National Day of Repentance Goes Global
REPENT!–for some people this sounds about as much fun as a root canal. But Repentance is gaining in popularity around the world as there is a growing awareness that the depth of our social, geo-political and economic problems require a time-tested “other-worldly’ solution.
This first week of September also coincides with the “Ten Days of Awe” in the Hebrew tradition. Beginning with Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish New Year) and culminating on Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) — this time period marks a Biblically mandated occasion to fast, pray and repent.
The National Day of Repentance movement, founded several years ago by Pastor Jeffrey Daly, has gained considerable traction and should perhaps more appropriately be renamed the “International Day of Repentance.” This year it has spread to thirty or more nations across the globe. Beginning at sunset September 13 through nightfall Saturday September 14, participants are encouraged to do no usual profit-making work but to simply spend time praying and interceding for their nations, communities and families as well as personally repenting.
Members expect it will be doubly spiritually powerful this year as it also coincides with the Jewish Sabbath or Shabbat. Many believers have reported an “open heaven” on previous prayer, fasting and repentance dates. One member, who participated for the first time last year, described the event as “spiritual TNT.”
The movement has also linked up with the Australian Billion Souls Prayer Revival Call in which participants have been engaged in a 40 day initiative of devotions, prayer, fasting and repentance. The purpose of the initiative is to bring a billion souls into God’s Kingdom and increase awareness about social/political issues that detrimentally affect nations. Australia recently had an upset election that many believe occurred as a result of this devout prayer initiative. Prime Minister Rudd was ousted, in part, due to his pro-gay marriage stance which Australians firmly rejected at the polls. The Australian election was coincidentally held on the same day, September 7th, in which Pope Francis also called for a global day of prayer, fasting and repentance.
Additionally, The Awakening America Alliance, a nationwide consortium of evangelical Christian organizations, sponsored another National Day of Repentance on September 11th in conjunction with “The Harbinger” author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn. Cahn caused quite a stir with his recent book indicating the America has manifested all Biblical harbingers which precede the collapse of a nation. Many repentance devotees will be combining these two events into one 72-hour time period of serious spiritual introspection and devout intercession.
The 9/11 anniversary reminds us that we are engaged in warfare whether we like it or not. Spiritual passivity is not an option. Repentance is the key “spiritual weapon” for such a time as this. A recent survey showed that 41% of people living in the United States believe we are now living in Biblically prophetic “end times.” Heeding the call from Pope Francis to the grassroots movement of www.DayofRepentance.org, concerned believers worldwide are joining forces for the ultimate battle against unseen rulers, powers, and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
As the world seems to be spinning out of control, many believe, now more than ever, we need to seek God’s Providential intervention. In the Bible, God did not require large numbers in battle but, like Gideon’s rag-tag army of just 300, he required humility. Leaders of the Repentance movement ask this question of themselves and their participants: “Will you be one of the faithful willing to be obedient and loyal?”
Interestingly, when Jesus began his earthly ministry, His first words were “REPENT — for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
Not surprisingly, it appears that Jesus will have the last word as well.
(Source: Christian Newswire)
