An urgent call for an interfaith national prayer rally for unity and democracy

as it has already happened in history.

In the United States, Americans of many religions observe a National Day of Prayer, where they assemble in prayer in front of courthouses as well as in houses of worship, such as churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. It is a tradition for the president of the United States to issue an official National Day of Prayer proclamation each year.

In 1863, then US President Abraham Lincoln issued Proclamation 97, declaring April 30 a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. In his proclamation, President Lincoln said, “Whereas the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations, has by a resolution requested the President to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation; and

Whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”

In my humble opinion, this is the right step, as we have also seen in our country during the National Bible Month celebration in January. One of the biggest and most respected religious icons in our country, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who is now a congressman and representative of the Citizen’s Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party list, practically had the entire House of Representatives captivated in prayer after an anointed privilege speech (preaching) on God’s will. He called for unity and repentance for the entire nation in the process and issued a warning to our leaders on the consequences of forgetting and neglecting God in this entire political, national, and constitutional crisis.

Bro. Villanueva also mentioned one of the most popular Bible verses, 2 Chronicles 7:14, which states, “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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Interestingly, this verse refers to King Solomon during the time that he dedicated the temple of Israel to God. The king led the national prayer, which led to God’s manifest presence. Can we duplicate this in our time, and can we do it as a nation? Can we go beyond politics and genuinely call for God’s mercy during these critical and unstable times? Can our leaders heed the call for national unity and humility before God and the call for restoration and strengthening of our democratic and republic processes?

I am one with this call and will continue to implore the aid and mercy of the Almighty God for our nation and our families.