At a recent prayer event in the town square of Franklin, Tennessee, the crowd roared in approval as a resolution was announced stating that our state legislature had proclaimed a yearly month of prayer and fasting! The “Volunteer State” led America when the Supreme Court ok’d a ban on trans surgery for minors, and now patriotic lawmakers hope to inspire the nation with its resolution to initiate an annual month of prayer and fasting.

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In the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, we remember John Adams, who declared in another tumultuous time (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’” (Prv. 14:34).

Dr. Che Ahn, who’s running for governor of California, has said in interviews that his first act upon winning will be a call for prayer and fasting!

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!

2024 Launch

Prior 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,” 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; the people of God to repent of our retreating from proclaiming the gospel and civic engagement to truly be the “salt of the earth,” holding back decay.

Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel in California called upon pastors and churches to unite and “all be Tennesseans in this movement!”

Be It Resolved:

• The period of July 1-July 31 of each year 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 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.

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 Chron. 7:14).

Are you encouraged by what God is doing in Tennessee? Share your prayers and praises below!

Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of 10 books, cultural commentator of 50 years, Intercessors for America board member and a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. Go to www.larrytomczak.com to watch 30 amazing, free, on demand, brief videos done by some of America’s top leaders to confidently address today’s tough issues. Photo Credit: Travis Saylor/Pexels.