Billy Graham's Early Ministry and 7 Powerful Sermons

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Washington, D.C. in 1952

In an unprecedented act of Congress, Billy Graham is allowed to hold a service from the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 3, 1952. Thousands stood in the rain to hear him preach. | (Photo: BGEA)

Billy Graham held a rally in Washington, D.C. from Jan. 13 to Feb. 17, 1952, which included an evangelical gathering at the steps of the Capitol on Feb. 2.

Two years before "In God We Trust" was on currency or "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, Graham called for the creation of a "National Day of Prayer."

"What a thrilling, glorious thing it would be to see the leaders of our country today kneeling before Almighty God in prayer," declared Graham during the Washington Crusade.

"What a thrill would sweep this country. What renewed hope and courage would grip the Americans at this hour of peril."

Later that year, Congress passed what became Public Law 82-324, which called upon the President of the United States to designate a National Day of Prayer.