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Washington pastor joins Franklin Graham’s 50-state prayer initiative ahead of nation’s 250th birthday
By FāVS News Staff
EDMONDS, Wash. — Pastor Alec Rowlands of Westgate Chapel in Edmonds, Wash., led the 47th day of prayer of Franklin Graham’s One Nation Under God prayer initiative on June 30, four days before America’s 250th birthday.
“When French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville visited this nation, when it was barely 80 years old, he concluded that its greatness was not in its agriculture, its industry, or even its government. But rather, that the greatness of America lay in churches, that he said were ablaze with righteousness,” Rowlands said in his pre-recorded video, not mentioning this quote has been refuted.
“Father, we ask that you would touch your church in this nation, as we approach our 250th anniversary,” the senior pastor of Westgate Chapel continued. “Would you ignite a flame of righteousness from the pulpits and in the congregations of the churches of this land?”
Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, launched the 50 days of prayer on May 15, with the goal that 50 pastors from 50 states share a prayer each day before the 250th anniversary of the nation. The prayers have included issues facing families, schools, society and government.
Graham said the initiative responds to what he describes as a spiritual decline in American life.
“The spiritual climate of our country has decayed, and we need to turn to God in repentance,” Graham said. “The only hope for us as individuals and for America is the Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Videos are released each day at noon on OneNationUnderGod.com, as well as on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s app and social media channels.
The prayer initiative concludes July 4.
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