Just before the 25th anniversary of September 11, IFA issued an urgent call for intercessors to pray for protection over America. Now, following the arrest of a Pennsylvania man accused of preparing an ISIS-inspired attack, we have reason to thank God for what appears to be a powerful answer to those prayers.

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From CNYCentral:

“As Americans observed the 25th anniversary of 9/11, our law enforcement partners were working to protect our country from the continued threat of terrorism,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Their outstanding work thwarted this alleged attack before innocent lives could be lost. The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to terrorize the American people and bring them to justice.”

Kramer was taken into custody just as he appeared to be preparing for a mass shooting that could have taken many lives, having already secured a rifle and approximately 190 rounds of ammunition for what he called his ‘mission,’” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg. “His apparent ISIS inspiration and escalation toward violence show how close this country came to a devastating attack. This arrest prevented what could have been a horrific tragedy.”

“This FBI continues to move more effectively than we ever have stopping terrorists before they harm the American people,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The subject in this case was allegedly plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS — engaging with ISIS propaganda online, building attack concepts, and repeatedly expressing extremist rhetoric — all while acquiring weapons believed to be in preparation of the attack.”

Federal authorities have charged 21-year-old Jonathan Hunter Kramer of Valencia, Pennsylvania, with receiving a firearm and ammunition while knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a felony or federal terrorism crime. According to the criminal complaint, the FBI arrested Kramer outside a Cranberry Township hotel on September 12 after surveillance allegedly showed him obtaining a long black bag, checking into the hotel, and purchasing ammunition.

Authorities say agents ultimately seized a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines, approximately 190 rounds of ammunition, a scope and bipod, pepper spray, and roughly 30 knives. Investigators allege Kramer had claimed an affiliation with ISIS online, discussed explosive manuals, and said he was preparing for a “mission.”

The timing is especially significant for IFA. On September 10, the day before the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, IFA sent an “Urgent Prayer Assignment for 9/11” after receiving multiple warnings from trusted intercessors about the need for focused prayer over the nation.

IFA specifically asked intercessors to fast and pray for the protection of America, for heightened awareness among law enforcement and security personnel, for people to speak up when they noticed concerning behavior, and for planned violence to be thwarted. As Americans marked the anniversary, Attorney General Todd Blanche says law enforcement was simultaneously working to stop this alleged attack.

We may never know this side of eternity the full impact of our prayers, but moments like this should encourage us not to dismiss an urgent prompting to intercede. God works through law enforcement officers, tips from concerned citizens, investigators—and through the faithful prayers of His people. When IFA asked intercessors to pray that law enforcement would be alert and violence would be thwarted, we did not know what might be unfolding behind the scenes. Days later, officials announced that an alleged ISIS-inspired attack had been stopped before innocent lives were lost. Let’s thank God for protecting lives, pray for the officers and investigators who acted to prevent this alleged attack, and ask Him to continue exposing plans of violence before they can be carried out.

Did you join us in praying on September 11? Share your prayers and thank God for His protection in the comments.

(Excerpt from CNYCentral. Photo Credit: ronstik/Getty Images via Canva Business)