The United States Congress officially enacted the National Day of Prayer in 1952 (although days of prayer have been established and observed by presidents, Congress, and Americans since 1775). It falls on the first Thursday in May, and every year, the president signs a proclamation encouraging Americans to turn to God in prayer. People of many religions and Christians from different denominations come together on this day and pray in houses of worship, in front of courthouses, in their homes, and other locations around the community.