January 19, 2026

Introduction

God has certainly been speaking to leaders in the church about increasing prayer for America and the nations. In today’s post, my friend, John Hamill shares a powerful strategy from Holy Spirit regarding this. And it involves, of all things, Big Ben; yes, the famous British clock! His title is:

America’s “Big Ben” Moment

Our nation stands at a historic crossroads. Here in Washington, D.C., my wife Jolene and I sense prophetically that in 2026, our nation is choosing which “spirit of America” will ultimately direct our future. Which spiritual influence will prevail? This is a vital question to answer, because only through the Spirit of the Lord will our liberties be preserved (2 Corinthians 3:17). 

Many of our fellow Americans have embraced a steady decline into socialism, totalitarianism, and idolatry. However, millions are also praying and turning to the Lord. Recently the Lord showed us a strategy to add to this praying army and direct America’s course towards freedom. The sheer simplicity took us by surprise. 

We were visiting with our longtime friends Tom and Lynnie Harlow when Lynnie suddenly asked us to pray about something. “I saw a vision of Big Ben,” Lynnie recounted. “And I heard the phrase ‘Big Ben Minute.’ The Lord was saying we are now in a ‘Big Ben moment’ for America. We are at a tipping point, where we can go one way or another.” 

Lynnie and Tom went on to share that during World War II, a minute of nightly prayer helped shift the course of the war. We had never heard this story before. 

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.’”

“They 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.

America’s Big Ben Moment

Here are a few facts. Though we have gained much ground in turning America around there is still great adversity. Divisive midterm elections are just ahead, which could unravel many of the godly gains we have achieved. Antisemitism continues to surge. AI continues to replace jobs. Economic downturns from the Biden/Covid era continue to paralyze many Americans.

Trusted prophetic voices continue to warn that this freedom movement called America is not yet out of the woods. Factor in the prospect of war with Iran, or even a covert cyber war with Russia or China, and it’s easy to understand why God’s call for a Big Ben Minute is actually His kindness in action. 

We must gain a Spirit-empowered, biblically accurate understanding of the times, as our newest book conveys, “End Times in Real Time!"

With this in mind, let me share with you a remarkable experience recounted in our new book. My wife Jolene had a prophetic experience on the summit of Tel Megiddo, otherwise known as Armageddon. 

The date was December 9, 2022. Jolene was seeking the Lord in prayer when she saw a vision of a grandfather clock hovering over the Armageddon Valley below. In her vision, the hands of the clock were set at ten minutes to midnight. She instantly “knew” that a “midnight hour” was coming to both Israel and America. 

Ten minutes to midnight. Maybe it’s not a coincidence that exactly ten months later, almost to the day, on October 7, Israel was thrust into a desperate midnight hour with the heinous attack by Hamas.

Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that the Lord recently used the imagery of BIG BEN—essentially a giant grandfather clock—to speak to Jolene and me once again. This time to call us and many in our nation, to a nightly minute of prayer. A Big Ben Minute for America.

The good news is that a midnight hour can become our finest hour. A special ops commander named Gideon discovered this fact when his army lit their lamps, blew their trumpets, and scattered the armies that had penetrated their borders (Judges 6-8).

As recorded in Matthew 25, Jesus compared the midnight hour to the time of His return. “But at midnight, there was a cry: ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps…” 

In more recent times, like last year, an extraordinary military operation called “The Midnight Hammer” took out Iran’s existential threat to both Israel and 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.

Pray with me:

Father, without a doubt it was prayer that empowered the Allied forces to save the world from Hitler’s evil regime. The Jewish people were praying, England and other European nations were praying, millions of Americans were praying, soldiers were praying, and prayer groups like Rees Howells’ students in Wales prayed fervently for Your help. 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. Paul and Silas prayed and worshiped at midnight and revival came to that city (Acts 16). 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.

Our decree:

We decree that this midnight hour will be America’s finest hour.

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

Today’s post was contributed by my friend Jon Hamill. You can find out more about Lamplighter Ministries and the book he mentioned above at JonandJolene.us.