National Day of Praise and Worship
September 26
About National Day of Praise and Worship
National Day of Praise and Worship takes place on 26 September each year, and in 2026 it falls on Saturday, 26 September. Observed largely across the United States, it is a day set aside for Christians to express gratitude and devotion to God through song, music, art and prayer. The day celebrates worship in all its forms, from gospel choirs and contemporary praise bands to quiet personal reflection.
The Story Behind National Day of Praise and Worship
The modern observance of National Day of Praise and Worship was established in 2020 by Derrick Wallace, who wanted to create a dedicated moment in the calendar for believers to come together and honour God through praise. While the day itself is recent, the practice it celebrates stretches back through centuries of Christian tradition and, before that, to the psalms of the Hebrew scriptures, many of which are themselves songs of praise.
The roots of the kind of worship music celebrated on this day can be traced through several important movements. In the 1950s, the Taizé Community in France began drawing young people from many different denominations to its services, helping to popularise simple, repetitive sung prayer that crossed church boundaries. The contemporary praise and worship genre took further shape in 1966, when the Jubilate Group in Britain issued Youth Praise, one of the first and most influential collections of modern praise songs aimed at a younger generation.
By the early 1990s, contemporary worship music had become a fixture in churches across the English-speaking world. Over the following decades, organisations such as Vineyard Music, Hillsong Worship and Bethel Music carried this style to congregations around the globe, shaping the sound of Sunday mornings for millions. National Day of Praise and Worship sits within this long and evolving story, giving people a fixed point each September to reflect on how worship has changed and what it continues to mean.
When and Where is National Day of Praise and Worship Celebrated?
National Day of Praise and Worship is held on 26 September every year. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday, which gives churches and worship groups the chance to organise gatherings, concerts and services over the weekend. The observance is most widely recognised in the United States, where it began, though the universal nature of worship means people of faith anywhere in the world can take part. Because it falls on a fixed date, the day does not move from year to year, making it easy to plan around.
Traditions and Customs
Worship takes many forms, and the customs of the day reflect that variety. Common ways the occasion is marked include:
- Singing worship songs – Whether in a packed church, a small home group or alone, raising the voice in song remains the most familiar expression of praise.
- Playing instruments – Musicians use guitars, pianos, drums and more to lead congregations, and many treat the day as an opportunity to share their gift.
- Listening to gospel and praise music – Filling the home, car or workplace with worship music allows people to mark the day even amid a busy schedule.
- Creative and visual worship – Some express devotion through painting, dance or theatrical performance, recognising that worship reaches beyond music alone.
- Quiet reflection and prayer – For many, the heart of the day is personal. Worship is understood not only as a public act but as the surrender of daily life to God.
Ways to Celebrate National Day of Praise and Worship
There are many simple ways to take part, whatever your background or musical ability:
- Attend a worship service or concert – Look for a local church, festival or worship night taking place over the weekend and join the gathering.
- Build a praise playlist – Gather your favourite worship and gospel tracks and share the list with friends and family to spread the spirit of the day.
- Host a worship evening at home – Invite others round for an informal time of singing, music and prayer, no stage or band required.
- Learn a new worship song – Pick up an instrument or simply learn the words to a song you have always admired.
- Support worship musicians – Buy an album, attend a gig or encourage the music team at your own church, many of whom volunteer their time.
- Read about the history of worship – Explore how praise music has developed, from the psalms to the present day, and deepen your appreciation of the tradition.
If you enjoy days that celebrate the power of music, you might also like World Music Day, which honours music of every genre and the joy it brings to communities around the world.
Facts and Figures
- National Day of Praise and Worship was established in 2020 by Derrick Wallace.
- The day is observed annually on the fixed date of 26 September.
- The Taizé Community in France helped popularise cross-denominational sung worship from the 1950s onwards.
- Youth Praise, issued by the Jubilate Group in 1966, was one of the earliest major collections of modern praise songs.
- Vineyard Music, Hillsong Worship and Bethel Music are among the organisations that have spread contemporary worship music worldwide over the past quarter-century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Day of Praise and Worship?
It is an annual day, observed mainly in the United States, on which Christians honour God through song, music, art and prayer. It celebrates worship in every form, from large congregational gatherings to quiet personal devotion.
When is National Day of Praise and Worship in 2026?
It takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The date is fixed and does not change from year to year.
Who started National Day of Praise and Worship?
The day was established in 2020 by Derrick Wallace, who wanted to set aside a regular occasion for believers to come together and give thanks through praise.
Spread the Word
Share National Day of Praise and Worship with your community using #NationalDayOfPraiseAndWorship and #PraiseAndWorship2026. Whether you mark the occasion with a worship night, a shared playlist or a moment of quiet thanks, every bit of awareness helps keep this tradition alive.
Related Awareness Days
- World Music Day – A global celebration of music in all its forms, sharing the same spirit of joy and expression found in worship.
- Feast of St. Anthony – A long-standing religious observance rich in faith, devotion and community tradition.
- National Day of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Another day devoted to the cultural power of music, celebrating a genre that has shaped generations.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
