Interceding for our land

Arnold Friberg’s The Prayer at Valley Forge, showing Washington kneeling in the snow beside his horse, is so iconic most Americans recognize it at once. Elizabeth Ingram Carlyle, CEO of First Freedom Art, features the painting prominently in the company’s Friberg gallery and uses it as a recurring motif in Americans Who Pray (Broadstreet Publishing, 240 pp.), a collection of prayers for our country in its 250th year. The picture is a reminder that our nation was a long shot to begin with and that its existence, and survival, relies on divine providence.

Over half the 192 prayers are written by Carlyle herself, “at home, in my office, on planes, and in the car.” For the rest, she reached out to notable Christians in many fields: actors, singers, athletes, executives, media moguls, megachurch pastors, and televangelists. Many replied with their own prayerful reflections, including such recognizable names as Anne Graham Lotz, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Dr. Ben Carson, Tim Tebow, Jack Graham, and Pat Boone.

In addition, presidential proclamations and remarks are scattered throughout the text. Washington, Lincoln, and John Adams appear, along with almost every modern-day president from Eisenhower to Donald Trump. Though the lives of these men may not have lived up to their statements about seeking God’s guidance, the mere fact of making these statements shows the prominence of prayer in our national conscience.

Each prayer includes scriptural references and most follow a familiar pattern of praise, confession, repentance, and thanksgiving. Some are special petitions for women, first responders, military, teachers, and others in influential positions. They are broadly evangelical, sometimes hinting at a romanticized past where Americans were unified around the calling to be One Nation Under God. But most agree that we (Christians included) have strayed from financial, social, familial, and spiritual responsibility, and our nation has suffered because of it.

Americans Who Pray is handsomely produced, with an embossed cover, ribbon marker, and thick durable pages. These heartfelt prayers can be repetitious and are best used as a devotional rather than an exposition. In her introduction, Carlyle writes, “I hope you will pick up the book daily, no matter where you are, and pause to pray for our country.” In this she echoes Paul’s exhortation in 1 Timothy 2, “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions.”

Carlyle expresses an even greater hope at the end of each of her petitions: “Lord, in Jesus’ name, we pray for America to turn to You in faith and for freedom. Let the revival begin with us. Amen and amen.”