Welcome back, prayer warriors!  As we head toward potentially contentious Republican and Democratic conventions, our country needs our prayers more than ever.  We are headed down a slippery slope and we can only pray that this year’s conventions do not turn into a worldwide spectacle that further degrades America’s credibility.

That’s why we have jumped on board Franklin Graham’s Decision America Tour, praying for every state in the Union as Franklin travels to each capital to exhort believers to live out their faith at home, in public, and at the ballot box.  If you are unfamiliar with the tour, check out the website, and particularly the praise reports.  If the tour has not made a stop in your state, why not organize a group to gather in prayer when the tour arrives?  If the tour has come and gone from your state, will you please join those of us across America who are praying for revival in every single state?

Tuesday, June 14, 2016: Springfield, Illinois

• 43% of Illinoisans consider themselves practicing Christians.
• Only 26% of the population strongly agree that evangelism is necessary.
• 36% read God’s Word each week.
• US presidents who have called Illinois home include Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S Grant, and Barack Obama.  Ronald Reagan was born and raised in Illinois before moving to California.

“Father God, thank You for American leaders who have hailed from Illinois.  You have blessed America throughout the ages and we acknowledge Your hand of provision and blessing.  However, our leaders have turned astray, as have the people of America.  Lord, forgive us as a nation for turning our backs on Your goodness and Your presence.  While we thank You for the 43% who claim to follow You and the 36% who claim to read Your Word faithfully, we know that not all are what they seem.  We pray You will light the revival fire in Illinois and draw these people, and others, to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Father, bring us all back to the basics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and embolden us to share it.  We need a Great Awakening, and we pray it will start in Illinois.”

Wednesday, June 15, 2016: Madison, Wisconsin

• 8% of Wisconsinites are atheist or agnostic.
• 1/3 of residents have not been to church in 6 months.
• Only 1/3 have read the Bible in the last week.

“Lord of heavens armies, we plead Your power over the state of Wisconsin.  We all need Your mercy and the power of the Holy Spirit to live righteously.  O Lord, our prayers rise for those who deny You and those who refuse to consider Your presence.  Reveal Yourself in unimaginable ways, draw Wisconsinites to fellowship with other believers, and cause them to hunger and thirst for Your Word.  Father, our entire nation suffers the same deficits and our prayer is that You will use Wisconsin to turn the tide.”

Thursday, June 16, 2016: St Paul, Minnesota

• While 84% call themselves Christians, only 25% attend church, read their Bible, or pray in a given week.
• At least 25 violent gangs operate on the streets of cities across Minnesota.
• More than 63,000 residents sought help through domestic violence programs in 2014.

“Compared to Your righteousness, O God, our nation dramatically lacks.  We all fall short, and we are all in need of Your grace and mercy.  We pray today for the 84% who claim to be Christians, yet have little or no fruit on the tree.  Father, we know we cannot grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ without spending time in Your Word, with Your people, and in prayer with You.  O Lord, draw us to You…and may we not resist Your drawing.  Holy God, we pray also for those who face domestic violence, and for those involved (or are impacted) by violent gangs.  Violence is growing so rampant in our world, and we are becoming incredibly desensitized to it.  Lord, wake us up!  Cause believers everywhere to stand up for what is right and righteous.  Bring us to repentance so that we might follow hard after You.  Have mercy on us, O God!”