Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), has requested that churches across America pray for the nation today. Graham has reacted strongly to the death of George Floyd, a man who died in police custody, and the ensuing violent protests that have erupted nationwide.
He shared the following in a Facebook post on Saturday:
A CALL TO PRAYER:
As Christians, the greatest weapon and the most powerful defense we have is prayer. Our country needs prayer in a critical way.
Tomorrow is Sunday, and I’m asking churches to have a special time of intercession for our nation in their Sunday morning services, whether in person or online. Will you pray, and will you share this with your pastor?
We need to pray for PEACE, because “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Pray for PERSPECTIVE, because “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
Pray for PATIENCE, because of God’s “kindness and forbearance and patience” toward us all (Romans 2:4). And pray for an OUTPOURING of His wisdom and direction for our leaders and officials who are dealing with this crisis. Ask God to change hearts and heal this divide in our nation.
The BGEA has a dozen crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team serving on the ground in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Floyd died on Monday. They’ve witnessed local church leaders crying out to God for help.
Franklin Graham’s sister, Anne Graham Lotz, is also encouraging others to join in prayer, specifically women. She’s organized a one-hour prayer event called “Turn to Jesus: Calling Women to Pray,” beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
Worried about all that’s going on in the nation? Call the BGEA Prayer Line to pray with someone: 1-888-388-2683.
Have you given your life to God? Know Him today.
