The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:7-10 NIV)
I need to quit reading the news headlines. They give me too much to ever thoroughly pray for, and it can be overwhelming. But I am not alone. If you are reading this you, too, are likely praying. Multiply that by millions, and we can see God do great things!
I recently read the following excerpt from a blog post, and invite to join millions of others who are joining together to pray for our nation at 9:00 p.m. every night.
The Big Ben Minute
“The backstory of the Big Ben Minute is amazing. During World War II, nightly blitzkriegs brought London to her knees. Each night at 9pm, British society would come to a standstill at the sound of Big Ben’s chimes—to pray for at least one minute for their land. Millions of people would intercede for the protection of their besieged nation, for their leaders, soldiers and loved ones, and for the defeat of the horrific Nazi regime.
“Winston Churchill soon endorsed the effort, and the chimes of “Big Ben minute” were broadcast nationally by the BBC—night after night, beginning precisely at 9pm.
“Against all odds, Britain persevered—and gained a victory that preserved not only their freedom, but western civilization itself. Many credited this nationwide moment of prayer with turning the tide of the war. Under interrogation, one German intelligence officer even confessed:
“During the war, you had a secret weapon for which we could find no counter-measure, and which we did not understand. But it was very powerful. It was associated with the striking of Big Ben each evening. I believe you called it ‘the Silent Minute.’”
“[The British] saw the tide turn,” Lynnie explained. “Now America needs to see the tide turn. And Jon and Jolene, I believe God wants you to help birth this movement.”
A movement—to pray one minute for America? I thought. How’s that going to turn a nation? How’s that “going to protect anything?
“Especially if you’re a seasoned watchman, your response might be a lot like mine. But history has proven there is great power in a groundswell of simple, consistent intercession. Even if it’s only for a minute.
“And whether you’re a veteran warrior or totally new to prayer, everyone can take a minute out of their evening to simply pray for America.
“And on the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, let’s not forget the midnight cry from Paul Revere’s midnight ride which awakened an army to engage in the American Revolution, forever securing America’s freedom. Due to their quick response, these soldiers soon became known as “Minutemen,” a rapid-deployment force that turned the tide of war.
“I hope you catch God’s irony, because He is now raising up “Minutemen” once again! A million men and women who will take just a minute of their evenings to pray.
“A minute to win it! Please set your alarms for 9:00 PM nightly. Pray. And let’s engage together in a “minuteman movement” to turn the tide of America once again.” – John Hamill
“Father, without a doubt it was prayer that empowered the Allied forces to save the world from Hitler’s evil regime…You gave supernatural aid and saved us from that great evil. Thank You for reminding us of the Big Ben prayer movement. Such a simple yet powerful plan. Move upon the hearts of many believers in America to give You a minute every evening to ask for Your complete turnaround of America. We are confident You have said America will be saved. But we are also aware that You will do so through the prayers and obedience of Your people. We will continue to do our part! Cause this “midnight hour” in the spirit to be America’s finest hour…A midnight ride years ago was a part of securing America’s freedom, and today’s midnight cry will be effective, as well. Breathe on this movement and use it mightily, in Jesus’ name. Amen.” – Dutch Sheets