Politics & Government

A Call to Prayer for America

Sen. Bill Heath shares his thoughts as Americans across the nation gather to celebrate the 62nd Annual National Day of Prayer.

On May 2, Americans across the nation will gather to celebrate the 62nd Annual National Day of Prayer. This year’s theme is “Pray for America” and based on Matthew 12:21, “In His name, the nations shall put their hope.”

Not unlike the Israelites’ miraculous exodus out of Egypt, America’s Judeo-Christian founding was nothing short of a miracle. Instead of crossing over the Red Sea, these men and women journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean to escape religious persecution.  After years of searching and praying for deliverance from their oppressors, both the Israelites and early Puritans reached their “Promised Land.”

Shortly after our nation’s founding, the Continental Congress met to discuss plans for our nation’s seal. Several of the founders drew sketches to present before the design committee, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Every sketch contained biblical undertones, including Benjamin Franklin’s rendering of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea to escape Pharaoh’s armies. Thomas Jefferson designed a similar seal depicting the Israelites being led out of Egypt with a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. Although these seals were not ultimately chosen, it is evident that the early founding fathers held a conviction that the same God who led the Israelites out of Egypt also delivered them out of bondage.

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But it could not have been done without prayer. Our founders understood this concept and built an entire nation according to biblical principles and precepts. During the Constitutional Convention of 1797, Benjamin Franklin arose to call the convention to prayer for wisdom over their proceedings. He said, "In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor....And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?"

"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 man.' And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.  I firmly believe this."

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In this unprecedented hour in our nation’s history, we certainly need God to  intervene in the affairs of man. The evil permeating this world is unlike anything we’ve ever seen; cities are coming to a standstill as bombers run loose in our neighborhoods, nations are threatening nuclear war, and we are increasingly becoming at risk for technological, biological, and chemical warfare. With this kind of evil lurking on our doorstep, prayer is our only hope.

2 Chronicles 7: 14 says, “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.”

Our land desperately needs healing. Evil once again reared its head like a serpent hiding in the bushes as many lost their lives and limbs to an act of terrorism in Boston, Massachusetts. But, if there is anything we do well as Americans, it is our ability to come together during times of crisis. Similar to when terrorism struck the Twin Towers, which shook the very foundation of New York on September 11, 2001, our nation once again knelt down on our knees to plead for God’s mercy and healing for those affected by these horrendous acts of violence. Even in the midst of such deep sorrow, God reminds us to hope and reassures us that even though we walk through perilous times, He is with us.

Since our nation’s founding, America has stood as a beacon of hope to the world. Nowhere else in the world are you able to worship freely, without fear of persecution or imprisonment. But, do we still remember the God of our forefathers? Are our freedoms and convictions slowly beginning to fade away in the name of political correctness? We used to allow our children to pray in schools and read the Bible without fear of retaliation. Now, kids risk expulsion or disciplinary actions for sharing their faith or even praying on school grounds. It used to be that we’d just agree to disagree and have respectful dialogue in the public square, but this day and age, it’s considered hatred.

While President Abraham Lincoln was preparing his troops for battle, he was quoted as saying, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.”

Nearly 237 years after our nation’s founding, we must ask ourselves the same question, “Are we on God’s side?” Is our nation holding firm to the foundational precepts found in the Bible or has the removal of everything pertaining to God in the public sphere significantly contributed to the moral decay of our nation?

As we continue to head into the uncharted waters of the future, what will we choose? Will we cry out to God only during times of great tragedy or plead for his guidance and direction each day to restore our nation as “one nation under God?” How now shall we pray?

Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen

Sen. Bill Heath serves as Chairman of the Government Oversight Committee. He represents the 31st Senate District which consists of Haralson and Polk counties and portions of Paulding County. He may be reached at 404-656-3943 or by email at billheath@billheath.net.

 


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