California
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California Prayer Watch
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Overview of CA History and Spiritual Heritage - The Watchman State
California has been a paradox throughout American history. It has often been both a birthplace of spiritual awakening and a laboratory for cultural rebellion. Many historians and Christian leaders have observed that major movements—both for revival and for revolution—have emerged from California and then spread across the nation and the world. Thus, much of the prophetic history has centered around the call of the "Watchman" today.
Its revival history includes the Azusa Street Revival, 1906-1909. It is widely considered the catalyst for modern pentecostalism. In 1960, the modern Charismatic Movement gained momentum through the ministry of Dennis Bennett at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, CA. What had been confined to Pentecostal churches began spreading into mainline Protestant and Catholic churches. The Jesus movement began in the late 1960's-1970's. Beginning among the counterculture youth of Southern California, the Jesus Movement saw thousands of hippies and young adults come to faith in Christ. Ministries such as Calvary Chapel under Chuck Smith became influential worldwide. Other healing and revival streams have also emanated from its spiritual womb including the Vineyard Movement through John Wimber, and modern prophetic/apostolic ministries such as Bethel Church in Redding, CA.
The seed of righteousness has been hotly contested for with the Counterculture Revolution of the 1960's also emanating from CA. California became a major center for changing attitudes toward sexuality, marriage, and family structures. Many social changes that later spread nationally first gained cultural traction in California. Modern social and political movements—including environmental activism, identity politics, and various forms of cultural progressivism—found strong early support and development in California before influencing national discourse.
Its revival history includes the Azusa Street Revival, 1906-1909. It is widely considered the catalyst for modern pentecostalism. In 1960, the modern Charismatic Movement gained momentum through the ministry of Dennis Bennett at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, CA. What had been confined to Pentecostal churches began spreading into mainline Protestant and Catholic churches. The Jesus movement began in the late 1960's-1970's. Beginning among the counterculture youth of Southern California, the Jesus Movement saw thousands of hippies and young adults come to faith in Christ. Ministries such as Calvary Chapel under Chuck Smith became influential worldwide. Other healing and revival streams have also emanated from its spiritual womb including the Vineyard Movement through John Wimber, and modern prophetic/apostolic ministries such as Bethel Church in Redding, CA.
The seed of righteousness has been hotly contested for with the Counterculture Revolution of the 1960's also emanating from CA. California became a major center for changing attitudes toward sexuality, marriage, and family structures. Many social changes that later spread nationally first gained cultural traction in California. Modern social and political movements—including environmental activism, identity politics, and various forms of cultural progressivism—found strong early support and development in California before influencing national discourse.
From a biblical and prophetic perspective, many Christian leaders have described California as a "first-fruits state" or a "gateway state"—a place where movements are tested and then exported nationally and globally. In that sense, California's history often reflects a contest over influence: whether innovation and spiritual hunger move toward renewal or toward rebellion. Many modern watchmen and intercessors see that tension as one of California's defining spiritual characteristics.
California in America's History
California is a global leader in technology, entertainment, manufacturing, agriculture and trade. In fact, California's overall economy is now the 4th largest in the world, behind only the United States, China, and Germany (1).
1. California and America's Westward Expansion
California became a focal point of America's "Manifest Destiny" movement—the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent.
California Gold Rush was one of the most transformative events in U.S. history.
California entered the Union as a free state in 1850. This was a crucial political development because:
1. California and America's Westward Expansion
California became a focal point of America's "Manifest Destiny" movement—the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent.
- Originally part of Mexico, California was acquired by the United States following the Mexican–American War and formally ceded in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
- The acquisition completed America's reach to the Pacific Ocean, giving the nation access to important trade routes with Asia.
California Gold Rush was one of the most transformative events in U.S. history.
- Gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in 1848.
- Hundreds of thousands of people from across America and around the world rushed to California.
- The state's population exploded, leading to California's admission as a state in 1850.
- The Gold Rush accelerated the nation's economic development and helped establish San Francisco as a major city.
California entered the Union as a free state in 1850. This was a crucial political development because:
- It shifted the balance between free and slave states.
- It became part of the debates surrounding the Compromise of 1850.
- Its admission intensified national discussions that eventually contributed to the American Civil War.
4. Feeding America
California has become the agricultural powerhouse of the United States. Economists generally estimate that if California were a nation, it would rank among the top 5-10 agricultural producers in the world. The state's fertile valleys, especially the Central Valley alone produces 25% of the nation's food.
5. Gateway to the Pacific
California's Pacific coastline transformed the United States into a major Pacific power. Important ports such as:
California is home to Silicon Valley that helped launch the digital revolution that reshaped the world. It is the birthplace of companies such as:
California has had enormous influence on global culture.
California has often pioneered:
(1) California is now the 4th largest economy in the world, April 23, 2025 https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/23/california-is-now-the-4th-largest-economy-in-the-world/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
California has become the agricultural powerhouse of the United States. Economists generally estimate that if California were a nation, it would rank among the top 5-10 agricultural producers in the world. The state's fertile valleys, especially the Central Valley alone produces 25% of the nation's food.
- Produces over 400 commodities
- Grows 50% of America's vegetables
- Grows 75% of America's fruits and nuts
- Leads the nation in almonds, pistachios, grapes, strawberries, lettuce, dairy products, and many other crops.
- Billions of dollars in agricultural exports annually.
5. Gateway to the Pacific
California's Pacific coastline transformed the United States into a major Pacific power. Important ports such as:
- Port of Los Angeles
- Port of Long Beach
- Shipbuilding
- Aircraft production
- Military training
- Pacific military operations
California is home to Silicon Valley that helped launch the digital revolution that reshaped the world. It is the birthplace of companies such as:
- Apple
- Intel
California has had enormous influence on global culture.
- Hollywood became the center of the film industry.
- California shaped music, fashion, surfing, environmentalism, and popular culture.
- Trends that begin in California often spread nationally and internationally.
California has often pioneered:
- Environmental regulations
- Technology policies
- Consumer protections
- Social movements
(1) California is now the 4th largest economy in the world, April 23, 2025 https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/23/california-is-now-the-4th-largest-economy-in-the-world/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
California Prophetic History
California as a watchman state: The "watchman call" for California has been a major theme within intercessory prayer movements for several decades. Because of the war over its spiritual destiny, the role of the watchman has been vital in contending for righteousness. The battle has been intense. It is rooted primarily in scriptures such as Isaiah 62:6–7 ("I have posted watchmen on your walls..."), Ezekiel 33, and Habakkuk 2:1. Several streams of prophetic and prayer-focused writings have emphasized the state's strategic role and the need for sustained intercession.
Prophetic Foundations: Rich in its prophetic foundations is the call of the Watchman. With revival in California's history, the call to the watch has been exceedingly strong. The following is a summary of the visionary, prophetic foundations for the California Watch and its parent watches, The USA and Global Watch. Amos 3:7 states, “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” The following is a prophetic overview:
California Prophetic history for the "Watch of the Lord."
Due to prophetic concerns regarding a devastating earthquake coming to California, in the spring of 1998 we were called by national leadership to convene a "Call to Prayer" for California. It was held July, 1998 in Bakersfield, California. During the gathering Chuck Pierce released a powerful prophetic word calling forth the "Watch" into eight hubs (see pdf). The word released the Holy Spirit powerfully amongst the attendees. We recieved the word and began a 15-year journey developing the Kern Region Prayer Watch which met weekly in Bakersfield. Powerful worship nights released many strategic prayer journeys around Kern County.
Prophetic Foundations: Rich in its prophetic foundations is the call of the Watchman. With revival in California's history, the call to the watch has been exceedingly strong. The following is a summary of the visionary, prophetic foundations for the California Watch and its parent watches, The USA and Global Watch. Amos 3:7 states, “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” The following is a prophetic overview:
California Prophetic history for the "Watch of the Lord."
Due to prophetic concerns regarding a devastating earthquake coming to California, in the spring of 1998 we were called by national leadership to convene a "Call to Prayer" for California. It was held July, 1998 in Bakersfield, California. During the gathering Chuck Pierce released a powerful prophetic word calling forth the "Watch" into eight hubs (see pdf). The word released the Holy Spirit powerfully amongst the attendees. We recieved the word and began a 15-year journey developing the Kern Region Prayer Watch which met weekly in Bakersfield. Powerful worship nights released many strategic prayer journeys around Kern County.
Though the vision for a state-wide watch was released in 1998 and people received it, it wasn't until November 2014 when we called people to re-visit the word and see if we could not get it established. Held again in Bakersfield, from that meeting, prayer leaders agreed to mobilize around hubs defined as cities, other prayer networks, and hispanics. We have been hosting calls since then from 6-7 am and developing the infrastruture of relationships since then. It has been a proven and exciting journey as relationships have continued to strengthen. While on an early morning prayer drive following the meeting, we were met with a pillar of fire in the sky. The sign of this massive pillar of fire was undeniable, stopping us in our tracks. Looking back on the moment, we realized it was a sign of breakthrough. More was to come.
By June of 2015, CA was in the deepest darkest drought on the face of the earth. Being a largely agricultural state, this was critical for food supply chains across the globe. We convened a "Trumpet Call West Coast" to repent, pray, and seek the Lord for breaking of the drought. The meeting was marked by a massive storm that hit the West Coast after it concluded. The outpouring of rain was noted by leaders from across the United States. Subsequently, the USA Watch was born and launched in 2016.
As the CA and USA watch has grown, other nations have joined in. In 2019, the Global Watch began to form. Connecting across nations catalyzed when COVID-19 hit in 2020. The Global Watch took on a whole new realm of purpose catalyzing mobilization and growth. For its history click here.
Throughout the years the watch has been "hubbing," prayer interventions for the healing of our land have launched, including prayer walks around the state capitol, connecting with our state senators and representatives, and mobilizing strategic interventions, ex. a coordinated state-wide mobilization on healing the land over Native massacre sites, and prayer over historic sites in California.
Join us for daily calls 6-7am
As the CA and USA watch has grown, other nations have joined in. In 2019, the Global Watch began to form. Connecting across nations catalyzed when COVID-19 hit in 2020. The Global Watch took on a whole new realm of purpose catalyzing mobilization and growth. For its history click here.
Throughout the years the watch has been "hubbing," prayer interventions for the healing of our land have launched, including prayer walks around the state capitol, connecting with our state senators and representatives, and mobilizing strategic interventions, ex. a coordinated state-wide mobilization on healing the land over Native massacre sites, and prayer over historic sites in California.
Join us for daily calls 6-7am
- Monday: CA-HAPN
- Tues-Sun:
- Tuesday: Ventura/Ojai
- Wednesday: San Francisco
- Thursday: Bakersfield/Santa Maria
- Friday: San Diego
- Saturday: Hispanic watch - Spanish speaking (On the USA Zoom link below, Meeting ID 645 749 2167)
- Sunday: Central Coast/Paso Robles
More prophetic history
One of the most frequently quoted prophetic statements regarding California is that the state will move from being known primarily for cultural rebellion to becoming known for spiritual awakening.
Kim Clement frequently spoke of California as a state that would experience both intense conflict and extraordinary revival. He often described California as a battleground because of its influence on culture, government, entertainment, and technology.
Key themes:
Chuck Pierce has consistently taught that California functions as a "gateway state" whose spiritual condition affects the rest of America. Delivered on January 2025, "The Waters of God are Overtaking California."
Key themes:
Lou Engle's prophetic focus has frequently centered on California because of the state's connection to the historic Azusa Street Revival. Lou Engle frequently spoke of California as requiring extraordinary intercession because of its cultural influence.
Key themes: He often links California's destiny to prayer, fasting, and evangelism among younger generations.
Ché Ahn - As a longtime California pastor and leader, Ché Ahn has probably given more state-specific prophetic words about California than many national figures.
Key themes:
Key themes:
- A spiritual awakening emerging from unexpected places.
- Major changes in the entertainment industry.
- California becoming a center of innovation that would serve God's purposes.
- A remnant of believers rising during times of cultural turmoil.
Chuck Pierce has consistently taught that California functions as a "gateway state" whose spiritual condition affects the rest of America. Delivered on January 2025, "The Waters of God are Overtaking California."
Key themes:
- California would undergo shaking before awakening.
- God would restore the state's covenant destiny.
- New alliances between generations, ethnic groups, and churches.
- A revival that would move from California across the nation.
Lou Engle's prophetic focus has frequently centered on California because of the state's connection to the historic Azusa Street Revival. Lou Engle frequently spoke of California as requiring extraordinary intercession because of its cultural influence.
Key themes: He often links California's destiny to prayer, fasting, and evangelism among younger generations.
- A spiritual battleground.
- A state whose decisions affect the nation.
- A place where watchmen must contend for revival and awakening.
Ché Ahn - As a longtime California pastor and leader, Ché Ahn has probably given more state-specific prophetic words about California than many national figures.
Key themes:
- California will experience a Third Great Awakening.
- Revival will emerge simultaneously from churches, campuses, and homes.
- California's influence in technology, entertainment, and government will be redeemed.
- The state will become a model of transformation for the nation.
Healing the land and First Nations
They have also been involved in healing ancient wounds with the 1st Nations. Strategic prayer over embattled areas where there was bloodshed have seen significant results. Because California plays an outsized role in entertainment, technology, agriculture, higher education, and finance, many prophetic voices believe the state has strategic significance in all seven areas.
Prophecies Often Viewed as Already Being Fulfilled
Supporters commonly point to:
They have also been involved in healing ancient wounds with the 1st Nations. Strategic prayer over embattled areas where there was bloodshed have seen significant results. Because California plays an outsized role in entertainment, technology, agriculture, higher education, and finance, many prophetic voices believe the state has strategic significance in all seven areas.
Prophecies Often Viewed as Already Being Fulfilled
Supporters commonly point to:
- Massive growth of prayer networks across California.
- Increased cooperation among churches.
- Christian influence in media and film production.
- Spiritual awakening and revival outbreaks on college campuses.
- Large public worship and prayer gatherings.
- Growing global influence of California-based ministries.
Resources:
Prophetic Words over CA - Mariposa Revival Center
California Earthquake Prophesy - Chris Reed
California shall be a Resurrection State - Larry Sparks
A Prophetic call for this Generation - Che Ahn
WORD for CA, June 6, 2026 - Christy Johnston
Prophetic Words over CA - Mariposa Revival Center
California Earthquake Prophesy - Chris Reed
California shall be a Resurrection State - Larry Sparks
A Prophetic call for this Generation - Che Ahn
WORD for CA, June 6, 2026 - Christy Johnston