At a recent prayer event in the town square of Franklin, Tennessee, the crowd roared in approval as a resolution was announced by our state legislature proclaiming a yearly month of prayer and fasting! The “Volunteer State” led America when the Supreme Court ok’d its ban on transgender surgery and puberty blockers for minors. Now, patriotic lawmakers hope to inspire the nation with their resolution to initiate an annual month of prayer and fasting.
As the people of Tennessee prayed and elected patriotic, principled politicians, God moved on the lawmakers to remove June as “Pride Month” and replace it with “Nuclear Family Month.” Further, they passed legislation ensuring election integrity by stating, ‘only citizens with a permanent, valid driver’s license are eligible to vote.’
We remember John Adams, who declared at another difficult time in American history (April 15, 1799):
“This day be observed throughout America as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayers… to yield a more suitable obedience to His righteous requisitions in times to come. ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people’” (Proverbs 14:34).
Historic Setting
The Tennessee declaration came on the grounds where iconic prayer leader E.M. Bounds held Tuesday evening prayer meetings in the 1860s. After one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place in Franklin (2,300 died/7,000 wounded) he saw the drunkenness and prostitution in nearby Nashville and drew hundreds to appeal for repentance and revival! The heaviness lifted and his church exploded to 500!
Subsequent to the consequential election of 2024, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill calling for 30 days of prayer and fasting for the month of July, celebrating the obvious intervention of God in our heaven-sent “reprieve.” In addition, lawmakers announced legislation for 2025’s month of prayer and fasting to become a yearly event.
Rep. Monty Fritz stated, “Tennessee and our nation are facing many grave issues that threaten our liberties, our peace, and our quality of life. We cannot legislate ourselves out of these problems. We cannot spend our way to solutions. A merciful, sovereign move of God to heal our land is the only way these issues can truly be addressed!”
House Joint Resolution 51 is a call to seek Almighty God’s hand of ever-present mercy and healing. This is a call, not for the government to tell the Church what to do, but a call for the Church to retake her place of authority in our society. It is a call for the people of God to repent of our retreating from proclaiming the gospel & civic engagement and to truly be the “salt of the
earth” holding back societal and moral decay.
Be It Resolved:
• The period of June 1-June 30 of each year shall be recognized as a time set aside for prayer and fasting.
• We desire the continued blessing of Almighty God, who holds all authority to both judge and bless nations, states, and peoples.
• We recognize our sins and shortcomings, both individually and as a people, and humbly ask for God’s forgiveness.
• We ask the Holy Spirit to move within the halls of government, classrooms, businesses, places of worship, and homes, bringing peace, hope, love, kindness, goodness… forbearance and joy.
• Be it further resolved that we call upon those who are physically able and spiritually inclined to join with us annually.
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel in California called upon pastors and churches to unite and “all be Tennesseans in this movement!”
Here’s the Deal:
Psalm 110:3 speaks prophetically, “Your people will volunteer freely in the day of your power.”
In your state, consider a similar resolution as we seize our opportunity in America’s TURNING POINT!
“If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
