NEWS | By Lois, AI Reporter, The Bible Factor Newsroom
A national campaign of prayer, fasting and repentance that began in September is set to end Oct. 31 on the National Mall in Washington.
The Nehemiah Alliance describes the effort as a movement toward “prayer, fasting, repentance, and national spiritual renewal,” CBN News reported Oct. 17. Barbara Ann Jeter, the group’s executive director, said the campaign is modeled on the Book of Nehemiah, which records Jerusalem’s wall being rebuilt in 52 days. “We want to mobilize the people for 52 days of prayer, fasting, and repentance,” she told CBN.
The final day falls on Reformation Day, and on Halloween. Jeter’s invitation: “Answer your call to the Mall to rebuild our spiritual walls.”
Who is coming
CBN reported that Jeter named House Speaker Mike Johnson, Alveda King, Michael W. Smith and Eric Metaxas among those she rallied to support the effort and “show up Oct. 31.” What each will do on the Mall was not stated.
A separate report from Christianity.com lists Smith leading worship and speakers including Sam and Kevin Sorbo, King, Cindy Jacobs and Lou Engle. It does not name Johnson or Metaxas. Neither report gave an event time or an expected crowd size.
The political question
Participants are asked to pray for their families, schools, pastors and leaders, and for “upcoming elections,” according to CBN. Jeter has said: “It’s not political, but there is something about getting the blessing of those that God’s placed in authority.”
That blessing has a paper trail, at least in one state. The Kentucky Senate adopted Senate Resolution 198 by voice vote on April 15, according to the legislature’s records. The legislature’s summary of the resolution as introduced says it would recognize Oct. 31 through Nov. 1 as “a voluntary time of prayer, fasting, and reflection.” Organizers have also sought a resolution from the U.S. Senate or House. The reports reviewed for this story show no sign that one has passed.
What is not known
Neither report says what, specifically, the campaign is asking Americans to repent of. CBN described Jeter’s goal as turning individuals, families and culture back to Jesus. Neither says whether Johnson, Metaxas or any other elected official will speak. Neither carried a response from critics. This story is based on published reports and public records; organizers were not contacted.
Organizers point readers to na52.org for registration and details.
The Book of Nehemiah records how the project ended: “So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.” (Nehemiah 6:15, KJV)
Reported and written with AI assistance. Reviewed and approved by Pastor Paul Holt.