By Hunter Hines
Christian Action League
September 2, 2016
He was at the Boston Commons in Massachusetts on Tuesday, then the Capitol steps in Rhode Island on Wednesday, then next to the Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut on Thursday. In an effort to lead a wayward nation back to God, North Carolina native, Franklin Graham, is leading “Decision America Tour” prayer rallies to all 50 states.
The tour led by Graham, the son of renowned evangelist Dr. Billy Graham, challenges Christians to pray for America and its leaders. It’s based on 2 Chronicles 7:14, which records God’s promise, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Graham calls on the Christians who attend by the thousands to repent of their sins, to take a stand for righteousness, and to live out their faith at home and in public life.
In a couple of different Facebook posts, Graham recently said, “Some people say to me, ‘Franklin, it’s too late for America.’ Oh really? It’s not too late if we pray. It’s not too late if God gives us favor.’”
“Prayer makes a difference—as we call out to God on behalf of our country, I know that He hears. The Bible tells us, ‘The Lord was moved by prayer for the land” (2 Samuel 24:25)’” he added.
Also a focus of the tour is challenging followers of Christ to engage the culture with Christian principle. Graham urges them to get involved in politics and vote.
LifeZette reported the following on the tour as it stopped in Boston:
“‘We are going to have to meet our political responsibilities as Christians,’ my father once said, Graham intoned. ‘Today, we need men and women of God at all levels of government. We are being stripped right now of our biblical heritage.’
“Graham said Christians can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines. ‘It’s the duty of Christian men and women to offer themselves for public office,’ he exhorted the crowd. ‘There are many places where Christians could get the vote and win – if only they offered themselves up [as candidates].’
“Graham also said that a stunning 20-30 million evangelical Christians sat out the last national election.
“He spoke about the youth of today and the moral and spiritual perils they routinely face. ‘Sexually graphic reading material is now in schools and they say, ‘Well, this will expand the minds of the children. Well, no, it won’t,’ asserted Graham. ‘We need Christians on school boards to say, ‘We’re not going to let that garbage in here anymore.’
“After the rally, Graham reiterated to LifeZette his concerns for America’s kids. ‘Millennials have a whole different view of the United States. They’ve taken God out of our schools, our history, our textbooks – and it scares me.’”
Dr. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, said the “Decision America Tour” is possibly the most important work of ministry taking place in our country today. “We desperately need a great spiritual awakening to sweep across America, resulting in thousands upon thousands of people turning to Christ. But I’m convinced that isn’t likely to happen until the people of God turn from their wicked ways,” he said.
“According to Barna Research if only 10% more of evangelicals had voted in the last election President Obama wouldn’t have been elected to a second term – something that has been devastating for America,” said Creech. “I suggest that God has made his church, his own people, the great stewards of the sacred gift of liberty, and look what we’ve done with it. We won’t even vote! What a terrible sin!”
Graham has already been to 41 states. In the coming weeks, Decision America Tour prayer rallies will be held in Dover, Delaware, September 13, Trenton, New Jersey, September 14, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, September 15, Lansing, Michigan, October 4, Indianapolis, Indiana, October 5, Columbus, Ohio, October 6, Annapolis, Maryland, October 11, and Richmond, Virginia, October 12.
The tour will end in Raleigh, North Carolina, October 13.
Dr. Creech said churches and pastors need to start planning now to participate in the prayer rally coming to Raleigh, which will be held on the south side of the lawn at the capitol building. He added that Graham doesn’t endorse candidates for office at the prayer rallies. “Neither is it an event for candidates to stump for election,” he added. “So pastors and other key lay persons at churches need not be apprehensive about participating.”
Here are some suggestions for preparation for the prayer rally planned for Raleigh:
To get the 30 Day Prayer Calendar for North Carolina, click here
To download and share an invitation with your friends and family via social media or email, click here
To volunteer to help with the Raleigh event, click here
For additional ways to take action, click here
Franklin Graham is head of both Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Samaritan’s Purse is a ministry that addresses the needs of the poor and destitute on a global scale. As an evangelist for the Billy Graham Association he has proclaimed the Gospel of Christ around the world.
