Q: Billboards are springing up with the slogan “Pray for America.” Politicians talk about having prayer meetings, yet political division seems at an all-time high. Is this really a viable solution for our country? — D.C.
A: Our nation was founded by people who prayed. When our government was in the process of being formed, Benjamin Franklin addressed the chairman of the Constitutional Convention meeting at Philadelphia in 1787, saying, “I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, it is probable that an empire cannot rise without His aid.”
Millions of people say prayers only in times of danger or uncertainty. Sadly, many pray to gods that have no ears to hear and no eyes to see. But prayers lifted to almighty God can alter history. What a glorious thing it would be if millions of Americans would avail themselves to the greatest form of communication — prayer to the One who hears and knows the anguish of our hearts. We have not yet learned that mankind is more powerful on his knees than behind the most powerful weapons or devices known, when prayers are directed to the Lord God.
The world is being carried on a rushing torrent of history that is sweeping out of control. There is but one power available to redeem the course of events, and that is the power of prayer by God-fearing, Christ-believing people. But we must not pray only for His direction; we must pray for His forgiveness for our willful disobedience. And then we must pray with grateful hearts for the blessings He has bestowed on the United States of America.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
FGGAM received this from Dr. Ronnie Floyd of National Day of Prayer:
Dear Friends and Fellow Americans,We must mobilize America to prayer. Never, and I mean never in my lifetime has our nation needed prayer more than today. Call upon pastors, churches, and Christian leaders in all spheres of influence in America to pray now for our nation. This is a critical time, the needs are real, and we must join together to pray for America. Will you help us mobilize people to pray for America? I trust you will.
1. ASK GOD TO BE WITH AND SOVEREIGNLY LEAD THE LEADERS OF OUR NATION AND TO BLESS OUR NATION GRACIOUSLY IN THESE TROUBLESOME DAYS.
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
God, we ask that You give President Donald Trump wisdom, courage, and compassion in all decision making in leading America, and we ask You to protect President Trump, his wife, and his entire family from all evil and harm.
God, we ask that You give Vice President Mike Pence wisdom and the needed giftedness in all decision making in assisting the President in leading America, and to protect Vice President Pence, his wife, and his entire family from all evil and harm.
God, we ask that You give our United States Senate the wisdom and courage in their decision making to serve our nation in the most effective manner that will honor You and Your Word, the advancement of faith, family, and freedom in America.
God, we ask that You give the United States House of Representatives the passion and strategy to work together in securing our nation, prospering our nation, and leading our nation for the advancement of faith, family, and freedom… leading us forward in decisions that will honor You and Your Word.
God, we ask that You surround President Trump and Vice President Pence, members of both House and Senate, as well as their Cabinet, with godly counsel from godly men and women as they together provide leadership for America.
God, we ask You to raise up godly and able men and women to run for public office locally, statewide, and nationally.
God, we ask You to protect the United States of America, including all members of our armed forces around the world, all political leaders nationally, statewide, and regionally, all of our first responders in our communities and cities, as well as all of our public places like churches, schools, and arenas where larger gatherings occur. In Jesus’ name, we ask You to restrain the power of Satan and his demonic forces against America and release Your power of blessing upon blessing on the United States of America.
2. PRAY FOR THE CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN AMERICA
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Pray for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the United States government to make decisions that will honor God and the Bible.
Pray for America’s military, its leaders, and all of its personnel to be protected by God, and for the courage to depend on God.
Pray for the members of our media in America to be life-giving truth-bearers and unity-contributors.
Pray for America’s businesses to have leaders of integrity, creators of economic blessing, and givers to the community.
Pray for the centers of education in America to be truth-centered, excellence-driven, and full of opportunities.
Pray for the churches of America to be gospel-centered in message, disciple-makers in mission, and Spirit-empowered to unity.
Pray for the families in America to return to the biblical model, reconcile with one another, and be restored to love and unity.
3. AWAKEN AMERICA SPIRITUALLY AND EMPOWER US TO REACH THE WORLD FOR JESUS CHRIST.
“When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.” Acts 4:31
Revive Your churches in America with a fresh outpouring and manifestation of the Holy Spirit this month and in the months to come.
Revive Your pastors and church leaders in the churches of America.
O Lord, give us the next Great Awakening in America. Yes, Lord, the third Great Awakening in our history.
O God, begin to show us places in America where You dwell powerfully, calling great numbers of lost people to Christ, moving us into a national move of God where millions of people come to Jesus.
Spirit of God, empower our churches to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
Give us the spiritual power to share the gospel today and this week with people. Open doors for us, Lord.
4. APPEAL TO GOD TO USE OUR 2018 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, HELD AT CROSS CHURCH PINNACLE HILLS ON OCTOBER 29-30.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
Holy Spirit, call and draw to this conference, people who are interested in praying more effectively, individually, and with others.
Lord, lead us during this prayer summit to advance a strategy of prayer across America.
Father, as people worship in this conference, please lead and use our Cross Church Worship Team and Band, as well as our Cross Church Media Team, who will service this event.
