As per the theme of the event, speakers’ prayers consistently featured confessions of sin, repentance, and requests for God’s mercy. “We ask for your grace, that you would cover us with your grace,” prayed former congresswoman Michele Bachmann. “Cover us with your mercy.” Bachmann also prayed for “more time” for the U.S., asking God for compassion, even though as a nation we do not deserve it.
Some speakers, such as Dr. Ben Carson, Pat Robertson, and Dr. James Dobson, joined remotely via simulcast. Carson said that based on the difficulties the U.S. is facing, “I believe that this is a great time for us to re-evaluate who we are as a nation, as people. What do we believe?…If you don’t have beliefs, it’s very easy for you to be manipulated.” He prayed that Americans would return to their Judeo-Christian values.
Dobson agreed, saying, “I am deeply concerned about our nation’s depravity and where it’s leading.” We are “morally bankrupt” and “spiritually bereft,” he said, and he asked God for forgiveness for “individual and corporate sin” and for a “third great spiritual awakening.”
These buses are filled with Christians committed to prayer and to God’s best for this nation. They’re college students today – and the leaders of tomorrow. They’re Champions for Christ. #PrayerMarch2020 @LibertyU pic.twitter.com/k9i9cTcAaF
— Jerry Prevo (@JerryPrevoLU) September 26, 2020
Two Black women who attended The Return told the Washington Post that they thought the recent focus in the United States on systemic racism has not helped bring unity to the country. One, Laura Guilfo, believes the media is creating the division. “The country isn’t as divided as they say,” she said.
Two other women who attended the event said they were motivated to come out of an “intense spiritual urgency.” Said one, “Politics will never get us to unity. It’s only Jesus.”
