If you have followed for awhile, you are familiar with Franklin Graham’s Decision America Tour. If you are not familiar, Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham) is on a nationwide tour to visit all 50 state capitals prior to this year’s presidential election.  His goal is to encourage Americans to exercise their faith at home, in public and at the ballot box.  With our nation in moral and ethical freefall, and with perhaps the most crucial election in American history looming, our nation needs prayer more than ever before.  (BTW – the Decision America Tour website has some new features including each party’s platform, and a place to pledge your prayer support for this effort.  Click the link above if you have not been there in a while!)

So, why focus on American elections on a website dedicated to understanding the Jewish roots of our Christian faith, standing up for Israel and longing for the return of Jesus?  Because America is in a unique position with regard to Israel.  Founded upon Christian principles, our national being is subject to the Lord’s commands.  There are many, but one is that we bless Israel (Genesis 12:3).  Likewise, that verse tells us that all the families of the earth will be blessed by the descendants of Abraham.  If America is to remain a blessed nation, we need to heed God’s commands to us regarding Israel.

With that as the backdrop, the Decision America Tour has already made stops in 38 states and is headed to the northeast this week for stops in one of the most liberal regions in our nation.  This week, the tour stops in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut and here’s some guidelines to help you pray effectively.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016: Boston, Massachusetts

• 67% of Massachusetts residents pray to God.
• 47% believe that the Bible has accurate principles.
• 44% agree that Christians have a responsibility to evangelize.

“Gracious Father, we are so very thankful for these positive statistics.  However, we know that Massachusetts often provides some of the most liberal policies of any state, many which defy Your moral standards given in Your Word.  Therefore, while we rejoice with the 67% who pray, we ask, Lord, that You would direct their prayers and that they will be faithful to Your guidance.  We pray that all believers in Massachusetts will be deeply grounded in Your Word and will live their lives faithfully following the accurate principles of Scripture that many profess to believe.  Father, please embolden the 44% who believe it is their responsibility as Christians to evangelize.  May they find the fields ripe for harvest, and may they harvest in joy.  Nothing would thrill our hearts more, Lord Jesus, than for You to light revival fire in Massachusetts and set it ablaze throughout our land. Send Your Holy Spirit, we pray!”

Wednesday, August 31, 2016: Providence, Rhode Island

• Nearly 40% of Rhode Island’s population are unchurched.
• 3 out of 4 residents said they pray to God regularly.
• Only 1 in 4 residents said they read the Bible regularly.
• In 2009, twice as many people died from drug-related incidents as from car accidents.

“Lord God of Heaven, we know You hear the prayers of Your people, and are prayers today are lifted up for Rhode Island.  Powerful things often come in small packages, so we ask You to make this tiny state like dynamite for the sake of the Gospel.  For the many who are unchurched, we pray they will find a need to fellowship around God’s Word with other believers who are committed to Your truth. May part of their gathering be to pray in unison to You.  Use the 75% who pray to lead that charge.  Increase their hunger and thirst for Your Word, and draw those who turn to drugs to seek the love and acceptance they desire in the most loving and accepting source ever known: You, Lord Jesus. We love our smaller states and we pray, O God, that You would choose them and they would choose You to be the spark that lights revival fires in our nation.”

Thursday, September 1, 2016: Hartford, Connecticut

• More than 1 in 10 committed Christians are not registered to vote.
• The state has one of the lowest percentages of people who say they have a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.
• Almost 1 in 4 reported they are atheists, agnostic or of no faith.

“Heavenly Father, our hearts grieve at the lack of commitment and faith in Jesus Christ in Connecticut and elsewhere.  We plead, gracious Lord, that Your mercy and love will somehow permeate the hearts and minds of all who need You so desperately.   We all do.  But our prayers today, Lord, are for the dear people of Connecticut.  With so few committed Christians there, we pray that every Christian will not only vote, but will also shine Your light in a dark place.  Connecticut is in need of revival in a big way and we pray that the Holy Spirit will move in that state as never before.  We pray that those who profess no faith in Jesus will come to see their need, and will know there is no other solution.  We don’t lose hope, Lord, because You are our Hope!  May the people of Connecticut invite the Hope to inhabit their state.”