National Day of Prayer to be recognized on May 6 in DeSoto This year’s theme focuses on love, life and liberty, according to the organization. The City of DeSoto's Jim Baugh Government Center is pictured in DeSoto Town Center in DeSoto, Texas, Wednesday, June 24, 2020.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer) 9:17 AM on Apr 30, 2021 CDT Mayor Rachel Proctor and the DeSoto Pastors Coalition will recognize the 70th annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m. The first Thursday in May is traditionally designated every year as a National Day of Prayer in a proclamation by the president. While it dates back to colonial times, the day was formalized in 1952 and is set aside as a day for people to pray and meditate in churches and individually.