How Prayer Shaped Billy Graham’s Ministry

From their earliest years of ministry, Billy Graham and his team knew their efforts would be worthless unless they turned to God in prayer. In February 1952, Mr. Graham called United States citizens to do the same during an unprecedented Crusade meeting at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

In addition to preaching the Gospel, he urged government officials to set aside a day for citizens to pray as individuals and in groups. In just two days, legislation for such a day was introduced in the House of Representatives. Several weeks later, President Harry Truman signed a law establishing the National Day of Prayer.

After more than half a century, the country continues to pause and pray on the first Thursday of May—and prayer continues to be the foundation of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s ministry.

Not sure how to pray? Learn how you can talk to God.