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Since 2013, the Canberra Declaration team has called Australia and the nations of the world to pray for the United States of America in May.

For the fourteenth time, in 2026 we issue that call again — but this year carries a weight and significance unlike any before.

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the USA. In celebration of this historic occasion, the White House has set aside Sunday, 17 May as a national day of prayer and rededication of the United States “as one nation under God”.

Holding such an event was unthinkable just a few years ago. Yet multitudes of Americans will gather at the National Mall, Washington, D.C. (or participate online) for this defining moment on 17 May — with many predicting it will be the largest Christian gathering in 50 years.

Billy Graham’s son, Franklin, who leads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, has labelled this period “a critical moment in our history”, saying:

“There is nothing more powerful that we can do for our country, our churches, and our families than to come together in prayer before God Almighty.”
— Franklin Graham

Because of this extraordinary moment in history, the Canberra Declaration is thrilled to announce a global call to 72 continuous hours of online prayer and worship for the USA, from midday, Friday, 15 May, to midday, Monday, 18 May (AEST). Watch as Warwick explains this historic call in the video below!

America, despite her deep flaws, has been and remains a gift to the world.

The USA sends out more long-term Christian missionaries to the ends of the earth than any other country — and by a big margin — 127,000 per year. In distant second place is Brazil, which sends 34,000.

America has founded more seminaries, Christian colleges, universities, organisations and Christian movements than any other nation — once again by a big margin.

Even in its weakened state, America remains the biggest bulwark against evil in the world. For better or worse, the USA’s influence on the world’s nations is undeniable.

We want that influence to be for the better.

Prayer Points and Purpose for USA72AusPray

1. To release a great offering of worship, praise and thanksgiving to God (Hebrews 13:15).

2. That the global Church would be filled with extravagant love for God and a passion to reach the lost (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

3. Revival, repentance and reformation for America and tens of millions to find Christ (Acts 2:1–47).

4. Revival, repentance and reformation for Australia (or your nation of origin) and millions to find Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14).

5. For each believer to pray for five people to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May (Matthew 28:19–20).

We believe that this amazing time of National Rededication to God in the USA is an answer to the last 14 years of our prayers, the world’s prayers, and America’s prayers as well. Jesus himself said in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you.” Soli Deo Gloria!

As Australians, we are privileged to issue this call to stand with Christians in the USA and pray for the spiritual awakening of both countries. Let us seek God’s face for the spread of the gospel across our respective nations — and the entire globe.

INVITE: 72 Hours of Prayer for the USA

TIME & DATE: Midday, Friday, 15 May, to midday, Monday, 18 May (AEST)

WHERE: On Zoom

REGISTRATION: via the link below

To register, and for more information about this call to prayer, as well as free downloadable, shareable and printable posters, please click the orange button below.

Please share this invitation widely.

Yours for spiritual awakening in the USA and Australia,

Warwick Marsh & Samuel Hartwich

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Image via Wikimedia Commons.