On May 17, 1776, the Second Continental Congress held a day of “prayer, fasting, and humiliation” just weeks before declaring independence on July 4th. Leaders urged those early Americans to “confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his [God’s] righteous displeasure, and through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness.” We need that same mediation and forgiveness for our nation today as we reach this historic milestone of 250 years of independence.
 
That’s why Freedom 250 is hosting an all-day prayer and worship service on Sunday, May 17, exactly 250 years after that first call to prayer, to bring thousands of Americans together from all walks of life in our nation’s capital. The day will be focused on thanking God for his blessings over the past 250 years, and asking for forgiveness, mercy, and guidance as we enter the next 250.
 
“We rejoice in the triumph of the American spirit and in the love and grace of Almighty God,” President Trump stated. “And just as our Founders came together in prayer before declaring independence, thousands of Americans will gather on Sunday, May 17, on the National Mall to rededicate the United States as One Nation Under God.”
 
The idea that America was not only founded as a Christian nation but remains so today is strenuously contested by the left – but a quick glimpse at statements from our earliest political leaders leaves no doubt.
 
“The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.” – John Adams, 2nd President of the United States
 
“The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected an indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” – John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States
 
“The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” – Congress, 1854
 
"Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent: our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian." – US Supreme Court, Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States, 1892.
   
The event will be structured around three pillars:
 
Pillar I — The Miracles that Made Us: A reflection on God’s providence throughout 250 years, honoring the faith that inspired America’s founders and has carried us forward in every generation since.
 
Pillar II — The Miracles Still in Our Midst: Personal testimonies of God’s healing in our lives and in our land.
 
Pillar III — A New Birth of Faith and Freedom: A collective expression of gratitude for 250 years of freedom — and a unified moment of rededication asking for God’s blessing, guidance, and grace for the next 250. If you are near the D.C. area, we encourage you to join the event in person. If not, remote viewing options will be available through local churches and ministries. Details below:
   
At FACT, we believe in the power of prayer and the biblical call to petition the Lord on behalf of our leaders. If you are unable to attend Rededicate 250 in person, please consider gathering with fellow believers to lift up our nation in prayer on May 17. As Matthew 18:20 says, “Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.”