Lawmakers Unite In Prayer & Repentance in Washington As Nation Faces Deep Divisions

At the 2026 National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance, held at the Museum of the Bible, lawmakers, ministry leaders, and Christians from across the United States came together for a singular purpose—to seek God’s mercy, healing, and renewal for the nation. Hosted by the Family Research Council, the four-hour gathering focused on repentance, spiritual awakening, and remembering the biblical foundation that has shaped America’s history as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.

The atmosphere throughout the event was reverent, hopeful, and deeply prayerful. Rather than centering on politics alone, the gathering emphasized something far greater: the condition of the human heart and the spiritual direction of the nation. Speaker after speaker pointed to the same truth—that lasting restoration cannot come from government, policy, or power, but only through humility before God and a return to faithfulness.

House Speaker Mike Johnson reminded those in attendance that America’s freedom and success did not emerge by accident. He reflected on the influence of Scripture and biblical principles on the nation’s founding, noting that many early leaders openly acknowledged their dependence on God’s guidance. Johnson warned that the liberties Americans enjoy today should never be taken for granted. Freedom, he emphasized, is sustained not merely by laws or institutions, but by a people committed to truth, moral clarity, and reverence for God.

Quoting both historical voices and passages of Scripture, Johnson called on Americans to remain steadfast in their faith and courageous in defending the spiritual foundations that have long undergirded the nation. His message was not one of fear, but of responsibility—an invitation for believers to live with conviction, integrity, and prayerful dependence as the country moves into a new generation of challenges and opportunities.

Senator Ted Cruz echoed this call with a heartfelt prayer for healing in a time marked by division, anger, and uncertainty. Drawing 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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”—Cruz asked God to restore unity and bring spiritual renewal across America.

HAt the 2026 National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance, held at the Museum of the Bible, lawmakers, ministry leaders, and Christians from across the United States came together for a singular purpose—to seek God’s mercy, healing, and renewal for the nation. Hosted by the Family Research Council, the four-hour gathering focused on repentance, spiritual awakening, and remembering the biblical foundation that has shaped America’s history as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.

The atmosphere throughout the event was reverent, hopeful, and deeply prayerful. Rather than centering on politics alone, the gathering emphasized something far greater: the condition of the human heart and the spiritual direction of the nation. Speaker after speaker pointed to the same truth—that lasting restoration cannot come from government, policy, or power, but only through humility before God and a return to faithfulness.

House Speaker Mike Johnson reminded those in attendance that America’s freedom and success did not emerge by accident. He reflected on the influence of Scripture and biblical principles on the nation’s founding, noting that many early leaders openly acknowledged their dependence on God’s guidance. Johnson warned that the liberties Americans enjoy today should never be taken for granted. Freedom, he emphasized, is sustained not merely by laws or institutions, but by a people committed to truth, moral clarity, and reverence for God.

Quoting both historical voices and passages of Scripture, Johnson called on Americans to remain steadfast in their faith and courageous in defending the spiritual foundations that have long undergirded the nation. His message was not one of fear, but of responsibility—an invitation for believers to live with conviction, integrity, and prayerful dependence as the country moves into a new generation of challenges and opportunities.

Senator Ted Cruz echoed this call with a heartfelt prayer for healing in a time marked by division, anger, and uncertainty. Drawing 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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”—Cruz asked God to restore unity and bring spiritual renewal across America.

He also reflected on the historic vision of the United States as a “shining city on a hill,” a phrase long associated with the hope that the nation might serve as a beacon of liberty, justice, and faith to the world. Cruz prayed that this vision would not fade, but instead be renewed through repentance, humility, and a fresh movement of God’s Spirit among the people.

One of the most powerful moments of the gathering came as representatives from all 50 states joined together in prayer. Each voice lifted up its community, its leaders, and its people—asking for wisdom, protection, and revival. The collective sound of intercession created a profound sense of unity that transcended geography, background, and political difference. In that moment, the focus was not on what divides Americans, but on the shared hope that God still hears prayer and still moves in response to sincere repentance.

Speakers also turned attention beyond America’s borders to the growing persecution faced by Christians worldwide. Former missionary Andrew Brunson and others shared sobering reminders that hostility toward believers is increasing in many regions—including places once considered safe. Their testimonies carried both urgency and encouragement: urgency because suffering is real and rising, and encouragement because faith continues to endure even in the darkest circumstances.

Those gathered were urged not to take religious freedom lightly, but to steward it faithfully—using their voices, influence, and prayers to stand with brothers and sisters who suffer for the name of Christ. The message was clear: freedom is not only a gift to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be used for the good of others and the glory of God.

Throughout the event, a common theme emerged—repentance is the doorway to renewal. True change begins not in institutions, but in hearts surrendered to God. National transformation, speakers said, is always preceded by personal humility. When individuals turn back to God with sincerity, families are strengthened, communities are restored, and nations are changed.

As America approaches 250 years of independence, the gathering served as both a reflection and a call to action. It invited believers to remember the faith that shaped the past, to examine the spiritual condition of the present, and to pray boldly for the future. Rather than nostalgia, the tone was one of expectation—the belief that God is not finished with this nation and that renewal is still possible.

Many left the Museum of the Bible carrying a renewed sense of hope. Not a shallow optimism rooted in circumstances, but a deeper confidence grounded in God’s faithfulness. History shows that seasons of awakening often begin quietly, with prayer, repentance, and ordinary people seeking God with extraordinary sincerity. This gathering reflected that same pattern—simple prayers, humble hearts, and a shared longing for God to move again.

In a world filled with noise, conflict, and uncertainty, moments like these offer a different vision—one of unity through faith, strength through humility, and healing through repentance. Whether watching in person or from afar, believers were reminded that prayer still matters, repentance still opens doors to mercy, and God still responds to those who seek Him.

The message of the 2026 National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance ultimately points beyond a single event or moment in time. It is an ongoing invitation—to pray more earnestly, to live more faithfully, and to trust more deeply in God’s power to restore what seems broken. The future of any nation is shaped not only by leaders or laws, but by the spiritual lives of its people.

And so the call continues: humble hearts, united prayer, steadfast faith. Trusting that the same God who has guided generations before is still able to bring healing, renewal, and hope for generations yet to come.

He also reflected on the historic vision of the United States as a “shining city on a hill,” a phrase long associated with the hope that the nation might serve as a beacon of liberty, justice, and faith to the world. Cruz prayed that this vision would not fade, but instead be renewed through repentance, humility, and a fresh movement of God’s Spirit among the people.

One of the most powerful moments of the gathering came as representatives from all 50 states joined together in prayer. Each voice lifted up its community, its leaders, and its people—asking for wisdom, protection, and revival. The collective sound of intercession created a profound sense of unity that transcended geography, background, and political difference. In that moment, the focus was not on what divides Americans, but on the shared hope that God still hears prayer and still moves in response to sincere repentance.

Speakers also turned attention beyond America’s borders to the growing persecution faced by Christians worldwide. Former missionary Andrew Brunson and others shared sobering reminders that hostility toward believers is increasing in many regions—including places once considered safe. Their testimonies carried both urgency and encouragement: urgency because suffering is real and rising, and encouragement because faith continues to endure even in the darkest circumstances.

Those gathered were urged not to take religious freedom lightly, but to steward it faithfully—using their voices, influence, and prayers to stand with brothers and sisters who suffer for the name of Christ. The message was clear: freedom is not only a gift to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be used for the good of others and the glory of God.

Throughout the event, a common theme emerged—repentance is the doorway to renewal. True change begins not in institutions, but in hearts surrendered to God. National transformation, speakers said, is always preceded by personal humility. When individuals turn back to God with sincerity, families are strengthened, communities are restored, and nations are changed.

As America approaches 250 years of independence, the gathering served as both a reflection and a call to action. It invited believers to remember the faith that shaped the past, to examine the spiritual condition of the present, and to pray boldly for the future. Rather than nostalgia, the tone was one of expectation—the belief that God is not finished with this nation and that renewal is still possible.

Many left the Museum of the Bible carrying a renewed sense of hope. Not a shallow optimism rooted in circumstances, but a deeper confidence grounded in God’s faithfulness. History shows that seasons of awakening often begin quietly, with prayer, repentance, and ordinary people seeking God with extraordinary sincerity. This gathering reflected that same pattern—simple prayers, humble hearts, and a shared longing for God to move again.

In a world filled with noise, conflict, and uncertainty, moments like these offer a different vision—one of unity through faith, strength through humility, and healing through repentance. Whether watching in person or from afar, believers were reminded that prayer still matters, repentance still opens doors to mercy, and God still responds to those who seek Him.

The message of the 2026 National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance ultimately points beyond a single event or moment in time. It is an ongoing invitation—to pray more earnestly, to live more faithfully, and to trust more deeply in God’s power to restore what seems broken. The future of any nation is shaped not only by leaders or laws, but by the spiritual lives of its people.

And so the call continues: humble hearts, united prayer, steadfast faith. Trusting that the same God who has guided generations before is still able to bring healing, renewal, and hope for generations yet to come.