Is praying a viable solution for America?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Billboards are springing up with the slogan "Pray for America." Politicians talk about having prayer meetings, yet political division seems at an all-time high. Is this really a viable solution for our country? -- D.C.
A: Our nation was founded by people who prayed. When our government was in the process of being formed, Benjamin Franklin addressed the chairman of the Constitutional Convention meeting at Philadelphia in 1787, saying, "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 men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, it is probable that an empire cannot rise without His aid."
Millions of people say prayers only in times of danger or uncertainty. Sadly, many pray to gods that have no ears to hear and no eyes to see. But prayers lifted to almighty God can alter history. What a glorious thing it would be if millions of Americans would avail themselves to the greatest form of communication -- prayer to the One who hears and knows the anguish of our hearts. We have not yet learned that mankind is more powerful on his knees than behind the most powerful weapons or devices known, when prayers are directed to the Lord God.
The world is being carried on a rushing torrent of history that is sweeping out of control. There is but one power available to redeem the course of events, and that is the power of prayer by God-fearing, Christ-believing people. But we must not pray only for His direction; we must pray for His forgiveness for our willful disobedience. And then we must pray with grateful hearts for the blessings He has bestowed on the United States of America.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
