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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: I’ve been asked to head up a delegation to go to the National Day of Prayer this spring. I respect people who want to pray to God for help in this messed up world, but does it really help? It seems like each year our nation becomes more deeply wicked and kicks God out while the devil’s ways are glorified. Do these prayer rallies really make a difference? – P.P.

 

Dear P.P.: Looking around at all the evil that happens today, we may find ourselves wondering if some people must have been born without a conscience! But the Bible teaches that God has placed within every human being some sense of right and wrong.

We can, however, ignore the voice of our conscience, and over time we can become so hardened by sin that we almost can’t hear its voice. In fact, some people lose almost all sense of right and wrong – and when that happens the results are always tragic.

But this should not keep Christians from taking a stand for what is right and not letting evil go unchallenged. But most of all we need to pray. Many people will celebrate an annual day of prayer, praying especially for our world and its leaders – its politicians, trendsetters, media powers, athletes, and others in a position of influence. Pray that they may use their influence for good and not for evil. Remember: God is sovereign and is still at work, and He alone is our hope for a better world – and He hears our prayers. We may not think prayer changes things, but things happen in unseen places when we pray. Prayer isn’t the last resort; it should always be our first line of defense. God’s people are never powerless when we choose to be people of prayer.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)