by Vonette Bright
Never before in the history of our nation has the question of our survival been so uncertain. The open assault on our faith is unprecedented. We can identify many sources where we can place blame for our current decline; however, I must agree with my dear husband’s evaluation that the cause is truly disheartening. We have fallen to new moral lows in America because of the absence of a reasonable and clearly presented defense of our faith by the Body of Christ. As Christians, we have failed to know what we believe, why we believe it, what our rights are under the law, and how to stand our ground against the enemies of Jesus Christ and His Church.
If we are to honestly assess the conditions in our society that have led to the current crisis in our social and cultural institutions, then we must begin with the Church. Peter wrote, “The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.” (1 Peter 4:17)I believe the reason our culture is in an advanced state of decay is largely because the followers of Christ have retreated from their responsibilities to society. Whether secular society recognizes it or not, the Christian Church exerts a major influence on national culture. Whenever the Church has been strong and passionate in its allegiance to Christ, the nation has flourished.
History confirms that wonderful things happen when the Church fasts and prays. My dear husband Bill knew the power of prayer and stated it so well:
History records no significant movement of the Spirit of God that has not been preceded by a very strong prayer emphasis. And rightly so, because the omnipotent God has chosen to communicate with individuals through prayer and through His inspired Word.
Our Savior—to Whom all authority in heaven and earth was given—spent much time praying while here on earth. Now seated at the right hand of God the Father in the place of authority in heaven, He has given Himself to prayer on our behalf. Since He is our example, we can rightly conclude that prayer is the highest calling that a Christian can have.
A vast reservoir of power, wisdom, and grace becomes available to us through prayer. All we must do is be willing to trust and obey the One to Whom we pray.
Information on any subject is available at just a click of the keys, yet never before in the history of man have there been so many questions with so few answers. Most of the challenges we face need spiritual answers. The answers must come through spiritual people.
The power of united prayer was demonstrated by the early church in particular. Believers prayed together with one heart, mind, and spirit. We must become people of extraordinary prayer, calling Christians of all denominations to pray for a moral and spiritual awakening throughout the world.
We have the privilege of calling on God in united, specific prayer to have a part in changing the world, our personal lives and circumstances. We have God’s promise that if we who know Him personally are willing to humble ourselves before Him, pray and turn from sin, He will bring the healing influence of His Spirit into our society. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The most revolutionary power available to the Christian is prayer. God’s Word promises us the effectiveness of prayer: He will heal our land. God’s character has not and will not change. I plead with all believers to understand the urgency of the need to seek God and stand firm in their faith.
Yes, America can be saved.
[NPI certainly endorses this essay—that is, we believe the church has been negligent and that prayer is a key to our recovery. Yet, we believe the Bible demands more. We would be remiss if we neglected to agree with the Apostle James, declaring that faith without works is dead. Christians are supposed to bear fruit. From the beginning, American Christians consistently and sacrificially gave their lives in public service to secure godly rights for posterity. We must do the same, including relearning the Biblical wisdom and skills necessary to reestablish, maintain, and expand free and just institutions.]
—Vonette Bright is the widow of Bill Bright. Bill and Vonette are founders of the youth ministry Campus Crusade for Christ, which impacts the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
© 2012
Used by permission
Originally published Intercessors of America in their January/February 2012 issue.
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