Capitol Hill lawmakers invoke 2 Chron. 7:14, call for prayer

Capitol Hill lawmakers invoke 2 Chron. 7:14, call for prayer

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Members of Congress are issuing a bipartisan appeal for non-stop prayer. The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation -- a group of lawmakers who meet weekly for prayer -- held a news conference this week and urged Americans to commit to pray for the nation and its leaders for five minutes a week.

Founded by Congressman Randy Forbes (R-Virginia) in 2005, the Prayer Caucus -- an official caucus of the U.S. House -- meets every week that Congress is in session. According to Forbes, members of the Caucus gather together in Room 219 of the Capitol and "lay aside party affiliations, political agendas, and individual schedules" to pray together, focusing on God's promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land."

With its membership now nearing ten percent of the House, the Caucus recently announced plans to spread "219 Prayer Groups" across the country, the objective being to establish "spiritual blocks" that will comprise a "wall of prayer" around America. A page on the Prayer Caucus website -- PrayerCaucus.org -- promotes the effort and permits individuals to commit to pray five minutes a week for the nation and its leaders.

During a Wednesday news conference on Capitol Hill, congressmen issued the bipartisan appeal for non-stop prayer. Associated Press reports that Representative Al Green (D-Texas) said members of Congress need prayer support. "Every one of us who stands here today is here by the grace of God," Green declared. "Not one of us had earned the right to be where we are. So we should give God not only the prayers to deliver us, but also the glory once we are delivered."

Representative Mike Pence (R-Indiana) said praying Americans are like Hebrews during the Exodus, who supported the arms of Moses during battle. "Republicans and Democrats are coming together simply to ask the American people who cherish prayer to hold up our arms," he shared. "These are anxious times for our nation."

The Prayer Caucus receives no taxpayer support or funding, according to the group's website. Several current and former members of Congress serve as advisory members and speak on behalf of the group, "calling the nation back to prayer."