prayer

America’s Birthday Should Be a Declaration of the Right to Life

Red, white and blue confetti fell from the sky in Times Square, as a patriotic New Year’s Eve crystal ball came down to welcome 2026.

At the same time, the Washington Monument lit up like a giant birthday candle for America, with video projections celebrating key moments in an American history that can fittingly be described as miraculous.

As we welcomed the New Year, we have welcomed the 250th birthday of America, marked by the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

On Friday, January 23, the day of the national March for Life in Washington, DC, I will again lead the National Prayer Service in the historic and beautiful Constitution Hall, located at 1776 D St. NW, at 18th and D Streets.

The theme of this inspirational event will be In Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday – Celebrating the Right to Life as Recognized in Our Declaration of Independence.

My pro-life ministry, Priests for Life, and I are honored to be a part of the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, along with other national leaders, which is preparing for the celebration of our nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. The Coalition is led by the America First Policy Institute, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education.

In the coming months, events will be held as we plan to celebrate the 250th birthday of this bold and hopeful experiment known as the United States of America, and to educate our fellow citizens on the meaning of our founding documents and the extraordinary system of government our Founders have left us.

The key focus my ministry brings to this anniversary celebration of the adoption of the

Declaration of Independence is that this birth certificate of our country clearly and strongly proclaims that God is the source of our rights, that the first of those rights is life, and that government exists to secure those rights.

A proper understanding of these founding principles can only lead to one conclusion regarding abortion: governments have no authority to permit the killing of babies.

This is why the first of our activities as a member group of this Coalition is the National Prayer Service. Clergy and activists of all denominations will gather to pray for an end to abortion, for unity in the pro-life movement, to honor individuals for their outstanding work, and to praise the Lord before we march to the Supreme Court.

At this interdenominational service, Liche Ariza—who plays the role of Gedera, a Sadducee in Jerusalem and a member of the Sanhedrin in The Chosen—will be our special guest speaker. I will preach the sermon, and we will honor the memory of Charlie Kirk. For him, abortion was indeed a fundamental issue, a key passion. We spoke of it, privately and publicly, many times, and worked together to elect pro-life candidates. His message and example inspires a new generation of pro-life activists.

Co-sponsors of the National Prayer Service include the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, American Principles Project, Bott Radio Network, Thomas More Society, Human Life Alliance, The Justice Foundation, Operation Outcry, Timothy Plan, and Intercessors for America.

Please join and/or promote this event, as well as the numerous events throughout this new year for America’s 250th birthday. May our love for this country and our faithful citizenship be renewed as never before!

For more information on the prayer service, visit NationalPrayerService.com, and for more information on the educational activities for America’s 250th birthday, visit America250Civics.org.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Public Prayer is a Practice to Emulate

Sunday night’s game seven victory by the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Indiana Pacers marks the team’s first NBA Championship since relocating from Seattle back in 2008.

Devoted hoop fans will remember the Seattle Supersonics won their only championship in 1979. 

A lot has changed between then and now, of course, including the Thunder’s tradition of praying publicly before each game.

The practice actually began back in 2005 after the New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans) began playing their games in Oklahoma City in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Emotions were raw and tender and needs were great, so the team did what a lot of people do when they find themselves in a tough situation – pray!

The prayers were so well received that the newly arriving Thunder decided to continue the practice.

Dan Mahoney, who serves as the team’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, has been straightforward and unapologetic when asked about the tradition of praying at center court.

“It’s an invocation,” he said. “It’s non-denominational. For our fans it’s an opportunity to pray if they want to, to have a moment of silent reflection if they want to or it’s really for them to use that time however they want to.”

He’s added:

We feel it’s a reflection of our community. Our fans have been very receptive to it. We allow that time, and it’s just something that we’ve done since day one and our fans are very fond of it. We appreciate that opportunity.

That 30-second opportunity to reflect means that over the years, the Thunder have invited Catholics, Protestants and rabbis to pray.


Said local pastor Stefan Reed:

It not only honors God and acknowledges His authority, but also gives the rest of the league a glimpse into who we are and what we represent. I think it speaks volumes to everyone in the arena, including the other team, that our love for people is bigger than the game itself. I hope each prayer reflects our genuine care for people in a real and meaningful way.

A lot of energy and angst from radicals has been expressed over the practice of public prayer. Many individuals and groups have suggested it’s offensive, inconsiderate and unnecessarily aggressive and combative.

Respectfully done and Holy Spirit led, it’s none of those things. 

Good for the Oklahoma City Thunder for ignoring the cranks and agitators who object.

“Intercession is the truly universal work for the Christian,” reflected the late Reverend Richard Halverson, who once served as chaplain of the United States Senate. “No place is closed to intercessory prayer: no continent, no nation, no city, no organization, no office. No power on earth can keep intercession out.”

In addressing the nation this past Saturday night following the United States’ bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites, President Trump ended his remarks with something of a prayer:

I want to just say, we love you God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East, God bless Israel, and God bless America.

Whether praying before, during and after a military battle or before an NBA basketball game, the humble posture of prayer is a very good thing.

Urged the apostle Paul, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6, ESV).

Please join us in praying for the safety and security of all American personnel in harm’s way.