By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Thousands of Christians from across the nation are expected to gather on Independence Mall to pray for the healing of our country and to bring America back to Biblical values. “America for Jesus” kicks off two days of events tonight.

Christian music groups and speakers will take to the stage at 7 p.m. Friday on Independence Mall for a youth rally.

“Anyone that feels young — I guess that’s the best way to put it — is invited to be with us,” Reverend Billy Wilson, co-chair for America for Jesus 2012 and Executive Director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal.

He says on Saturday it will be a day of solemn prayer on the mall.

“Start early morning at 7. We’ll have local groups, all kinds of choirs, prayer groups etc. from across the Philadelphia area and then at 9 o’clock the official start, then at 10 o’clock the event will go live on God TV around the world and will continue until 6 o’clock in the evening.”

Reverend Wilson says the country has been in a three-decade decline spiritually and turnaround is needed.

“And we believe that it’s time for that to happen in the 21st century and that’s what we are praying for at America for Jesus.”