The National Day of Prayer, observed annually on the first Thursday of May, has deep Christian roots that trace back to the Continental Congress, which played a key role in its early history. In 1775, during the American Revolution, the Continental Congress called for a day of prayer to seek God’s guidance for the new nation, reflecting the strong Christian influence of the time. This tradition continued, and in 1952, inspired by Christian leaders like Billy Graham, Congress formally established the National Day of Prayer, with President Harry Truman signing it into law. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed an amendment to the law, permanently setting the date as the first Thursday of May. This day invites Christians and others to pray for the nation, its leaders, and its communities, fostering unity and hope.
On this day, Christians are also called to pray for the 574 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States, many of whom have embraced Christianity through historical missions and conversions. With their sovereignty recognized by the U.S. government, these tribes freely practice their Christian faith. Native American Christians can lead prayers for their tribal nations, asking for God’s healing, for tribal members to be born again, and for believers to be raised up as laborers in the harvest to share the Gospel. Christians nationwide should join in, praying for the tribes as vital parts of America, seeking spiritual renewal and strength while respecting their sovereign status. This reflects the Christian values of love and service championed since the days of the Continental Congress.
The top ten states with the most federally recognized tribes highlight the diversity of Native On the National Day of Prayer, Christians should pray specifically for these tribes, asking God to empower Native American believers as witnesses in their communities and across the nation. This aligns with the day’s historical call, from the Continental Congress to the 1988 law, to seek divine guidance for all people in America.
Below is a list of the top ten U.S. states with the most federally recognized Native American tribes.
Alaska
Number of Tribes: 228
Most Populous Tribe: Tlingit (Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes)
Census Numbers: Approximately 22,601 (Alaska Native alone or in combination, 2020 Census)
Note: Alaska has the highest number of federally recognized tribes, largely Alaska Native villages and entities. Tlingit is the largest group by self-identification.
Oklahoma
Number of Tribes: 39
Most Populous Tribe: Cherokee Nation
Census Numbers: Approximately 248,773 (Cherokee alone or in combination, 2020 Census)
Note: Oklahoma has a significant Native population due to historical relocations, with Cherokee being the largest tribe nationally.
Arizona
Number of Tribes: 22
Most Populous Tribe: Navajo Nation
Census Numbers: Approximately 148,913 (Navajo alone, 2020 Census, primarily in Arizona)
Note: Navajo Nation is the largest tribe (territorially) in the U.S., with significant presence in Arizona.
Michigan
Number of Tribes: 12
Most Populous Tribe: Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
Census Numbers: Approximately 3,500 (enrollment estimate, tribal sources, as 2020 Census data is limited)
Note: Michigan’s tribes are mostly Ojibwe (Chippewa), with Saginaw Chippewa being the largest.
Oregon
Number of Tribes: 9
Most Populous Tribe: Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation
Census Numbers: Approximately 4,000 (enrollment estimate, tribal sources, as 2020 Census data is limited)
Note: Oregon’s tribes are diverse, with Warm Springs having a significant population.
California
Number of Tribes: 109
Most Populous Tribe: Yurok Tribe
Census Numbers: Approximately 6,783 (self-identified, 2022 American Community Survey)
Note: California’s high number reflects many small rancherias and bands, with Yurok being the largest by enrollment and self-identification.
Washington
Number of Tribes: 29
Most Populous Tribe: Lummi Tribe of the Lummi Reservation
Census Numbers: Approximately 5,300 (enrollment estimate, tribal sources, as specific 2020 Census data is limited)
Note: Washington’s tribes are active in treaty rights, with Lummi being prominent in the northwest.
New Mexico
Number of Tribes: 19
Most Populous Tribe: Navajo Nation
Census Numbers: Approximately 30,000 (Navajo in New Mexico, 2020 Census estimate)
Note: New Mexico includes Pueblos and Apache tribes, but Navajo is the most populous.
Montana
Number of Tribes: 12
Most Populous Tribe: Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation
Census Numbers: Approximately 10,559 (Blackfeet alone, 2020 Census)
Note: Montana’s tribes include large reservations, with Blackfeet being the most populous.
Wisconsin
Number of Tribes: 11
Most Populous Tribe: Oneida Nation
Census Numbers: Approximately 16,500 (enrollment estimate, tribal sources, as 2020 Census data is limited)
Note: Wisconsin’s tribes are primarily Ojibwe and Oneida, with Oneida being the largest.