As the tragic events unfolded in Orlando, Florida, we were once again confronted by the growing reality of senseless violence.

Sadly, America continues to stray further from God, moral law, and our Judeo-Christian heritage—core principles that heavily influence our natural laws and legislative policies. These incidents are increasing, and instead of turning to God, there is a subtle but growing undercurrent being directed toward people of sincere faith, including the worldview that shaped America.

We are thankful for the men and women who still understand the power of prayer and put their trust in God! There are over 1,000 government leaders and over 140,000 citizens embracing the call through an initiative, PrayUSA: Government Leaders Calling The Nation To Prayer at www.PrayUSA.com. Now, more than ever, we need to answer this call!

From our inception, the nation’s leaders and presidents have turned to God in challenging times. The first presidential call to prayer was issued by George Washington on October 3, 1789. Since then, there have been over 130 presidential calls to prayer. Many would argue that society and culture have devolved far from our Judeo-Christian heritage and humble beginnings. We have abandoned our founding principles and the Judeo-Christian values that are unquestionably and widely documented in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the letters and speeches of men and women who forged and fought for our sacred freedoms. As long as there is prayer, it’s never too late for positive change!

I have written many times over the past several years about our Founding Fathers and the blessing of God’s favor that has been upon this country. Were these individuals perfect? No, they were human. They were heavily influenced by their culture, yet, thankfully, set the course for America to recognize all men are created equal. Was every decision cradled in uniformity of thought and action? No, but there remained a unity of purpose and a strong belief in the providence of a divine Creator. Were some more devout than others and were some deists? Yes, but the Creator was understood as the God of the Bible, which He gave us to help guide our decision-making, our governance as a people, to protect religious liberty, and to live before others with humility and Christian love.

It is these distinctives that help define American exceptionalism… though many now look with a growing disdain upon the very heritage that gives citizens their freedoms, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Today, we hear stories about 7-year olds who are demeaned in front of their classmates for sharing a Bible verse with a friend… only to be visited later by a law enforcement officer and told to cease and desist from such practices. Forgetting that this is a constitutionally protected right, Anti-God groups seek to intimidate, falsify, mislabel, and distort the truth.

Faith-based institutions of higher learning are being threatened with closure, restrictions, and lawsuits for advocating the essential biblical principles that define their mission as a university.

Citizens who adhere to the Bible’s definition of marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman, result in others screaming intolerance and bigotry.

Men and women in uniform are reprimanded and court-martialed for expressing their faith in public, and the chaplains who serve them, are unable to pray in Jesus’ name.

We hear the echoes of true prejudicial hatred that cry out, “You can’t pray at the football game.” “You can’t wear that cross to work?” You can’t quote the Bible outside of your church.” “You can’t ‘harass’ your coworkers with your religious talk.” “You can’t call that sin.” “You can’t put up that Christmas display.” And the list goes on.

Nevertheless, here is what we can say and here is what we must say. We can pray. We can elect government leaders who will fight for our religious liberty. We can organize. We can fight back. We can celebrate our heritage. We can put up our National Motto, “In God We Trust.” We can reignite our churches and be a voice for what we believe in.

The challenge before us is to answer a basic question: Who will define our identity as people of uncompromising faith? Will it be the media? Political and legislative operatives who want a society devoid of God? The anti-faith groups? A secularized postmodern culture?

As a first step, let’s follow the example set by of our Forefathers and turn to God in prayer for America. Join PrayUSA: Government Leaders Calling The Nation To Prayer. Pray with them. Pray for them. Together we can make a difference. Together we are stronger and can be a catalyst for change and transformation. Only together can we protect our First Amendment rights. Join www.PrayUSA.com!