Next week, millions of Christians across the U.S. will gather in groups to take part in the National Day of Prayer.
Prayers will be given for our nation, for our government, our leaders and for those who serve our communities, our states and our country. Those prayers will be offered in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14, which states:
“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (MEV).
But in another corner of the world, and in the same spirit, there is a nation that wants the world to pray for Americans.
Beginning Saturday—which is National Day of Repentance in the U.S.—and continuing up to and through Thursday—which is National Day of Prayer in the U.S.—Christians in Australia have asked their brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world to pray for America. This will be the fourth year Warwick Marsh of Australian Heart Ministries has made the call to prayer for America from Down Under.
“Right now, the USA is in a spiritual battle for its very survival as a nation under God,” he said. “Secular forces have taken prayer out of school and progressively waged war against family, faith and religious freedom. It is time for Australia and the people of the world to join with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the USA in this battle for their nation.
“We are praying for revival and transformation for America according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. We in Australia are grateful for the protection that America gave Australia during World War II. American blood was poured out in the Coral Sea for Australians. It is time for us to return the favor and get on our knees and pray for America. It is time for us to call the nations of the world to stand in the gap in prayer for America.
“Often the prayer part of God’s army is likened to the air arm aspect of modern warfare. The Battle of the Coral Sea was fought and won in the air. We believe the battle for both Australia and America will be fought and won on our knees.”
The Battle of the Coral Sea was a decisive naval victory for the U.S. in the South Pacific during World War II that is often called the turning point of America’s battle with Japan. Australians celebrate it as a victory that saved their nation from Japanese occupation.
The 64th anniversary of that battle begins next week, as well.
