Tremors of Revival at the National Day of Prayer

I am still in Washington, D.C. where the 65th Annual National Day of Prayer took place on Thursday, May 5. In my thirty five years of participating in the NDP, this one was the most powerful I have ever attended.

Maybe that’s because we have never needed God more than in 2016 to intervene the affairs of a nation that is going off a leadership, moral and financial cliff.

I saw some tremors of revival at this year’s NDP…

Here is a report from John Bornshein, the Vice President of the event. I will make some personal comments between his commentary.

“Every year, the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force facilitates several events on Capitol Hill including the National Observance at the Cannon House Office Building. With speakers like Tony Evans, Chuck Swindoll, Oliver North, Max Lucado, Beth Moore, and Franklin Graham, the expectations are always high and the response is overwhelming.”

“More than five hundred thousand people tune in live each year, via video stream and televised broadcast, for what is sure to be a prayer event highlight reel as representatives from each branch of government, prominent ministries and businesses share encouraging and convicting messages with ambassadors, delegates, and individuals from all walks of life in the historic Caucus Room – and the 65^th annual National Day of Prayer observance did not disappoint.”

This year’s NDP featured up to 47,000 different prayer events all over the nation with millions of people involved. It was the largest day of Americans crying out to God in the history of the nation.

The morning began promptly at 9:00 a.m. eastern with the presentation of the colors by the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and the National Anthem. Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, kicked off the momentous celebration with a warm greeting and introduction of Rabbi Jonathan Cahn. She then had everyone on the edge of their seats when she made the following statement: “

“’In 1988, the late Vonette Bright began petitioning Members of Congress to support a bill that would designate the first Thursday in May as the annual National Day of Prayer. By a joint resolution of the United States Congress, it was signed into law by President Reagan on May 8^th of that year.'” 

“‘Mrs. Bright continued in leadership until 1991.  Then she and the National Prayer Committee asked me to succeed her as chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. After much prayer and careful consideration, I accepted the responsibility and have now served for 25 consecutive years. The Day of Prayer has been observed by more than 33 million people at 630,000 prayer gatherings around the world…and today, another chapter begins.'”

“‘I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, will succeed me as the new chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. It is imperative that we preserve this American heritage to insure that this powerful expression of our religious freedom will continue for generations to come. I couldn’t be more grateful that the Lord has laid upon Anne the mantle of leadership for national prayer.  She is eminently qualified to serve the nation in this capacity.  We honor her for accepting this responsibility.’” 

I truly believe that Anne Graham Lotz is God’s chosen leader for the next era of the NDP. Her strong evangelistic voice, commitment to God’s Word, and prophetic understanding of the dark days we’re in are utterly crucial to what lies before us.

“The National Observance continued and Rabbi Jonathan Cahn (author of The Harbinger) took the podium first and blessed the occasion with eloquent words and a personal challenge for how we should view the exercise of prayer and solemn assembly. He then put the Shofar to his lips and belted out what seemed to be the longest held note to echo throughout the halls of Congress in the history of our nation. At that moment, we knew the prayer event had begun and not just in Washington D.C.”

Cahn was powerful and moving–like hearing a modern-day prophet of God. We must turn from our sins or America will cease to be, The atmosphere was electric as he called the nation to repentance.

“The line-up of speakers that followed were second to none with each building on the other, emphasizing repentance and a return to the God of our Fathers. After a series of convicting messages and prayers of reverence to the Almighty, Dr. Tony Evans, the 2016 Honorary Chairman, concluded the gathering with the National Prayer that was spoken aloud in unison by the standing-room only crowd that had remained steadfast throughout the full 3-hour plus gathering.”

The biggest tremor of the day occurred when Glenn Sheppard called us onto our knees and faces to cry out to God. Groans and cries for mercy were heard all over the chambers of the Cannon Office Building for a number of minutes. We had touched the agonized heart of God for America.

“It was a powerful and fitting way to conclude the National Observance while serving as a springboard to more than 47,000 similar gatherings that took place from coast to coast. In addition, an estimated 90 nations participated in the annual observance along with South Korea, India and Australia where prayer coordinators mobilized thousands to fast and pray for the United States.”

“From pilots flying over capitols to petition from above, to balloon launches, parades, park gatherings and more, there were millions of prayers lifted up at an unprecedented level. President Barack H. Obama and all 50 Governors unanimously called on Americans to pray.”

“Truly, the 65^th annual National Day of Prayer was a historic moment in time for God’s church, across the oceans, to unite in prayer in One Voice. It was the largest such day of prayer in the modern era and already, many have started their planning efforts for May 4, 2017. “

Following the Capitol Hill event, In late afternoon, local believers gathered as God’s rainbow coalition to pray for the city. Prayers were offered in many languages, Pastor Lon Solomon repented on behalf of the city’s pastors for pride, isolation, and division between churches. The young generation was prayed and for and encouraged to take their place in a genuine American revival. It was an awesome experience of praise, tears, prophetic words, and thundreds of prayers going up to God on the west lawn of the US Capitol.

When the day had finished, I was convinced that God had heard our prayers and His tremors of revival had begun,

“Immediately following the National Day of Prayer, the NDP Task Force, announced that it was partnering with Pulse Ministries to rally intercessors far and wide back to Washington D.C., July 14-17 (National Prayer Summit and Together 2016) for what will be one of the largest gatherings of prayer at the National Mall.”

I was privileged to be a part of the first large prayer gathering for revival in America–Washington For Jesus–on April 29, 1980. God used that event to bring many streams of renewal into our land that lasted for nearly a generation, Together 2016 is the rallying cry of the next generation for God to do it again.

It has never been more needed.

But be encouraged.

After National Day of Prayer 2016, some tremors of revival have begun.