In 1952 the Reverend Billy Graham “…staged the first formal religious service held on the Capitol steps” in Washington, D.C. (Kevin M. Kruse, New York Times, March 14, 2015).
In fact, Kruse wrote, Graham persuaded Congress that same year to establish the National Day of Prayer, this year to be held on Thursday, May 5.
Graham contributed Scriptures for Dwight Eisenhower’s presidential campaign speeches, a campaign the candidate said was motivated by a spiritual renewal “mandate.”
Kruse recounted the lasting impact and influence on the political scene of Billy Graham and other Christian leaders of the time, leading to adoption in 1956 of the national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Today, Billy Graham’s son, Franklin, leads a similar but broader movement in advance of the November 8 presidential election. The younger Graham is holding prayer rallies on each of the capitol buildings of the 50 states.
His “Decision America” rally in Missouri will be held May 17, 2016 at 12:00 noon on the Capitol South steps in Jefferson City.
Enterprise Extra 