Although the United States declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776 after the Revolutionary War, tensions between the two nations continued for many years. Great Britain imposed trade restrictions on the United States to limit its ability to trade with France, which the U.S. considered a violation of international law. Additionally, the British Royal Navy frequently stopped American merchant ships and forced sailors into their service, a practice known as impressment, which further strained relations. Furthermore, Great Britain supplied Native American tribes with weapons and resources to help them resist American westward expansion. All of these factors contributed to rising tensions, ultimately leading the United States to declare war on Great Britain in June 1812. On July 9, 1812, just a few short weeks after the official declaration of war, President James Madison issued a proclamation ordering a day of fasting, humility, and prayer for the United States. 

The official presidential proclamation was issued at the urging of Congress, which acknowledged the severity of the calamity of the “War of 1812,” and the necessity for the United States to rely on God for survival. Madison’s proclamation encouraged Americans to recognize their wrongdoings and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance throughout the war. The aim was for the nation to unite in a day of humility, fasting, and prayer. Madison proposed the third Thursday in August as a day for the public to honor God and pray for the nation’s leaders, the armed forces, and a return to peace.

Madison’s proclamation for a day of prayer was not the first of its kind. In 1775, the Continental Congress declared a day of prayer to acknowledge the nation’s dependence on God. Several of the early presidents of the United States also issued proclamations for days of prayer and fasting. Following Madison’s proclamation, this practice was largely abandoned for nearly 50 years until President Abraham Lincoln reinstated it in 1863, and it has continued to this day.. People from many different religions participate in national days of prayer.