Christian leaders are preparing to gather at the Museum of the Bible for the annual National Prayer Altar, an event that unites believers in prayer for the nation’s spiritual renewal. Founded five years ago by Pastor James Ward and his wife, Sharon, the event seeks to lead Americans back to the nation’s official motto: “In God We Trust.”
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Appearing on The 700 Club with host Gordon Robertson, Ward said the gathering aims to inspire faith and humility across the country. He believes America is at a crossroads where trust in God has waned, but signs of spiritual awakening are beginning to emerge. The event’s purpose, he said, is to help the nation turn its focus back to Christ and prepare for a season of revival.
Ward pointed to encouraging signs among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, where many are showing renewed interest in the Bible. He noted that young men are playing a central role in this movement as they seek meaning, dignity, and purpose through faith, family, and biblical values.
The pastor also addressed growing cultural challenges, including self-centeredness and moral decline, which he linked to what Scripture describes as “perilous times.” He said society has embraced ideologies that place personal pleasure and humanism above faith in God, warning that the nation must turn from self-focus and return to reverence for the Lord.
Ward and Robertson discussed the divisive influence of social media, saying many Americans are growing weary of digital isolation. That exhaustion, Ward said, is driving more people back to in-person worship and community gatherings, opening the door for greater revival within the church.
Drawing parallels to the Civil War era, Ward recalled how national division once led preachers and political leaders to call for repentance. He believes America faces a similar moral and spiritual test today and must once again depend on divine intervention rather than political solutions.
Ward emphasized that the kingdom of God is not advanced through government systems but through the gospel of Jesus Christ. True change, he said, begins in the hearts of individuals. He also underscored the urgency of spreading the gospel globally as nations like India and China impose tighter restrictions on Christianity.
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America’s prosperity, Ward said, is a product of God’s grace and its longstanding support of Israel. Maintaining that covenant relationship, he added, is key to preserving divine favor.
The National Prayer Altar will take place Thursday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. at the Museum of the Bible.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
