December 15, 2025
Model Legislation Introduced in Oklahoma as First-in-the-Nation Effort to Preserve Religious Freedom and Historical Traditions
Sacramento, CA – The Pacific Justice Institute Center for Public Policy (PJI-CPP), today announced a strategic partnership with the Put on Your Armor Foundation to promote state-level recognition of the National Day of Prayer.
This collaboration aims to encourage legislatures across the country to adopt model legislation that designates the first Thursday in May as an annual observance, fostering voluntary prayer, meditation, or reflection while upholding constitutional protections.
The model legislation, titled the "National Day of Prayer Recognition Act," draws on a long-standing federal tradition established by Congress in 1952 and reinforced in 1988. It emphasizes voluntary participation, respects religious diversity, and ensures no government endorsement of religion, aligning with First Amendment principles. Under the bill, governors would issue annual proclamations encouraging citizens to engage in personal reflection consistent with their beliefs.
This week, the legislation was introduced in Oklahoma by State Senator Shane Jett (Oklahoma State Senate, District 17), marking the first state in the nation to advance this initiative. The move underscores Oklahoma's commitment to preserving cultural and historical heritage while safeguarding individual freedoms. Similar legislation is anticipated in Virginia in the coming days.
About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance in the United States, held on the first Thursday in May, when Americans are encouraged to pray, meditate, or reflect for the nation.
The roots of the National Day of Prayer trace back to early American traditions of national calls to prayer. In 1775, the Continental Congress issued the first such call, urging colonies to pray for wisdom in forming the nation. Similar proclamations occurred during the Revolutionary War (1775–1783), by presidents like John Adams (1798–1799), and Abraham Lincoln, who in 1863 designated a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” amid the Civil War.
The modern annual observance of a National Day of Prayer was formalized in 1952 through a joint resolution of Congress. The law requires the president to issue an annual proclamation encouraging voluntary prayer and meditation. In 1988, the law was amended to fix the date as the first Thursday in May. Every president since 1952 has issued such a proclamation.
“The National Day of Prayer has been a cornerstone of American life for over seven decades, and state recognition ensures that this tradition continues to inspire unity and reflection,” said Brad Dacus, Founder and President of Pacific Justice Institute. “Oklahoma’s leadership sets a powerful example for other states to follow.”
The Put on Your Armor Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization with a presence in over 1,000 schools in 29 states since 1990, shares PJI’s vision for empowering communities, families and individuals.
“This partnership amplifies our mission to equip individuals and communities with the tools to stand strong in their convictions,” said Jim Schmidt (a.k.a. “Armadillo Jim”), President of Put on Your Armor Foundation. “By encouraging states to recognize the National Day of Prayer, we honor our nation’s founding principles and foster a culture of voluntary reflection that benefits everyone.”
PJI-CPP invites interested legislators and policymakers from across the country to contact the organization for more information on the model legislation, including drafting assistance and legal guidance to ensure compliance with state law and constitutional standards. For inquiries, please email Janice Lorrah, Legislative Counsel, at [email protected] or visit www.pji.org.
About Pacific Justice Institute
Pacific Justice Institute is a national nonprofit legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. PJI provides pro bono representation to individuals and churches facing threats to their First Amendment rights, with offices nationwide.
About Put on Your Armor Foundation
Put on Your Armor Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting faith-based community programs, education, and advocacy to strengthen spiritual resilience and promote positive societal change.
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