Region Unites for National Day of Prayer May 1

As dawn breaks over the heartland on May 1, 2025, thousands across the Kansas City region will join millions nationwide for the annual National Day of Prayer, embracing this year’s theme of “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled.”National Day website.

The National Day of Prayer organization explains the deeper meaning behind this year’s observance: “God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware.”

“The body of Christ must continue to pray and cry out to God for the church, family, education, business, military, government, arts, entertainment and media,” Gary Schmitz, Executive Director at Citywide Prayer Movement, told Metro Voice. “Believers all over the nation will be pouring out on that day through the word of God in prayers of repentance, forgiveness and righteousness.”

This year saw a prayer effort expanding across both sides of the state line, reflecting a growing movement of spiritual unity. A news release from the National Day of Prayer Task Force emphasizes the day’s significance, quoting from 2 Chronicles 7:14: “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 and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

At the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, the traditional rotunda gathering is expected to draw hundreds of participants. The event will feature local civic and faith leaders from across the state, continuing a long-standing tradition of community prayer.

It’s the same in Topeka as the prayerful will gather from 12 Noon to 1 at the State Capitol.

Each year the organization invites Americans to pray into seven critical centers of influence: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family. They also note that the day is about more than a single moment of prayer. “As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer,” the NDP website states.

Says, Schmitz, “We invite you come together in unity, with one voice lifting up the Lord Jesus Christ!”

SCHEDULED EVENTS – MAY 1, 2025:

For those unable to attend in person, the National Day of Prayer Task Force will host its annual broadcast, accessible online and through participating religious organizations.

Organizers encourage participants to check nationaldayofprayer.org/events for the most up-to-date information, as additional locations may be added and times may be subject to change.

–Dwight Widaman