Franklin Graham, son of famed evangelist Billy Graham, shared how Christians should pray for America on July 4. He said to pray for those who fought and died for our freedom and for the soldiers, for those in authority, and for remembering the freedom we have as Christians, purchased by Christ's death on the cross.

Quoting Apostle Paul, Graham said when Paul was in prison he wrote to Timothy to pray for all those in authority. Thus, it is a biblical mandate to do this whether we agree with U.S. policies.

Graham, CEO and President of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, said, “As you pray, ask that your congressional representatives, judges, governors and all others in positions of authority will seek God’s wisdom and guidance.”

George Washington issued a decree on March 6, 1776, said Graham, calling for a day of fasting and prayer before this nation began its long and bloody battle for independence:

“Set apart … as a day of fasting, prayer and humiliation, to implore the Lord and Giver of all victory to pardon our manifold sins and wickedness, and that it would please Him to bless the Continental Arms with His divine favor and protection—all officers and soldiers are strictly enjoined to pay all due reverence and attention on that day to the sacred duties due to the Lord of hosts for His mercies already received and for those blessings which our holiness and uprightness of life can alone encourage us to hope through His mercy to obtain.”

Graham then said, “The freedoms we now enjoy pale in comparison to the freedom we have as Christians, purchased by Christ’s death on the cross. ‘Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free form the law of sin and death’ (Romans 8:1-2)”

Lastly, Graham asked for those to pray for BGEA to be able to reach the world for Christ.