Franklin Graham is calling on American Christians to participate in a day of fasting and prayer for our nation just nine days before Election Day.

“I am urging followers of Jesus Christ to fast and to pray for our nation … SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25. Mark it on your calendars and prepare now. I hope individuals, families and churches will join me in asking for the Lord’s help and for His will to be done in this critical election. Will you?” Franklin posted on Facebook.

In his appeal for people to pray, Franklin shared how King Jehoshaphat, who reigned over the kingdom of Judah, called for a fast when his nation’s future was at stake and his people were in danger from their enemies.

Franklin quoted 2 Chronicles 20:3-4, which says: “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.”

“The people sought the Lord and His help—and He delivered them,” Franklin said.

In that same mindset, Franklin is calling on Christians to seek the Lord.

“Today, our nation is at a critical juncture. We need to call out to God for His help, His intervention and His mercy. It is only by His hand that America will survive and be able to thrive again. We have an election coming up with so much at stake—two vastly different directions for the future of this country. This not only affects us, but our children and our grandchildren.”

Franklin’s call for prayer and fasting seemed to resonate with many thousands of his social media followers.

Ron and Gail Grisell of Memphis, Tennessee, wrote on Facebook: “Franklin, we’ve been fasting and praying for weeks now and we will continue through the election. Thank you for the Prayer March in D.C. and for calling this fast Sunday. We are with you in it and praying in complete agreement in Jesus’ Name for the church, the election and the soul of this nation.”

One commenter from South Africa noted both he and his wife would gladly join in praying for America.

“Will be blessed to join you here in S. Africa and pray and fast for your nation on Sunday,” wrote John M. Doyle. “In the love of Jesus, John and Barbara.”

Photo: David K. Morrison/©2020 BGEA