In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called the country to a national day of fasting. He reasoned that a nation so blessed by God could only benefit, during the difficult times of the Civil War, by humbly asking its Creator for help. “We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace…” the president said.

Fast forward more than 100 years to a land where the Supreme Court has eliminated school prayer, a judge in Pennsylvania has proclaimed no mention of Intelligent Design can be made in public schools, and a federal judge in Wisconsin has declared that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.

Have we been so beguiled by the years of prosperity to actually believe our prominence as a nation was achieved without God’s help? After witnessing numerous incidences of divine intervention during the Revolutionary War, President George Washington stated that “[N]o people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States.”

To say the least, these are turbulent times. From the recent storms in Alabama to the economic quagmire facing America, tragedy lurks in every corner. Humbly asking God for His help at this time is not only justified, it is necessary.

Ed J. Mulvaney Jr.

Anniston