National Day of prayer to focus on a cry for healing in America

PLANO, Texas (Christian Examiner)-- A nation joined in prayer that God might "Hear our Cry" is the goal behind the 64th annual National Day of Prayer planned for May 7 in Washington, D.C., to be led by former Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham.

Emphasizing the power of prayer to strengthen a nation, Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, issued a call to all Christians saying, "Kingdoms and nations throughout all history have risen and fallen on prayer."

In an informational video about the annual event, Graham highlighted God as supreme ruler to make clear the impact of a unified petition of prayer to the One who reigns above all authorities.

"God's one and only kingdom that rules over all others—and, amazingly, prayer connects us—gives us a welcome audience with almighty God the one true God who reigns over every ruler authority and nation," Graham said.

He was selected as honorary chairman of the 2015 event by National Day of Prayer Task Force leader Shirley Dobson in October 2014.

Dobson told The Christian Post the event served to call "our great nation to repentance and prayer" and invited all "Christians to cry out together" on May 7 to ask God "to bring us spiritual awakening in America."

Each year since 1952, Americans have been invited to join the prayer observance on the first Thursday of May. National Day of Prayer is described as having "great significance for us as a nation as it enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions," according to the official website.

During a time when religious freedoms and claims of racism and discrimination divide the nation, Graham's prayer is one that petitions for healing throughout the nation.

"More than anything, in this desperate hour, may our hearts cry out to God for the healing of our nation's spiritual brokenness," Graham said. "May Jesus be exalted and may God's people be awakened to a new obedience to fulfill the Great Commission."

People of all faiths are invited to pray for the nation and together read Graham's prepared prayer simultaneously at noon Eastern Daylight Time on May 7.

Graham's prayer to be read simultaneously across the nation:

Heavenly Father,

We come to You in the Name that is above every name — Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You. Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God — the One we trust in times like these — we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.

We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word. We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.

Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.

We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You. Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope. Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.

We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.

In Jesus' name, our Savior. Amen.