There are the old stories about tragedy and the tolerance for faith in America that abounded even before the Internet. In them, God was asked why He did not prevent this or that school tragedy, if He cared. He would respond, "But I'm not allowed in there anymore."
It's happened again, with a commentary by "critical thinking" expert Steve Siebold writing, "Are you sure God has not forgotten us? I find it ironic and sad that after the Boston Marathon bombings, or other major tragedies where scores of people are killed or injured, that religious leaders encourage everyone to pray. Just exactly to whom are we supposed to be praying and for what? If the so called omnipresent and loving God is watching out for us all the time, then why did He allow the bombing and other events to happen in the first place? Why does he allow little children to suffer needlessly? Why does He allow these things to happen?"
Now some people are working to make sure that God is, in fact, invited back into the life of America, and that the history of prayer in the nation, such as when the petitions of the colonists resulted in the U.S. Constitution and "more religious, political, economic and personal liberty for Americans than people in other lands had ever seen," is repeated.
The Call2Fall prayer day will be held on June 30, and is being supported by a number of organizations.
Pierre Bynam, of the Family Research Council, explained that it is in the style of the colonists in America, who in July 1775 "united in prayers 'on their knees.'"
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"Their prayers were heard, and resulted in the Declaration of Independence (our nation's birth certificate) [and] the U.S. Constitution (the framework that would end slavery, give voting rights to men and women of every race, and produce more religious, political, economic and personal liberty for Americans than people in other lands had ever seen)."
Churches and individuals alike are asked to sign up for the effort, to join the estimated 1.5 million individuals and churches who already have.
The slogan isn't complicated, "I will answer God's call to fall on my knees in humility and seek His face in repentance so that He might forgive my sins and heal our land."
It follows the recent National Day of Prayer, for which famed evangelist Greg Laurie said, "First of all, let's pray that our country turns back to God. America needs a spiritual awakening. let's pray that a revival will come to our shores again."
And the June event's message is similar to an event that will follow, the National Day of Prayer and Repentance on Sept. 11.
That takes its message from II Chronicles 7:14, which promises, "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
That event recently drew the endorsement of Dan Cummins, author of the Pulpit Freedom initiative whereby pastors are encouraged to speak out on the moral issues of the day, whether or not government is involved.
His recent message asked pastors for help.
"This past year you joined me and other courageous pastors in the Pulpit Freedom Sunday initiative. I am asking for your courage and support once again as America desperately needs a touch from God," he wrote. "Tragedy has twice struck our nation on 9/11. On this 9/11/13, let's give God a reason to bless America again by fulfilling the conditions found in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
"On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, I am asking you and your congregation to join me and thousands of Americans in a time of prayer and repentance for America. This prayer initiative is being led by Joseph Farah of WND, rabbi Jonathan Cahn and congresswoman Michele Bachmann."
An invitation to that event:
The Call2Fall event is "nothing fancy," according to organizers.
"No slick program. No big production. Just setting aside a definite time during worship on June 30, 2013, when you call your people to get on their knees and faces before the Lord in repentant prayer to God to reshape our lives and renew our land."
"There are multiplied millions of believers who realize that America is in trouble and that neither Washington nor Wall Street has the answers. We are hoping that at least 40,000 churches will join in a corporate act of humility, repentance, and desperate prayer on our knees before the Lord," the organization explains.
The organization explains America's history is filled with times that Americans humbled themselves and sought the Lord.
"Our founding fathers sensed the need for a "Call 2 Fall' in view of the monumental struggle we were engaged in with Britain. The First Continental Congress called for a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer … just after war broke out.
"In addition, colonial America and the early years of our republic experienced what observers have called Great Awakenings, which began with God's people humbling themselves in repentant prayer and led to others becoming followers of Christ."
The May 2 National Day of Prayer featured a special message from Jonathan Cahn, author of "The Harbinger" and the inspiration behind "The Isaiah 9:10 Judgment" documentary.
He believes America was given a limited judgment for leaving God's ways on 9/11, and so far has responded with defiance.
The events on the National Day of Prayer and Repentance on Sept. 11 are to reflect that.
Talk-show host Barry Farber recently announced his support for the 9-11-13 National Day of Prayer and Repentance on his nationally syndicated program.
Farah says he made the call for the 9-11-13 National Day of Prayer and Repentance out of a sense of frustration with politics and the decline in morality in the country. He suspects there is a connection between the revealing of national "sins" and the desire by believers to confess their own sins to God in unity with other believers.
"The key to this call is II Chronicles 7:14," said Farah. "This is the prescription of a Holy God for national healing. He tells believers they are to do four things: humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways. In turn, God says He will hear their prayers, forgive their sins and heal their land. Honestly, I believe if believers across America do this, we will see miracles. Could it be they are already occurring? I wouldn't be surprised."
The 9-11-13 National Day of Prayer has been enthusiastically embraced by thousands around the country, including Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., Chuck Norris, David Barton, Jonathan Cahn, Greg Laurie and even syndicated radio talk-show host Mancow Muller.
"As Jonathan Cahn pointed out so effectively in 'The Harbinger' and 'The Isaiah 9:10 Judgment,' America prayed after Sept. 11, 2001," said Farah. "But America did not repent. The model America followed was the same paradigm followed by ancient Israel as described in Isaiah 9:10 – the pledge to rebuild bigger and better in our own strength without notice to what God was trying to communicate through a limited judgment. As a result, America has seen continued judgment ever since. Therefore, repentance is as important as prayer."
Farah and Cahn point out that this is a commitment by God to believers.
"God is not expecting non-believers to do these things," Farah says. "He's simply expecting believers to do them. Is that too much to ask? In fact, He says, without the humility and the sincere repentance, He won't even hear our cries. That suggests to me it's time for believers to get on their knees, on their faces and search themselves for any evil deeds or thoughts or preoccupations that are within us and turn away from them."
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