In America, television channels are filled with political advertisements,
debates, as well as arguments and attacks. This is a high-stakes election, but the stakes go
beyond electing the president, senators, representatives, and judges. In many states voters will decide on issues that go to the moral fabric of America. For
example, on the Washington state ballot, there is a referendum for voters to retain or overturn the legalization of gay marriage—a measure passed by the Washington-state
legislature months ago. In other states, voters will decide whether or not to
legalize the use of marijuana. At every turn, America’s longstanding moral and
ethical cornerstones seem to be crumbling. The upcoming election simply shines a spotlight on
continuing economic corruption and uncontrolled spending, immorality, secular
humanism, and attacks on religious freedom.
My Heart Aches for America
Billy Graham, the great evangelist, wrote a letter July
(2012) decrying the downward spiral of America. The letter titled, My Heart Aches for America,
compares modern-day America with Sodom and Gomorrah and Nineveh. Dr. Graham
says, “Yet the farther we get from God, the more the world spirals out of
control."
Dr. Graham continues by writing, "My heart aches for
American and its deceived people. The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God
of mercy, and He responds to repentance. In Jonah’s day, Nineveh was the lone
world superpower—wealthy, unconcerned, and self-centered. When the Prophet
Jonah finally traveled to Nineveh and proclaimed God’s warning, people heard it
and repented.
"I believe the same thing can happen once again, this time
in our nation."
Dr. Graham, his son Franklin Graham, and the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association (BGEA), have launched prayer and witnessing outreach
programs that are currently underway. Dubbed My Hope with Billy Graham,
this grass-roots initiative begins with prayer and training so that by November
2013, Christians across the United States and Canada are prepared to help bring the unsaved
to Christ.
For those who sign up to participate, they identify and begin praying for friends and family. Then the friends
and family are invited into homes where they watch a special program with
messages from Dr. Graham. The hosts share how they found Jesus Christ and how
He changed their life. And finally, friends and family are invited to accept Jesus
as their Savior. The timeline for the initiative is detailed on the My Hope Web site. You can sign up as an individual, or churches can sign up.
Participants are trained and have access to resources. The initiative culminates
the week of Nov. 7, 2013, to coincide with Dr. Graham’s 95th birthday.
Pray for Our Nation
In the shorter term, BGEA and other organizations have
called Christians to nationwide prayer in advance of the upcoming elections. This
call to prayer rests on the promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV), "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."
To join in prayer for healing of America, go to the Pray for Our Nation in 2012 Web site.
Let's Join Together Across the World in Prayer
America is not alone in facing moral decline. Now is the time for prayer regardless of where you live. Although the Billy Graham initiative focuses on America, you can get together with your brothers and sisters in Christ and pray for your country. Together, let’s pray for worldwide revival.
Right now, satan must be a happy man. The very principles
that guided America to greatness are in danger of being discarded as antiquated
thinking. But God is the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His thinking,
His commands will never be antiquated. When men and women of the world choose to
ignore Him and what He has already judged to be sinful and abominable, then we
can expect the blessing of the Lord to be lifted from us.
As for me, I pray that this nation and
the nations of the world will repent and turn or return to the Lord. Please join me in that prayer.
