Speaking in a video message posted to X on Thursday, May 2, the National Day of Prayer, famed evangelist and son of Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, spoke about the Christian faith and how such faith can change one’s heart for the better, helping turn it toward Jesus.and away from the sort of hatred and vitriol currently enveloping America.
Beginning, he referenced the chaos sweeping America’s colleges, everywhere from schools like Columbia to Ole Miss, noting that the sort of dysfunction hat afflicts America generally can be well observed in America’s colleges. He said, “Our country is in a real mess, and we see the hatred that is on our college campuses.”
Continuing, Graham explained that such hatred is present everywhere right now, saying, “The hatred that is around the world.” He added that “Jesus understood hatred” more than anyone. As he put it, “They nailed him to a tree, and He willingly gave His life and he died. He shed His blood and was buried for our sins. He understands hate.”
Building on that, Graham explained that only God can save us from our sins, saying, “And the only one who can change the human heart is God, and that’s by putting our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who came to save us from our sins by dying in our place on that cross, shedding his own blood, and on the third day, walking right out of that grave.”
That was probably a reference to John 14:6. In that verse, Jesus explains that he is the only way into the Kingdom of Heaven, saying to his followers, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Graham then explained that Jesus, who is “alive,” can tough all people. He said, “He’ll come at each and every heart,” adding that the “greatest need” for America at the moment is “changed hearts.” Continuing, he then prayed on behalf of those who have not yet put their faith in Jesus.
Watch him here:
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Captioning it, Rev. Graham wrote, “On this #NationalDayOfPrayer, our country is in a real mess. The greatest need our nation has is for changed hearts. Join me in praying for this country, our leaders—and for hearts to be changed. Take a minute to watch and share this with others.”
Replying, people said things like, “Pray when civic leaders need wisdom to do their job well. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Pray when Christians need to be unified in Jesus. (John 17:20-23) Pray when God’s justice must rectify an injustice in this world. (Amos 5:21-24)” and “First prayer for me today was for our world and country to return to the Lord that is the only way to be healed🙏🏻”
Another commenter wrote, “I am in complete agreement. We all need Jesus every day. My prayer is for revival and awaking the church from their spiritual slumber. The church needs to STAND UP AND STAND OUT for AMERICA NOW! Thank You Lord for hearing and answering our petitions.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video