Yes, the recent calls for "prayer" and the public "prayer meetings" have been pathetic -- no mention of individual or collective repentance and humility before God; rather, social psychobabble sessions replacing that God whose many attributes include justness and righteousness with one who is merely an emotional comforter.
Yes, you and Prodigal Daughter are right on. I will add that most Americans (even many so-called Christians) do not like to think that God may judge America. Why wouldn't He? Is this God a different God that judged Israel? Did Jesus Christ not judge Jerusalem in 70 AD? Yes He did. God does not cause "tragedies" (recipient's perspective), rather He judges righteously.
I am disgusted by all of this pagan "god bless america" effusion. Which god would that be in the pantheon of american gods? I don't know. The official god of the U.S. government is hard to discern - it is either "any ole god" (Islam is peace and is equal with Christianity) or it is naturalism (the religion taught in our schools). Take your pick. Either way, the U.S. is in big big trouble. I believe the blinders are on so it may already be too late. However, God may spare America simply because of the small percentage of righteous people (His imputed righteousness) in this country (less than 5% of the population). (God withheld His judgment in Genesis because there were a mere 10 righteous men in the city).
"God Please Spare America" is my slogan.
That is more appropriate and accurate, or perhaps "God help America."
Let us hope and pray for a Great Awakening, which move can only be graciously bestowed from above.