[2] The Task Force's theme for the 2013 Annual Observance was "Pray for America" and is based on the Biblical reference in Matthew 12:21, which states, "In his name the nations will put their hope.
"[6] The NDP Task Force's current "vision", according to their website, is "to mobilize and encourage personal and corporate prayer, regardless of current issues and positions; preserve America's Christian heritage and defend the religious freedoms granted by the Constitution; emphasize prayer for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family; foster unity within the Christian Church".
Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush each held only one NDP Task Force-coordinated religious ceremony on a National Day of Prayer during their tenures.
Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama held informal prayer meetings but did not participate in NDP Task Force events.
Critics have charged that the NDP Task Force used its political power to "hijack" the National Day of Prayer to exclude all faiths except traditional Christians, and that this violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S.