin Graham, Pastor Jack Graham, Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Bishop Robert Barron, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Reverend Samuel Rodriguez, Rabb iMeir Soloveichik, and Pastor Jonathan Falwell, according to Freedom 250 and Religion News Service.
Public officials expected to participate include House Speaker Mike Johnson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio via video message, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The program is organized around three themes:
The Miracles That Made Us—reflections on God’s providence throughout American history
The Miracles Still in Our Midst—testimonies of healing and restoration
A New Birth of Faith and Freedom— a national prayer of rededication for America’s future
A National Prayer Event Ahead of America’s 250th Birthday
Freedom 250 described the event as “a once in a lifetime national moment” designed to unite believers from all 50 states in prayer and worship.
President Donald Trump previously referenced the gathering during the National Prayer Breakfast, saying Americans would be invited “to come together on our National Mall to pray, give thanks, and rededicate America as One Nation Under God,” according to Freedom 250.
“Join with neighbors and friends from every state in the Union in giving thanks and praise to God for 250 years of His Providence for the United States.” — Freedom 250 event description
According to Religion News Service ,organizers connected the gathering to a 1776 call from the Continental Congress for “fasting, humiliation and prayer” during the Revolutionary War period.
What to Look Forward to From Rededicate 250
- National prayer and worship gathering scheduled for May 17, 2026
- Event to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
- Livestream available nationwide through churches and ministries
- Christian leaders, military bands, choirs, and public officials participating
- Organized as part of America’s 250th anniversary observance
- Focused on prayer, thanksgiving, worship, and national renewal
Prayer, Repentance, and National Renewal
From a Biblical perspective, many Christians view gatherings like Rededicate 250 as opportunities for repentance, prayer, and renewed dependence on God rather than political triumphalism.
Scripture repeatedly calls believers to humble themselves before the Lord in times of national uncertainty. Originally given to Israel, 2 Chronicles 7:14 declares:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven...” (NIV)
While the event itself represents a civic gathering, many believers participating see it as part of a broader prayer movement for spiritual awakening and revival in America.
Join the Prayer Movement
Pray for America’s Spiritual Awakening
AWAKE America invites believers across the nation to pray for repentance, revival, and renewed faith in Christ during this historic season.
- Post a prayer for America in America’s Prayer Room
- Find upcoming revival gatherings and prayer events on the AWAKE America Events Page
Faith Evans Pearson
Faith Evans Pearson is the AWAKE America Community Manager, progressing the ministry’s mission through creative strategy, social media, digital campaigns, and content—to boldly share the Truth of the Gospel, equip the saints, and encourage believers in the US and abroad.
