“So the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5).

Darkness simply encompassed. It wasn’t like a cloud, which even when impeding the sun would still reflect its rays. Instead, this blackness seemed to “emanate” from another realm, a tangible void defined only by what it was not.

The earth was without form and void, with darkness upon the face of the deep. But the Spirit of God was brooding. The Lord of all creation made one simple declaration–Let there be light–and immediately this realm submitted and fled. And He saw that it was good, and He separated light from darkness.

That’s how the first day was created. Awesome! Beloved, this is also how your new day was created. Blinding darkness encompassed you. The Spirit of God moved, and you responded. Christ declared the fire of His redemption into the depths of your being. You were literally birthed into your first new day!

Paga! Releasing Lightning
Even as I write, a thunderstorm has moved into Washington DC. From my vantage point, lightning just struck between the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center. How we need the lightning of God to break through in this city, and in yours.

That’s our hope for this prayer project. Who knows what’s ahead–I will share Jolene’s clear warning in a moment–but we know it’s pretty dark out there. Did you know that the Hebrew word for lightning, paga, is also a primary word for intercession?

And by our Spirit-empowered paga, we can light up the skies with breakthrough. We can see the breaking forth of dawn’s early light. We can see heaven and earth joined by fire. Realms can be dis-empowered. Any dark night can give way to days of awe!

Let there be light.

World War Watch
Vermont has always been a place of encounter for Jolene and me. When we visited this spring, the Holy Spirit defined to Jolene two phases of our summer assignment.

First, He spoke “World War Watch… and I mean it!” Jolene knew immediately we were to clear our schedule, dwell and pray in Washington DC throughout July and August.

Wow… looks like lightning just struck near the Pentagon. Maybe this assignment is still important for September!

Between September 1-22
The second phase of our assignment was conveyed in the same dream. The Lord spoke to Jolene that “Between September 1 and September 22, something is coming that will affect every household in America.”

The Lord did not define to her what this “something” actually is. Her first impression was that it would be challenging. It was not clear whether this challenge could be averted or lessened by prayer. But the fact that He called us with great urgency to watch with Him implied that it could.

David’s Tent and the Bridal Canopy Vision
Throughout 2012 we have recalled the “bridal canopy vision” by Cindy Jacobs. Very simply, the Lord showed her how the enemy would try to “X out” our nation, and how God desired to transform that “X” across the land into a bridal canopy.

Is it any coincidence that, on September 25, David’s Tent DC begins? A tabernacle, or bridal canopy, night and day on the White House Ellipse–the governmental seat of authority for our nation? Is it any coincidence that David’s Tent begins on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, the day of atonement for the nation?

Call 911: Vigilance Against Sabotage
I don’t think so. And I don’t think it’s coincidence that only a few days afterwards, many major streams in the body of Christ are facilitating 40 days of prayer and fasting. In a historic way, these streams are all working together! From coast to coast, God will be forming His canopy of protection and transformation for our land. It reminds me of the prophetic promise of Amos 9:11–”In that day I will rebuild the fallen tabernacle of David, and repair its breaches…”

But the darkest night is just before the dawn. Lets keep in mind how the enemy still seeks to “X out” our land. He tried this 11 years ago this 9-11. In fact, we overlook the very wall of the Pentagon that was struck. What a sobering reminder of our need to remain vigilant against sabotage, internal or external.

Isn’t it great that we have access to Heaven’s emergency response team! Watchman, do you perceive trouble on the horizon? Call 911! Access God’s Throne until His first responders arrive. Pray at all times in the Spirit. Pray through. Call 911!

Forerunning Prayer
I believe the Lord is calling us all to forerunning prayer for the new day God intends for our Nation. That’s exactly what these 21 days are all about.

And He’s calling many of us to forerunning prayer for David’s Tent. Can I tell you a secret? As we intercede for David’s Tent, we are actually also interceding for God’s bridal canopy to be established across our land. From coast to coast, we are accessing this “911 Call” for the restoration of the Tabernacle of David.

Let there be light!

Father God we consecrate ourselves for this new season of forerunning prayer “until the day breaks, and the shadows flee away.” Grant us Throne Room access. Watch with us, pray through us. Restrain the enemy. Prevent sabotage. In Jesus’ Name!
(Exactly 911 words).