10 Days USA
Recently, believers in the Middle East have issued a call for a Global Day of Prayer for the United States on September 22. As an American, it’s humbling to have our brothers and sisters from around the world express such care and concern for us. Also, it’s abundantly clear that we need the help right now!
As often happens each year, this special day of prayer is taking place close to the 10 Days. In fact, it initiates a 21-day period of fasting that ends on October 12, the final day of 10 Days. Along with this day of prayer, there are many other prayer activities happening around the 10 Days. Clearly, the Holy Spirit is once again orchestrating a season of increased prayer and worship around these fall festivals. I want to encourage those of us, especially in the US, to join in this special season of prayer. Here’s a few of opportunities for prayer and fasting this fall:
Fall Sequence of Prayer and Fasting
September 22: A Global Day of Prayer for the United States
Sept. 22: Begin 21 Days of fasting
October 2: 10 Days Begins (Intensify fasting)
October 12: 10 Days ends, Solemn Assembly in Washington DC, 21 Day Fast ends
A Call to Pray for the United States
While reading David McCullough’s book, The Wright Brothers, I was struck by the prevailing attitude of Americans around the turn of the 20th century.
“To Americans throughout most of the country, the future was full of promise. A New Year’s Day editorial in the Chicago Tribunesaid one would have to be of ‘dull comprehension’ not to realize things were better than they ever have been and would be ‘better still when new science and new methods and new educations have done their perfect work.”
The Evening News of Dayton, Ohio described the zeitgeist this way:
“It was no [place] for a pessimist, said the paper, ’but if there is any hope for him, here he may breathe the glorious air of prosperity and imbibe the spirit of optimism and be cured.’”
America around the year 1900 was characterized by a hopeful and confident optimism. It was clear that the best days were ahead, not behind.
As anyone who lives here today can tell you, almost no one feels that way today. Currently, while we disagree violently on what is wrong with our nation and how to fix it, everyone agrees that something is very, very wrong. Despite having more national wealth than ever before, we sense the social fabric around us is frayed and giving way.
Optimism is a typical American temperament, a part of our national personality. Why have we almost universally lost our national optimism?
National Sins
Revelation 1:5 presents Jesus Christ as “the ruler of the kings on earth.” This is not speaking about his future rule and reign, which is coming. John is speaking about a present reality. Jesus Christ, in heaven, is ruling over the nations right now. In other words, the gospel is not purely about an individual following Jesus, it is also about nations following Him. Jesus is not merely the judge of individuals. He is also the judge of nations.
As a nation, I believe we have committed the most serious sin: We have forsaken God.
The United States government has, since the 1960’s, committed to establishing our nation apart from Jesus Christ and his words. Think about it—speaking about Jesus Christ in public is one of the most offensive things one can do, even though most Americans still give nominal allegiance to His name. We justify it by using the phrase “the separation of church and state”, even many believers see this as a good thing. However, the Lord does not care about our man-centered ideas. He is the ruler of heaven and earth, and the United States has told him in so many ways, “we don’t want you here.” This guilt applies to our political system, our media, education system, entertainment industry, business leaders, and even in many parts of the church. I believe forsaking God is the root of the current rot affecting our national life. We have asked the Lord to leave, and He has obliged.
Save Yourself, Save the Nation
For the last 20 years, I’ve tried to communicate a vision I received in 2004, that God wanted entire cities to stop, repent of their evil ways, and seek His face. I’ve shared this vision thousands of times both here in the United States and around the world. While many people and groups have responded, the vast majority have not.
My conviction, however, is that because our national problem is spiritual, rooted in a rejection of the leadership of Jesus Christ, the only solution is also spiritual. Any political leader who says they can “fix” things is lying or self-deluded. Our blemishes are not merely skin-deep and new political leadership will not save us. We need the leadership of Jesus.
God is incredibly patient with sin, much more patient than we would be. However, at a certain point, unrepented sin will come due, like debts to a creditor.
Even amid national judgments, God will protect and honor individuals who turn from sin and turn to God. While the culture around us may have forsaken God, we do not have to. We can save ourselves from God’s judgement. Consider righteous people like Lot and Rehab who were spared with their families from incredibly evil cities that were under God’s righteous judgment.
However, because of God’s great mercy, we also have hope that our personal repentance will have an intercessory impact, and will move the Lord to pour out mercy, revival, and even a national turning on America. Although our nation is in a bad state right now, it may well be that America’s greatest days are ahead of us. However, this will only take place if there is a dramatic outpouring of the Spirit and unprecedented national revival.
As we approach 10 Days and this broader period of prayer and repentance this fall, I want to invite you to take 10 Days off from work, school, and normal life to throw yourself at the mercy of God, trusting that while our God is just, He is better and more merciful than we could ever imagine. Let’s devote ourselves to fasting and prayer during these days. It is a window for us to receive the mercy of God as individuals and as a nation.
We may not know the timing of God’s discipline on this nation, but we can rest-assured that a nation that forgets God will receive consequences eventually.
Join me this September 22 and from October 2-12 in fervent prayer for the mercy of God over this nation!
As 10 Days has grown the past years around the globe, we’ve become increasingly aware of the need for a new team to serve the United States. This year, we’ve formed a special USA Leadership Team that is working to steward and multiply 10 Days gatherings across the nation. This is not about fulfilling an organizational obligation, but creating space for existing leaders to embrace a larger vision. Our goal is to catalyze a nationwide movement of prayer, worship, and spiritual renewal that transforms cities and hearts.
--Jordon Baker for the 10 Days USA Lead Team