Can a nation be saved in a day? Will America repent of her sins before it’s too late?

That’s the prayer of Lou Engle, best known for founding the nationwide prayer and fasting movement TheCall — and that’s why he’s hoping to get a million women to gather at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on  October 12. 

A Million Women: An Esther Call to the Mall is a “last stand moment for America,” and a “Day of Atonement” for our nation. Led by Lou Engle Ministries and the SAFA School (Set Apart For Awakening), a program “designed to raise up young leaders in prayer and fasting for a lifestyle of revival and mission,” partners include the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the Dallas megachurch UPPERROOM, Christ for the Nations Institute, Mercy Culture, California’s Bethel Church, and other ministries.

October 12 is the Day of Atonement on the Hebraic calendar — a day when “the blood of Jesus is applied to the doorposts of our national guilt,” said Engle. In Jewish custom, it is a day devoted to atoning for sins through fasting and prayers of repentance.

In preparation, a 21-day fast will begin on Sept. 21, leading up to the Day of Atonement event on October 12. Participants can choose the type of fast they want to do, such as a Daniel fast, a water-only fast, or a juice-only fast.

Participants are asked to pray, fast, and stand in the gap for their nation the way Esther did in the Bible. Participants can start a small prayer group with family or friends for over the nation, education, families, or wherever they are led. You can attend the event in person in the District of Columbia (from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time), or take part at home by interceding in prayer and spreading the word. 

The goal is to get a million people to the prayer meeting in the District of Columbia. 

“We’re calling every man a Mordecai, every woman an Esther,” said Engle. “Come to the Mall on the Day of Atonement and dare to believe that God will shift history and save a nation as we pray, fast, and stand on behalf of your children, your families, and your nation.

“Don’t miss this defining moment. For such a time as this you’ve been brought into the Kingdom.”

Nancy Flory, Ph.D., is a senior editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.