
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Top News Stories May 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM CDT
Top News Stories May 19, 2026 – 08:00 AM CDT
Is religion gaining or losing influence in the U.S.?
VERBATIM: According to a new poll from the Pew Research Center, 37% of Americans believe that faith is gaining purchase in society and that’s the highest percentage in nearly 25 years. On the other hand, 61% of respondents think that religion is LOSING influence. But that group is shrinking from a high of over 70% five years ago. Roughly half of all Americans say that the influence of faith in the country is a good thing. MH REPORTING
Thirty thousand people in 90-degree heat, packed onto the National Mall, singing worship songs and praying for America’s future. That’s not a metaphor or a nostalgia reel, it’s what David and Tim Barton witnessed firsthand in Washington, DC, during a major rededication gathering timed to the 250th anniversary of the Second Continental Congress call for a national day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer. We share what it felt like on the ground, from the atmosphere of worship to the very real moments of fatigue, sunburn, and even people passing out in the crowd.
We also dig into the deeper meaning behind the headlines. Why does this moment matter historically and spiritually? We connect early American prayer proclamations to today’s hunger for moral clarity, and we talk honestly about what lands well and what can feel more like a program than a prayer meeting. Along the way, we highlight some of the most impactful voices and songs, including the closing worship set that culminates in Chris Tomlin leading “Holy Forever” with the Washington Monument behind him and the Capitol in view.
Then we bring it home with the question that actually changes things: what do we take back to our communities? We walk through a powerful biblical framework from Nehemiah, emphasize repentance and personal responsibility, and argue that lasting political renewal can’t outrun spiritual renewal. If you care about faith and culture, American history, and a biblical, historical, and constitutional perspective on where the country goes next, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review with the one action you think needs to start at your house first.
Support the show
Today's Bible verse: Romans 8:34
Top News Stories May 19, 2026 – 03:00 AM CDT
Top News Stories May 19, 2026 – 02:00 AM CDT
Licensed counselor Debra Fileta highlights ways to “fill up” physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In a 6-part process that Debra calls “Soul Care,” she goes through the life and rhythms of Jesus to discover how we can care for our souls. Instead of living unsatisfied, we can experience renewed energy, purpose, and strength to serve others like never before!
Receive the book Soul Care plus a free audio download of the program "Godly Rhythms to Help You Live Life to the Full" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.
Get More Episode Resources
If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.
Top News Stories May 19, 2026 – 12:00 AM CDT
From the publisher's feed