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An Appeal To Heaven: What Would Happen If We Did It Again

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An Appeal To What Would Happen If We Did It Again In recent days, you may have seen someone with a white flag displaying an evergreen tree beneath the phrase, “An Appeal to Heaven.” This banner has made its way into countless homes, prayer rooms, and even government buildings. The Appeal to Heaven flag holds great significance as it relates to America’s founding, God’s eternal covenants, and our present hope for this nation. In An Appeal To Heaven, Dutch Sheets takes you on a journey of discovering the role you were designed to play in America’s history. This short book is packed with powerful insights that will help you pray for America and leave you equipped to be part of her restoration. You have a role to play in this story. Are you ready to take your place?

102 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2015

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About the author

Dutch Sheets

131 books149 followers
Dutch Sheets is an internationally recognized author, gifted teacher, and conference speaker. He travels extensively, challenging believers for passionate prayer and societal reformation. Seeing America experience a sweeping revival and return to its Godly heritage is Dutch’s greatest passion. He is a messenger of hope for America, encouraging believers to contend for awakening. Dutch has written over 23 books, many of which have been translated into over 30 languages. His international bestseller, Intercessory Prayer, has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Dutch has pastored, taught in several colleges and seminaries, and served on the board of directors of numerous organizations. He is fondly known to many as Papa Dutch. Treasuring time spent with their family and grandchildren. Dutch and Ceci, his wife of 40 plus years, enjoy quiet walks in the woods, reading, and playing a little golf. They make their home in beautiful South Carolina.

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5 stars
163 (72%)
4 stars
35 (15%)
3 stars
18 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Steve Hemmeke.
651 reviews41 followers
August 18, 2015
This is the first Dutch Sheets book I've read. He's in the charismatic movement, which puts it outside my usual reading list.

Let's dispense with the disagreements first, before moving to the message we can take from the book. Sheets asserts or assumes many things I disagree with.
- God can’t do something until we agree with an idea or pray a certain way.
- Agreement in prayer multiplies its power.
- Prayer automatically makes us stronger spiritually.
- The Spirit speaks directly and verbally to us in new revelation.
- The United States Constitution was inspired by God!

Sheets relies on secret knowledge, dreams from God we need to interpret, and God hiding messages to us only the author can unlock. He predicts a 3rd great awakening if we connect to God, and believe He will save our country instead of judge it. Sorry, but our believing doesn’t make it so.


On the positive side, filtering out the above, Sheets is right that
- no nation or culture is too far gone for God to revive. We should always moderate pessimism in a declining culture with the hope of a reviving God.
- God wants us to build on the spiritual work of previous generations. History matters and is not separate from us. As everlasting God, He can heal past sins.
- Intercession connects us to one another. When we pray sincerely for others, our lives are intertwined with them. Praying for God to heal the past and present sins of your nation will endear your heart to your nation. This is fine, as long as we aren't putting our nation too high in importance. No nation is indispensable to God's plan.
- Merit based revival is out – we don’t deserve it. (Sheets often functionally contradicts this, though, asserting that if enough people pray hard enough God will revive us.)


I enjoyed the history. When George Washington commissioned some ships in the Revolutionary War, before Old Glory came about, he directed a flag to fly on the ships. The words say "An Appeal to Heaven." The phrase is from John Locke, who said we always have that appeal when earthly rulers deny us our God-given rights. Historically, the evergreen tree was used for ship masts, and there was a regulatory dispute with Britain over their use. Sheets uses the evergreen to show God’s cross-generational action - He is the everlasting God. We need to step into our national history and appeal for God to continue his work begun in past generations, and work with future generations in mind.
1 review
September 4, 2020
Powerful book for us today! Thank God.


I choose the book because I was looking for confirmation on what we as Americans needed to do at this time. Also, I enjoy listening and reading what God has given to Dutch Sheets. Thank you for obeying God, Dutch.
3 reviews
September 10, 2019
Very stirring!

Really gets you on your knees to pray for our country. Every American should read
this book. It's very motivating.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
359 reviews5 followers
Read
April 13, 2022
"...General George Washington commissioned the Appeal to Heaven flag to fly over our naval ships in the Revolutionary War..." (ix)

"We have searched for meaning apart from our Creator - a search which by definition must fail, for the purpose of any created thing can only be found in its creator..." (xi)

"As I lead the student body in intercession, I heard the Lord whisper a phrase to me. 'You need to agree in prayer with Gordon Lindsay.' That startled me. Lindsay had died nearly 30 years earlier.
'Lord,' I said, 'is that really You speaking? He isn't here; he's in heaven.' In retrospect, it's comical to try and explain something to the Lord, but I felt I needed to state the obvious.
'He's dead, Lord.' I reiterated. 'I can't bring him back to pray with him.'
The response was simple, 'But his prayers are not dead.'
. . .
The Lord continued, 'Until this generation comes into agreement with what Lindsay asked Me to do, I can't answer his prayer.'
. . .
The last two verses of Hebrews 11 give us the amazing answer: they did not receive the fulfillment of their promises because God wouldn't allow them to be complete without us." (3)

"Even the translation, 'Everlasting God,' is not quite enough to describe the full meaning of Olam El. The El portion of the name means strong, mighty, or powerful. But Olam is much more challenging to define; its meaning is greater than simply 'as far as possible into the future.' Olam actually extends both directions in time. It is forward and backward - forever! One lexicon describes Olam as the most distant times in both directions. Even that falls short, however, because the word 'times' in the definition violates the very concept of Olam. The concept of Olam is not confined to a timeline, and neither is God; the Everlasting God exists outside of time. If you were to go back to the very beginning of time, He was before that. Olam El defies definition!" (30)

"'This banner has the phrase "An Appeal To Heave" across the top,' he continued, 'a phrase our Founders took from the writings of JohnLocke, an influential English philosopher from the mid-1600's. Locke wrote a series of papers on "Natural Laws," stating that human rights originate with God, not government.'
Locke made the case that when people have done everything humanly possible to experience those God-given rights and have failed to do so, there remains but one option:
And where the body of the people or any
single man, is deprived of their right, or is
under the exercise of a power without right,
and have no appeal on earth, then they have
a liberty to appeal to heave...

Bill continued, 'Locke's phrase, "appeal to heave," connotes that when all resources and the ability to attain justice on earth are exhausted, an appeal to earth's ultimate Judge is the final recourse. This concept would become a foundational philosophy in American society, used even in the Declaration of Independence.'" (43)

"At a significant time in their history, a great leader united five native tribes (with a later addition of a sixth) establishing a confederacy among them. According to the Iroquois Constitution, their covenant began with the planting of the 'Tree of Peace.' Their peace treaty and everlasting covenant was then sealed by the symbolic act of burying weapons underneath a great evergreen tree. . . . Franklin's Albany Plan for uniting the colonies was also based on the structure of the Iroquois government. The influence of the Iroquois Nations on the founding of the U.S. government was significant enough that in 1988 the Senate passed a resolution 'To acknowledge the contribution of the Iroquois Confederacy of Nations to the development of the United States Constitution.' . . . As significant as the Iroquois connection is, however, the evergreen's use as a picture of eternal fidelity to covenant didn't originate with them. The most important and weighty example of this symbolic use goes all the way back to Abraham and his covenant with Yahweh. In Genesis 21:33, Abraham called on Olam El, the Everlasting God. I had already realized, when presented with the dream in 2007, the understanding. behind this name was the meaning of the 'Everlast' glove. But imagine my surprise when shortly after receiving the flag I discovered that before calling on Everlast, Abraham planted an evergreen tree. . . . Abraham's choice of evergreens is interesting. I have read numerous articles describing the tamarisk tree. Three significant facts, among many, are that it is slow-growing, long-living, and when fully-grown produces cool shade. Because the tree is so slow-growing, no one would plant a tamarisk for him or herself; he or she would never personally benefit from it. By planting this particular evergreen, Abraham was thinking of his descendants, making a powerful declaration to them for generations to come, 'I am in covenant with Olam, and you can sit under the shade of this everlasting covenant." (47)

"I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that 'except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly beliedve this; and I also believe that wihtout his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded and we ourselves shall be become a reproach and a bye word down to future age." (65) // Benjamin Franklin arguing for prayer before sessions of the Continental Congress during the writing of the Constitution, a habit which had fallen off since the Colonies had won the Revolutionary War
Profile Image for LaTrice McNeil-Smith.
558 reviews
January 31, 2016
Don't expect this to be one of his typical books. This is just a simple recount of how God showed Dutch what his purpose was and the appeal to heaven flags significance to America. I absolutely loved it. It was very real and to the point. Definitely lit a fire in me and I am ready for the synergy of the ages!
Profile Image for Dr. Steve Pollock.
191 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2015
Connecting the right dots

Dutch is an amazing teacher. He humbly shares his heart to point us to the one true King, so that our nation might be spiritually great again. Always knew there was a reason for my love of Evergreens as part of my faith!
Profile Image for Molly Grimmius.
830 reviews11 followers
October 9, 2015
A great read for all Christians on the mighty power of prayer and the impact prayers have on the generations. Also a great insight to a flag that little people know about in this country but one that our first president desired as our flag. So excellent. Please just ask me to borrow it from me.
4 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2016
Important Call to Prayer!

Important call to prayer. Amazing prophetic dreams involved. A little wordy but highly important confirmation of God calling His American Church to intensive prayer to prepare for a global awakening and a huge harvest of souls
2 reviews
February 21, 2016
Alignment with the principles of God and corporate prayer are more powerful than demonstrations

We can bring America back to its ordained purpose. The message contained in this book is powerful and in the hearts of many.
4 reviews
June 18, 2016
This book does a great job of drawing upon the founding of America and the original covenant with God and our place in the story related to current events. It is a book of grace giving hope and yet challenging our generation to answer the call upon this generation. See Hebrews 11:39-40
247 reviews
December 4, 2019
For anyone with a heart to pray for the United States of America, I encourage you to read this book. It will revolutionize how you pray and help connect you to the legacy of prayer in our nation's past.
Profile Image for Rachel Brewer.
3 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2020
Dutch does a fantastic job in acknowledging America’s biblical roots and how our country has shifted off course. But also identifying what we as believers can do to do take part in the synergy of the ages.
2 reviews
September 10, 2015
Evergreen and Everlast

Appeal to Heaven is a must read for all Christians who want to put America back where it belongs. In the forefront of Christian society.
Profile Image for Karen.
560 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2016
Wow! Anyone looking for hope for our nation should be reading this book!
2 reviews
January 11, 2017
Amazing! That what we need.

Appeal to Heaven is must read! Revive the passion for praying for America. Easy to read. Love it!! Recommend others to read.
142 reviews
July 24, 2018
Wonderful book that provides insight into God's plan for America and becoming an intercessor.
See Giants Will Fall for ecouragement and weapons for intercession.
Profile Image for Elijah Newcomb.
22 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2025
I have been seeking a deeper understanding of the so-called New Apostolic Reformation. This book served as a fountainhead for the movement, especially its more mobilized components, which were present at the January 6th Capitol riot/insurrection/non-incident (depending on your preferred news outlet). Not really a book—more of a pamphlet, really.

Yes, it’s not a great work of literature or systematic theology. But I found much of it was less crazy than I had anticipated. I am realizing I may be too agreeable. Those of you who know me personally will likely find that funny.

The broader contours of the book are as follows: America is providential and pseudo-exceptional (hard to explain my meaning unless you read it), and charismatics need to mount strategic-level spiritual warfare by going to sites of great sin—including racism and slavery (white Christian nationalism need not apply)—and joining in prayer with American Christians of the past to move God toward a new revival. So again: physically travel to sites of historical importance and join in the prayer of past Christians to cast out demonic strongholds on America. To be clear. Also, the appeal-to-heaven flag is a “prophetic meme.” His theology aligns more closely with a more open-theist conception of God, but many of his practical suggestions correspond to a robust theology of secondary causes and the mystical body of Christ. Recall St. Padre Pio praying for the conversion of his deceased grandfather, which he hoped would retroactively take place during his grandfather's life. Time is a funny thing. I'm not sure what these ostensible agreements say more about.

Anyway, this is important to understand because this is a rapidly growing movement and theology with deep roots in the administration and the American people. This book was both exceedingly uncomfortable and yet all too relatable for me.
Profile Image for Elianastar.
98 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2022
I do own this book in digital format. Had to go elsewhere to purchase because for some reason, it is not currently available on Amazon. (January 2022) I have finished it and want to review it. I may repurchase, if/when it becomes available again… Dutch Sheets has become a new favorite author & I am running out of new books to read by him.

A very short book about an important part of our history I strongly suspect few have ever heard, told from the perspective of the birth of this Nation as well as the promise unfolding in our present.

Many want to give up and profess doom and gloom and utter destruction of the American Dream and Exceptionalism. Many have already crossed that bridge and are carving the tombstone. If you get most or all your “news” from the usual sources, you may think those are the majority.

They are not. The “silent majority” ARE the majority and we have NOT given up. We KNOW we are the majority… and we know WHY we are the majority. Further, we know we are not just a majority in this Nation, but in every Nation.

What has drawn us together and holds us together is a belief in humanity that recognizes, we are not alone. There is a Synergy of purpose and vision that draws us together. Where we go one we go all, worldwide.

We have a Hope that endures and a Promise that does not fail. This book shares the roots of that vision. Not all, yet, view the vision through this lens… but that is currently being gestated and is developing.

Regardless. Nothing can stop what is coming. Not anymore. Too much momentum has accrued and it is only getting stronger.

Everlast and Evergreen rule the day.
Profile Image for Ch1cky.
22 reviews
December 24, 2022
To Dutch!
Hats off!!
Thank you for writing this book. A reminder of the power of prayer.
The accounts of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and the 1st & 2nd awakenings. An account of how this country was founded by a prayer.

This book sparks the fire that needs lit to continue to pray and remember the power GOD holds to turn situations around in an instant.

Thank you for giving the timeline about the “flag”.
How awesome!!
19 reviews
November 20, 2025
I recommend this book to all Christians. I have actually given it to some. Dutch is probably one of the most authorities on Prayer in our time. His insight and teachings are always solid and challenging. I highly recommend this book, while it is several years old, many of the prinicipals still stand! Plus he is a lot easier to read than Andrew Murray.
Profile Image for Lisa A. Owusu.
Author 2 books
July 24, 2022
An amazing book of faith. A powerful and short read for those with a heart for prayer.
Profile Image for Christine Ottaway.
Author 9 books4 followers
July 4, 2024
This little book is inspirational. It encourages Christians to reconnect with their Christian past and those who have gone before, and pray that God would heal the wounds of the past and 'do again' what has been done before. Come save the nation.

The book is American focused featuring 'An Appeal to Heaven' flag which the founding fathers used to inspire them to trust God for the new nation. However the truths within are inspirational for other nations and circumstances.

Just re-read this and it continues to inspire.
Profile Image for Evan.
125 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2015
Surprisingly deep and respectable, I almost put it down in the first 5 pages. Sheets is a bit sensationalist, but his approach is ultimately respectable & admirable. The content of the book is good and highly valuable. My 3-stars is based on lackluster writing style.
Profile Image for Mary Sutton.
1 review1 follower
July 7, 2016
America is can return to her Christian foundation.



Easy read.. Appreciate the historic foundation of our nation. Thank you for the background on the Appeal to Heaven flag.
Profile Image for Kathryn Hodges.
40 reviews
June 18, 2024
As all of Dutch’s books are, inspirational, encouraging, and activates your Christian walk. “It still works”!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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