Choctaw Takes Time to Pray as Part of National Day of Prayer

The Choctaw Nation, along with many others in the United States, took time on Thursday, May 1, to observe the National Day of Prayer.

The day of prayer, observed annually on the first Thursday of May, drew a crowd of Choctaw Nation associates who gathered across the reservation to observe this day. I had the opportunity to lead our gathering at the Choctaw Nation headquarters building along with our Choctaw faithful who prayed together and sang Choctaw hymns. I am so pleased to see the outpouring of faith, family and culture on this day – it is one of my favorite events each year.

For a brief look at the Choctaw National Day of Prayer Service, watch the video above.

The National Day of Prayer dates to the founding of the United States as the Continental Congress first officially observed the day in 1775, and it was formally established as a formal and federally recognized day by President Truman in 1952. The day is open to all faiths.

“President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer,” according to the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

The 2025 theme for the National Day of Prayer is hope – more specifically, “Pour out to the God of hope and be filled,” which is a reference to a Bible verse found in Romans, which reads in full: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 15:13).

As we celebrate this day and participate in the National Day of Prayer across the Choctaw Nation, my hope is that this day and what it means and represents will bring everyone peace and comfort that comes with giving thanks to the Lord. The Choctaw Nation has benefitted greatly by being a God-fearing nation and we give thanks on this day of prayer for the many gifts bestowed upon us. It’s no accident that our vision of “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family, and culture” begins with faith, and for that I know that many of you join me in saying, “Amen.”