Los Angeles County Establishes Annual “County Day of Prayer”
May 5, 2026
Supervisors bow their heads during invocation
Los Angeles, CA — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to proclaim May 7, 2026 as “County Day of Prayer” and to establish the observance annually on the first Thursday of May, aligning with the National Day of Prayer.
“During these trying times, the County Day of Prayer is an invitation for people across Los Angeles County to pause, reflect, and pray in any way they choose for whatever is on their hearts that could make our communities, our County, and our nation better,” said Hahn.
First established in 1952 by Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, the National Day of Prayer has long served as an opportunity for Americans of all faiths to come together in reflection and unity.
Hahn noted her experience serving as co-chair of the National Prayer Breakfast during her time in Congress, where elected leaders gathered in reflection and prayer for the nation. In her remarks today, Hahn said the County’s observance mirrors the spirit of the National Day of Prayer—an inclusive invitation for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
In reflecting on her own prayers for the County during the Board meeting, she invoked Pope Leo:
“I’m reminded of the words of Pope Leo. Recently while speaking about leaders who put their own political and economic gains first, Pope Leo said, ‘They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found.’ Colleagues, there are so many people in every one of our Districts that depend on LA County for healing, for education, for restoration, and for so much more. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate that message,” Hahn said.
The idea for establishing a County Day of Prayer was brought to Supervisor Hahn by County employee Destiny Castro of the Chief Executive Office, who Hahn thanked in her remarks. There are National Day of Prayer events happening across Los Angeles County, including observances by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.