On May 6, National Day of Prayer, Franklin Graham will help lead us in praying for our nation.
As the 2010 Honorary Chairman of this event, he explains why our country needs prayer and how we, as followers of Christ, can help bring healing to our land.
“When Shirley Dobson asked me to do this, I was honored. On that day (May 6), we will focus our prayers toward our nation and our nation’s leaders,” said Franklin Graham. “God commands us to pray for those in authority, and the Bible teaches that all authority is given by Him.”
Regardless of party affiliation, Graham says it’s time to stop tearing one another apart. He also urges all followers of Christ to intercede on behalf of our great nation. “We need civility, and we need God’s help. Without God’s help, our nation will not stand.”
While any people disagree with the way our nation is being managed, Graham believes the next election is not the answer to our nation’s problems. “We need to be praying now. God can change the hearts of our leaders. Nothing is too hard for Him. Whether you agree or disagree with our president or a particular political party, respect that God put them there for this season. Pray that God would guide them and direct them according to His will and purpose.”
To accomplish this, he says that we must pray in the name of Jesus, just as the Bible instructs. “He shed his blood, died on the cross, and was buried for our sins. Now, He is alive and sits at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. We have access to go directly before the throne of grace, taking our petitions directly before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
On May 6, people from all over they nation will join together in churches as well as other public places, praying for our nation and those in authority over us. Graham urges everyone to participate in this day of prayer.
“Visit the National Day of Prayer Web site, find out where people are praying and join them. I’ll be in Washington, come up there if you want,” he said. “But, wherever you are, please participate in corporate prayer and pray for our nation.”
“I want to see our nation humble herself, confess sin before God, and ask for His forgiveness. If we, as a nation, did that, we would see healing come to our country.”
*The National Day of Prayer was signed into law as a national observance in 1952 by President Harry Truman. Since then, Americans from multiple backgrounds have been overcoming differences to join together and pray for our nation.
