In 2005, Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA) gathered a small group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives to pray for our nation in Room 219 of the U.S. Capitol. This bipartisan and bicameral group of Congressional members continue to meet for 30 minutes before session every week to pray for God’s Divine wisdom and intervention in our governmental affairs. They passionately believe that through trust in God, humble prayer and strategic action, we can preserve our Judeo Christian nation and protect our religious liberties.
In the same year, members of the 219 Prayer Group, led by Congressman Forbes, formed the Congressional Prayer Caucus – an official caucus of the U.S. Congress – to boldly acknowledge the important roles that faith in God and prayer play in American life and history. These public servants stand as faithful sentinels to guard the right of individuals in America to publicly pray and express their faith in God.
On November 18, 2005, dozens of Caucus members stood on the steps of our nation’s Capitol and issued a formal “Call to Prayer for America” – a call to “pray without ceasing” for God to heal our land (1 Thess. 5:17 and 2 Chron. 7:14).
The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. was established later in 2005 to work alongside the members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus in order to build a network of like-minded government leaders who are committed to prayer and action.