“Reviving America’s Spirit: Jonathan Edwards’ Powerful Prayer for Independence Day”

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fervent prayer USAIf 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.

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Posted By: Virginia Christian Alliance July 4, 2024

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How United, Fervent Prayer Can Transform Our Nation

As Americans celebrate Independence Day, it is a fitting time to reflect on the spiritual foundations that have played a crucial role in the nation’s history. Jonathan Edwards, a prominent theologian during the Great Awakening, was a fervent advocate for united prayer. He believed that collective, earnest prayer could lead to profound spiritual awakenings and the advancement of God’s kingdom on Earth. His works, particularly “An Humble Attempt,” highlight the power of prayer in bringing about revival and spiritual renewal.

Relevance of Jonathan Edwards’ Prayer for America Today

In the 18th century, Jonathan Edwards called for extraordinary, united prayer, believing it could invoke divine intervention and lead to spiritual revival. This message remains profoundly relevant today as America faces numerous challenges. Edwards’ prayer is a call for unity, fervency, and perseverance in seeking God’s guidance and blessings. His emphasis on collective prayer serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that faith and prayer can have on a nation’s spiritual health.

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Excerpt from Jonathan Edwards’ Prayer

From is book (PDF link below)

An Humble Attempt to promote
Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of
God’s People, in Extraordinary Prayer,
for the Revival of Religion and the
Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom on
Earth, Pursuant to Scripture Promises and
Prophecies concerning the Last Time.

“From the whole we may infer, that it is a very suitable thing, and well-pleasing to God, for many people, in different parts of the world, by express agreement, to come into a visible union in extraordinary, speedy, fervent, and constant prayer, for those great effusions of the Holy Spirit, which shall bring on that advancement of Christ’s church and kingdom, that God has so often promised shall be in the latter ages of the world.”

Application for Today

Edwards’ call to prayer underscores the importance of seeking God’s intervention in times of need. Today, as the nation grapples with social, political, and economic issues, Edwards’ message encourages believers to unite in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. His vision of revival through prayer is a timeless appeal for a renewed commitment to faith and spiritual unity.

This call to prayer is not only a reflection on the nation’s past but also a hopeful vision for its future, rooted in faith and collective supplication.

Sources for Further Reading and Praying

  1. Jonathan Edwards PDF Booklet
  2. Christian Union on Jonathan Edwards’ Call to Prayer
  3. 9Marks on Jonathan Edwards and Prayer
  4. Grace Online Library on Jonathan Edwards’ Prayers

These resources offer deeper insights into Edwards’ theology of prayer and its enduring significance.

 

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views the Virginia Christian Alliance

About the Author

Virginia Christian Alliance
The mission of the VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE is to promote moral, social and scientific issues we face today from a Biblical point of view. In addition we will refute and oppose, not with hate, but with facts and humor, the secular cultural abuses that have overridden laws and standards of conduct of the past. We will encourage Christians to participate in these efforts through conferences, development of position papers, booklets and tracts, radio/TV spots, newspaper ads and articles and letters-to-the editor, web sites, newsletters and providing speakers for church and civic meetings.

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