“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation” – (Luke 3:4-6).
Dear intercessors,
We are right now living in desperate days. The Church in many parts of the world needs revival, and God wants to use each one of us to prepare the way for a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. I am sure that you sense the urgency of the hour. It is not hard to see that everything is not right. God is trying to get our full attention. It is truly time to cry out to the Lord and become men and women of fervent prayer. We need God’s intervention in our cities and nations. The valleys of defeat must be filled, the mountains of disbelief must be leveled, the crooked places of dishonesty must be straightened, and the rough places of disobedience must be made smooth.
It was almost 25 years ago on the mission field when I wrote the following two paragraphs in a newsletter. I find that today I must still ask myself the same questions I asked then:
“Am I desperate enough for revival? Do I realize the desperate condition of my country?” And if I trust in religious organization, material wealth, popular preaching, shallow evangelistic crusades, there will never be revival. But when confidence in my flesh is smashed and I realize my desperate wretchedness and emptiness before God, then and only then will God break through. “Lord, make me ready for revival. Revive me.”
I challenge you to join me in prayer for revival for our lives and for the nations. I call for prayer that is strong, prevailing, believing, God-moving, hell-defeating, devil-routing, sinner-saving, believer-sanctifying, Christ-exalting and worker-producing—prayer that takes all that we are and have. God Himself will motivate us to pray these prayers that have extraordinary consequences if we are only willing, willing to pay the price. Pray that God may fill us all with the very passion of Christ, with the power and persistence of the Holy Spirit, with the burdening sense of the Church’s plight and world’s appalling need, that the wheels of revival may be set in motion.
“Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved” – (Psalm 80:18-19).
How do we Personally Prepare the Way for Revival?
“The coming revival must begin with a great prayer revival. It is in the closet, with the door shut, that the sound of abundant revival will be first heard. An increase in the secret prayer of ministers and members will be the sure herald of blessing.” Andrew Murray
- Prepare yourself in the way of blessing through intensive prayer – Pray with all your heart, asking God to enlarge your prayer and worship life. Make time for God, and practice fasting.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray…” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
- Be serious about personal revival – Instead of watching TV, pray. Don’t get caught up in the ways of the world. Lay aside those worldly pursuits.
“… and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” – (2 Chronicles 7:14).
- Become dissatisfied with sin and ask God to convict your heart – Be sensitive to His conviction.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” – (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Repent thoroughly – Don’t tolerate sin in your own life. Let godly sorrow over your sin touch you deeply.
“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight… Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place” – (Psalm 51:4-6).
- Make restitution whenever possible –Make sure that your relationships are right.
“Live in harmony with one another” – (Romans 12:16).
- Practice living the Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5 – 7 is the job description of holy living. Ask God to transform your life and teach you to live to please Him. Prayerfully study the Sermon on the Mount regularly.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” – (Matthew 5:3-4).
- Choose to narrow your interests – If you narrow your interests, God will enlarge your heart. We can so easily be distracted from prayer, but revival calls for a focused vision on what really matters. This is the time to pray and hunger after God wholeheartedly.
“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands” – (Psalm 119:10).
- Make a new commitment to reach out to the lost – Pray an ask God for opportunities, and He will help you. Begin to pray, care and share Christ with those who do not know Him. Follow the example of Jesus.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” – (Luke 19:10).
- Have faith in God – Begin to expect God to move through your prayers. Believe that He does want to pour out His spirit and bring revival.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” – (Hebrews 11:1).
Revival begins with us. It is each one of us getting our lives straight and turning from the crooked paths. Take seriously the need for personal revival. Take seriously the need for prayer. God is dealing with His Church.
“The great work of intercession is needed for this returning to the Lord. It is here that the coming revival must find its strength. Let us begin as individuals to plead with God, confessing whatever we see of sin or hindrance in ourselves or others. If there were no other sin, surely the lack of prayer is matter enough for repentance, confession, and returning to the Lord.” – Andrew Murray
Together in the Harvest,
Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
International House of Prayer (IHOP) KC Staff
www.crosswalk.com
Prayer Resources See all resources Right arrow icon Ten Days of Prayer
June 12, 2017
Ten Days of Prayer initiative (formerly called Operation Global Rain) was adopted by the world church in 2010. Churches in over a hundred countries have received rich blessings through Ten Days of Prayer which occurs every January. God is faithful! The Ten Days experience can’t be quantified. Hearts are surrendered, souls convicted, and requests for prayer have been answered. We invite you to be part of this special initiative.
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Experiencing God through Prayer and Praise
March 8, 2017
This inspirational packet, compiled by Jerry and Janet Page, contains many resources on prayer including topics like: Praising God, abiding in Jesus’ love, guidelines for those desiring anointing, encouraging promises and quotes on healing, principles of intercessory prayer, how to pray with your spouse, powerful promises for parents, what to pray for non-Christians, when Satan called a worldwide meeting, and much more. (Download the entire packet or choose topics individually.)
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Praying for Rain
January 22, 2018
Wanting to understand the heart behind united prayer, or how to lead a group in united prayer? Or maybe you just want to grow your prayer life with your family? This powerful resource, with already half a million copies in print, has been newly updated and is packed with lots of inspiration and practical tools to help get your group prayer off to a great start. If you love prayer, you will want to take this gem with you everywhere. (Available in 18 languages!)
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Praying the Word: Prayer & Promise Cards
March 23, 2017
Have you ever wondered how to get started praying the Word? If so, these printable prayer cards, filled with Bible promises and quotes from Inspiration, are just for you. Topics covered include prayers and promises for your spiritual growth, for your children, your marriage, your ministry, for overcoming spiritual breaches, and much more. The promises included will add power to your prayer life. (Also available for download in Spanish. All cards can be edited and personalized!)
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Praying for the Cities Map
May 21, 2019
Ellen G. White writes, “Pray for the Conversion of Souls—If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers…” and pray! (7T, 21) If ever there was a group of people that needed urgent prayer, it is those in the cities. Our hope is that these resources will inspire you to greater more intentional prayer on behalf of our brothers and sisters who live in the cities.
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Practical Prayer
May 14, 2019
In Luke 11 one of Jesus’ disciples begged him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” And that is exactly what Jesus did. In this inspiring message, Kameron DeVasher delves into the message of Luke 11 and the Lord’s prayer, what that looks like practically in our lives today. This message is sure to deepen your prayer life.
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How to Have a Powerful Prayer Life
April 30, 2019
In this podcast, Gem Castor and Shauna Chung discuss the power of prayer and how to put that power to practice. Gem Castor is an itinerant missionary from the Philippines who travels the world leading out united prayer sessions and seminars. Inspired by the life of George Mueller he has spent the last seven years relying entirely on the Lord’s providence to provide for his needs and mission ventures. Listen in on this engaging conversation.
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Needed: Men of Prayer
April 16, 2019
E. M. Bounds wrote: “What the church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use—men of prayer, men mighty in prayer.” In this inspiring article, Claudio Consuegra not only gives motivation for the need for men of prayer, but he also gives some practical suggestions for moving forward in prayer. This article was originally published in the Adventist World (NAD), September 2012 edition.
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United Prayer Works 10: King Jehoshaphat calls for Prayer
January 30, 2019
In this final episode of the “United in Prayer” series, we find the great army of Syria coming against Judah. King Jehoshaphat proclaims time for fasting and prayer. “We have no might against this great multitude, neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon you,” he praise. This video shows how God answered this powerful prayer!
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What is Prayer? (I AM Episode)
January 10, 2019
In this beautiful episode of “I AM,” produced by the Adventist Church in Sydney, we follow our young adult hosts on a journey to discover what is the true meaning of prayer. This video is a great sharing resource. We pray you are blessed!
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United Prayer Works 9: Paul and Silas in Prison
January 2, 2019
In this 9th episode of “United Prayer Works,” Paul and Silas end up casting a demon out of a slave girl, and as a result, are put into prison. But the Lord works through them in a special way through this experience and the jailer and his whole family are saved. May this testimony remind us that all things work together for good to those that love God.
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Heart Challenge to Start the New Year!
December 28, 2018
This document contains a personal “10-Day Heart Challenge” to help start your New Year on a positive spiritual note. It gives specific Bible passages to reflect upon and as well as prayer thoughts to help you seek a deeper walk with Christ. Whether you do it at the beginning of this New Year, or some other time, we are sure that it will be a blessing! (This is not part of the world church official “10 Days Of Prayer,” but is meant to prepare you for this event as we will be seeking a deeper experience with Christ!)
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Five Specific Ways to Grow Your Walk with God this New Year!
December 24, 2018
This is for those who love New Year’s challenges, or who might be looking for a fresh spiritual start to their New Year. In this short video testimony, Melody Mason shares three specific things that have impacted her own walk with God this past year, as well as two additional spiritual challenges she plans to take on in the New Year. We pray this “Heart-to-Heart” episode is a blessing, and helps get your New Year off to a positive start!
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Prayer and Finishing the Mission
December 10, 2018
What role does prayer have to play in finishing the mission God intends for us? As you read this inspiring article, we think you will find that prayer actually holds a pivotal role in the endtime work we are called to in sharing the gospel. This is an excellent resource that will be a real blessing to all who read it.
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United Prayer Works 8: Paul and Barnabas Sent out with Prayer
November 28, 2018
In this episode of “United Prayer Works” we catch a glimpse of Paul and Barnabas on their mission to win converts in the early church. The Holy Spirit was with them and worked in a mighty way. What the Holy Spirit did then, He can do today, when God’s people pray!
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Prayer and Thriving Relationships, plus Much More!
October 3, 2018
In this three part audio series, Jerry and Janet Page share some of their personal experiences as they talk about how to cultivate a vibrant prayer life, a prayer life that will help your relationship thrive both with God and with those around you. Grab a pen and notebook, and sit down prepared for a blessing!
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United Prayer Works 7: Herod Puts Peter in Prison
September 21, 2018
In this part 7 of the “United Prayer Works” series, we find what it’s like to be at complete peace in your walk with God. Peter is scheduled to be executed the next day, but he’s sleeping peacefully between his guards. And then the unthinkable happens… an angel comes from heaven to rescue him. May this short video be a reminder of the God who brings peace even in the midst of our storms.
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2018 – 4th Qtr. (Oct. 6) – Interceding for the Least of These
September 11, 2018
Jesus longed for His fledgling church to come together in purpose, harmony, and mission. Today, amid perhaps unprecedented polarization in the world, our nations, and our church, we too need to heed Jesus’ counsel to seek His Spirit and come together for mission, especially for the least of these. The task seems daunting and impossible in our humanity. That’s why we need to pray as never before for the miracle of healing and reconciliation that only God can bring.
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Reflections of Hope 12 – Just Breathe
September 4, 2018
Scuba diving is nothing short of spectacular! While there are many things you need to know before scuba diving, you might find it surprising that the number one and most important rule in scuba diving is simply this: Don’t hold your breath! Whatever happens, just keep breathing! As long as you are breathing, you can deal with any difficulty below, The same is true for our spiritual life above the surface. Listen in as Taj Pacleb shares.
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United Prayer Works 6: Early Church Problems
August 30, 2018
In this sixth episode of “United Prayer Works,” we find the early church facing some serious practical problems. However, with prayer the problems were solved and the church continued to flourish. Might we learn some lessons from the early church in this regard?
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The Butterfly Church
August 27, 2018
Ubake’s charming and colorful artwork helps to make the Adventist church in the Maolin valley in Tawain stand out. However, it’s not the metal, wooden, or cloth ornaments that make this church so well known in the community. It’s the church’s prayer ministry. Watch this short testimony and be inspired of what one small church can do!
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Unusual Prayer
August 21, 2018
Unusual prayer is prayer that has power to transform and get results, prayer that indeed connects us with God, and prayer that brings growth and revival. This inspiring message by Pavel Goia is full of testimonies and encouragement to grow your faith and walk with God.
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United Prayer Works 5: Peter and Cornelius
August 8, 2018
In this fifth of the series “United Prayer Works” we catch a glimpse of what happened when a Gentile named Cornelius prayed. God gave Peter a vision that opened his eyes to the fact that God wants to reach all nations — it’s not just for the Jews that salvation is given. What a beautiful testimony and answer to prayer this story is!
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Longing for God: The Paradox of Prayer
July 31, 2018
We have all heard about the importance of prayer for our spiritual life, how it is the breath of the soul that keeps us alive spiritually. And yet why is it that often we do not take time to pray? Could it be that we have lost sight of God in our prayers and that they have turned more inward then outward? Perhaps we need to rediscover prayer that is pleasing to God. In this enlightening article, Dr. Frank Hasel gives us a fresh glimpse of a prayer, in the light of God’s love.
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United Prayer Works 4: Peter and John Threatened
July 15, 2018
In this fourth video of the United Prayer video series, we catch a glimpse of what happened when Peter and John spoke with boldness after Pentecost. Their work was not appreciated by the Pharisees and Sadducees. But God was with them.
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United Prayer Works 3: Pentecost!
May 21, 2018
It happened at Pentecost. It will happen again! Inspiration tells us, “The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it and heaven is waiting to bestow it.” (RH March 19, 1895). May this encourage us all to get on our knees and pray!
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United Prayer Works 2: Esther’s Story
May 10, 2018
This is the second video in the “United Prayer Works” series which highlights the story of Queen Esther, and the power of believers uniting in prayer. “Talk less; much precious time is lost in talk that brings no light,” Ellen White writes. “Let brethren unite in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally.” (Gospel Workers, p. 417)
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United Prayer Works 1: The Power of Prayer!
May 3, 2018
This is the first in a series of Revival and Reformation videos about the power and effectiveness of believers praying together. The Bible says, “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:19-20)
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Prayer that Pleases God
March 27, 2018
What does it mean to pray in a way that is truly pleasing to God? Perhaps, like many, you have the tendency to treat God like a divine prayer machine, in which you expect to feed in your prayer requests at one end and then take out your granted wishes at the other? In this short article Dr. Frank Hasel shares some insights that will broaden your spiritual horizons and take you deeper in your understanding of prayer.
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Youth Week of Prayer 2018: Leadership and Character – People of the Bible
March 19, 2018
Inspiration tells us, “With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Savior might be carried to the whole world!” (Education, 271) Join young people the world over in the 2018 Youth Week of Prayer. The following materials are from the General Conference Youth Ministries.
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The Testimony Behind Longing for God
March 15, 2018
In this inspiring video, filmed at 3ABN, Dr. Frank M. Hasel shares his personal testimony of how God has sustained him through the extreme grief of losing his wife of 21 years to cancer. It was actually this difficult journey that inspired him to write, what is now one of Pacific Press’ best selling prayer and Bible journals, Longing for God. Hasel’s testimony is packed with practical tips and ideas on how one can learn to find joy and beauty in life again. Everyone can learn something and will be richly blessed by this testimony!
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International Women’s Day of Prayer 2018: God Understands
March 12, 2018
We are delighted to be able to bring to you the 2018 International Women’s Day of Prayer program packet. This year’s packet titled, “God Understands,” was written by Chantal J. Klingbeil, Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The packet also contains two coordinating activities, “Who Am I?” and “Prayer for the Discouraged.” The auxiliary seminar for 2018, “A Spiritual Woman,” includes a script, slides, and handout.
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Trusting God No Matter What Comes
February 15, 2018
In this “Let’s Pray” program, Fiona Peart shares her testimony of learning to trust God, even when life gets difficult. Fiona Peart is a missionary at heart. She has served as a missionary in Japan, South Korea and at the Weimar Institute in California. Fiona has a Masters degree in Human Resource Management and is passionate about Health Evangelism. We pray that you are blessed by this testimony.
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2018 – 2nd Qtr. (April 7) – Fighting for our Marriages
January 16, 2018
The enemy is doing all in his power to destroy our lives, and he starts his first attack against the family, and against our marriages. He knows if he can break that down, he has us. Society is falling apart as a result of so many broken homes. Now is the time to take a stand, and say no more. Now is the time to pray for your spouse as you’ve never prayed before. Join us as we lift up couples (and singles too) on this special day of prayer and fasting.
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From Wilderness Living to Daring to Ask for More
January 10, 2018
In this video, filmed at 3ABN, Melody Mason shares her personal journey from “Wilderness Living” to “Daring to Ask for More,” for God’s glory. We are told “Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence.” Do we recognize the value of this key? What about when we pray and pray and God still doesn’t answer? What then? How can we grow a faith that will not be knocked over in the storms of life? The following testimony will address just such questions, and much more.
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2018 – 3rd Qtr. (July 7) – Fighting for our Children
December 19, 2017
As the song goes, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” And now we are setting aside a special day to pray, not just for our families, but especially for our children. Whether your children are grown or still babies, this is a time to come together corporate interceding for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on their lives. Join us as we pray for our children!
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10 Ways to Get the Most out of 10 Days of Prayer
December 18, 2017
Maybe you’d like to be part of 10 Days of Prayer, but you don’t have a church group to join, so you aren’t sure where to start. This short download will give you some ideas of ways you can be involved. And remember, 10 Days of Prayer doesn’t just have to be for January. You can do it on your own anytime of year!
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Prayer and Promise Card – New Additions!
November 30, 2017
We’ve added some new categories (Prayers and Promises for: Times of Trouble, Physical and Spiritual Healing, and Comfort in Sorrow), as well as some new languages to our “Praying the Word” collection. If you are wanting to add some dynamite and power to your prayer life…what better way than by claiming God’s own Word!
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Praying while Waiting for an Answer
November 9, 2017
Prayer expects answers from God. But what happens when the answer is delayed or not fulfilled? In this prayer seminar, given at the General Conference Session in San Antonio, Frank Hasel looks at the spiritual dynamics that take place in challenging prayer times. He also explores the blessings that God has in store for those who persevere and trust His goodness regardless of the outcome. Through the experience of losing his wife to cancer in 2009, Frank has been learning to trust God’s promises in ever-new ways.
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Passionate Prayers and Fearless Faith
September 25, 2017
This download for 2017 International Day of Prayer, written by Gina Wahlen, and hosted by the Women’s Ministries department, includes both the sermon outline, powerpoint that corresponds with the sermon, and the prayer program.
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How to Partner in Prayer with Others
September 7, 2017
In this short practical to-the-point download, Peggy Casebier talks about why prayer partnering is so important, guidelines for prayer partnering, working thru barriers in prayer partnering, and what to pray about as prayer partners.
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Quick Start Guide for Prayer Ministries
August 17, 2017
This inspirational collection of prayer resources, prepared by NAD Prayer Ministries coordinator Ruthie Jacobsen, is a great guide to starting prayer ministries. Also, included in this resource booklet is how to spend a day in prayer, how to make your prayer life effective, how to do group Bible study, and how to get your church involved in prayer evangelism.
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Houses of Prayer Everywhere
July 24, 2017
Join Don and Ruthie Jacobson on Ministry in Motion as they share about H.O.P.E. which stands for “Houses of Prayer Everywhere.” Every church should be a house of prayer. Every church should give H.O.P.E. to a world in need!
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2018 – 1st Qtr. – Fighting for our Family
July 18, 2017
We all have loved ones that we long to see have a closer walk with God. The theme for this quarter’s day of prayer and fasting is titled, “Made Strong Through the Power of the Word: Interceding for Our Family.” These materials will give you helpful tools to pray together as a family, and as a church family for your loved ones. (These program materials can be used again and again.)
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2017 – 4th Qtr. – Fighting for the World
July 13, 2017
The next “Day of Prayer and Fasting” is focused on praying for the world around us. That means our communities, our churches, our leaders, and those way beyond our country borders. Through the provided materials and program outline, as well as continuing suggested prayer activities, we believe you and your church will be drawn closer to each other, and closer to God as you learn what it means to stand in the gap for others.
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How to Start a Prayer Ministry
July 13, 2017
This booklet, produced by the Oregon Conference, is a how-to guide packed with many wonderful ideas, on starting a prayer ministry in your local church. Let us remember that without prayer, everything else we do will be lacking in Holy Spirit power. Let us move forward on our knees!
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Prayer Makes a Difference
July 12, 2017
In this inspiring message, Mark Finley, Assistant to the President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, preaches on the importance of prayer in a christian life. He presents five lessons or tips we can learn from the prayer life of Jesus Christ.
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Watch and Pray Pointers – by Cathie Hartman
June 23, 2017
What might “Watch & Pray” mean practically for us today? Cathie Hartman decided to research this topic a bit more, and this is what she found. As a result of putting these simple principles into practice, Cathie and her family have seen many answers to prayer and miracles in their life.
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Preparing our Hearts for 40 Days of Prayer
May 10, 2017
In this inspiring and practical presentation Esther Knott shares how we can prepare our hearts for 40 Days of Prayer. Being part of the 40 Days of Prayer experience has blessed thousands already. Don’t miss out on what God is doing.
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Praying for the World Next Door
May 4, 2017
Would you like to know how to pray more intelligently for those around you–those of other cultures, and religions? This beautiful booklet, compiled by Scott Griswold, gives some excellent and inspiring pointers. We pray you are encouraged to spend even more time on your knees.
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Promises to Claim for the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
May 2, 2017
The following is a collection of Bible promises and Spirit of Prophecy quotes that we can claim as we pray for a deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives and church. God is faithful. His Word does not return unto Him void. Claim these promises! God will answer!
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GC 2017 Week of Prayer 4 – The Healing of the Nations
April 27, 2017
Join us for the final part 4 of the General Conference’s inspiring week of prayer messages given by speaker Dr. Larry Lichtenwalter. The theme for this year’s 2017 week of prayer (held in March) was “Everyday Apocalypse: Revelation’s Christ for Our Every Day.” The topic for this final message is, “The Healing of the Nations.” You don’t want to miss this powerful message!
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GC 2017 Week of Prayer 3 – Who is Able to Stand
April 26, 2017
Join us for part 3 of the General Conference’s inspiring week of prayer messages given by speaker Dr. Larry Lichtenwalter. The theme for this year’s 2017 week of prayer (held in March) was “Everyday Apocalypse: Revelation’s Christ for Our Every Day.” The topic for this third message is, “Who is Able to Stand.” Join us as we were challenged to go deeper with our Savior.
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GC 2017 Week of Prayer 2 – Google Earth, Google Heart.
April 25, 2017
Join us for part 2 of the General Conference’s inspiring week of prayer messages given by speaker Dr. Larry Lichtenwalter. The theme for this year’s 2017 week of prayer (held in March) was “Everyday Apocalypse: Revelation’s Christ for Our Every Day.” The topic for this second message is, “Google Earth, Google Heart” and is sure to challenge your thinking.
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GC 2017 Week of Prayer 1 – Revelation in our Boot
April 24, 2017
Join us for the General Conference’s inspiring week of prayer messages given by speaker Dr. Larry Lichtenwalter. The theme for this year’s 2017 week of prayer (held in March) was “Everyday Apocalypse: Revelation’s Christ for Our Every Day.” The topic for this first message is, “Revelation in Our Boot.” This is a message and series that you don’t want to miss!
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United Prayer Works (Full Documentary)
April 17, 2017
It all started in a small upper room with humble fervent prayer. Threatened by the authorities and banned from preaching, the church prayed and two men witnessed with great power and grace. And people prayed everywhere in one accord in repentance with confession and humility and the lives of people were changed. We pray that you are inspired by this documentary as we catch glimpses of the past and talk about how what happened then could change our world today!
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2017 – 3rd Qtr. – Fighting for our Hearts
April 12, 2017
Some may think it’s selfish to pray for our own heart needs, but it’s essential. The person with the greatest power to help or hinder God’s work in our lives is our self. Even Jesus prayed for Himself. So this “Day of Prayer and Fasting” focus is a bit different, but is sure to be a huge blessing for all. (Although these materials were written for 3rd Quarter 2017, they can be re-used again and again!)
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A House of Prayer for All People
March 30, 2017
In Mark 11:17 it says, “My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer.” The question you may be asking though is, “How do I help create a house of prayer in my church?” In this inspiring video, produced by Ministry in Motion, Sabine Vatel shares some practical ideas. She also shares what “A House of Prayer for All People” looks like at the Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church near Orlando Florida. You will be blessed!
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2017 – 2nd Qtr. – Fighting for Each Other
March 17, 2017
Life can be hard. We face challenges and struggles that can seem overwhelming. Finances. Health. Relationships. Battles with sin and temptations. Loneliness. But this is all because we are living in the midst of a Great Controversy battle. With this quarters “Day of Prayer and Fasting” materials, rather than being overcome by the struggles, you can learn to fight for each other in prayer. (These materials were written for 2nd Quarter 2017, but can be re-used again and again!)
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An Encounter with God in Prayer
March 12, 2017
In this inspiring document, Juanita shows what encountering God through prayer and the promises of Scripture looks like. Some of the topics she covers include: You can trust God’s promises, You can trust God for protection, You can trust God in Worship, You can trust God—You are forgiven, and much more. This is a practical tool for all those wanting to learn how to claim God’s Word in prayer.
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The Privilege of Prayer
March 8, 2017
Looking for something to boost your faith in God and in the power of prayer? This is a downloadable version of the chapter “The Privilege of Prayer” from the well-known and well-loved book Steps to Christ. This is pure Inspiration, and will re-energize your prayer life!
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Pastor, How Long do you Pray?
March 8, 2017
Have you ever wondered this question about those in leadership? In this article, Pastor Mark Finley shares some of the ways that he’s learned to have meaningful communication with God. He also talks about how it’s not the amount of time spent in prayer, but the driving force of why you pray that makes the most difference. God isn’t calling us to be clock-watchers. He is calling us to a relationship!
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Tips for Prayer Walking
March 8, 2017
Ever thought of walking through your neighborhood and reaching out in prayer for your community or those you meet on the streets? General Conference employees Joy Alexander and Lily Synder lead us through some practical ways you can walk and pray for your community. Prayer walking means going onsite with insight, insight from the Holy Spirit as you pray! You will be blessed by this testimony.
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2017 – 1st Qtr. – Fighting for our Church
March 2, 2017
What breaks your heart? What drives you to your knees? Has your heart ever broken for the church? Have you found yourself compelled to fast and pray specifically for the church? This “Day of Prayer and Fasting” program follows the story of Nehemiah and his breaking heart for the church of his day. Join us as we pray for God to work in our church! (These materials were written for 1st Quarter 2017, but can be re-used again and again.)
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Prayer—a Theological Reflection
March 1, 2017
What is our theological foundation behind our assumptions in prayer? Do we have a solid foundation, or is prayer just some mystical experience? Read as Elder Rodriguez shares how true prayer integrates theology and the practice of personal devotion to God in a way that perhaps no other act of worship can. This in depth article will stretch your brain cells and give you deeper confidence in the power of prayer.
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Communion with God
March 1, 2017
This downloadable devotional is packed full of inspirational Ellen G. White quotes answering questions regarding prayer. Some of the topics covered include: What is real prayer, how do you find time for prayer, what is fervency in prayer, the early and the latter rain, prayer and reverence, why prayers are answered, and much more. We know this resource will be a blessing to you!
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www.revivalandreformation.org
Prayer, Revival and the Holy Spirit
Why don’t Christians pray?
By Dennis Pollock
Why don’t Christians pray? I’m not talking about praying at the dinner table or at church or on special formal occasions; we do enough of that. I’m talking about real prayer, prayer that stretches itself out toward God in intense desire and with great expectation. This kind of prayer is occasioned not by polite tradition but by a heart hunger that says to God, “I will not let you go until you bless me!”
Among professing Christians this kind of prayer has always been scarce. We talk about prayer, preach about prayer, read books about prayer — we just don’t often pray, at least not beyond formal necessity. The reason for our prayerlessness has sometimes been charged to laziness, but I believe there is a deeper reason.
I am convinced that one of the major killers of prayer among the people of God is a problem of unbelief. In many cases Christians just don’t believe that the simple act of making a request of their Father in heaven can really make a difference in their lives. If they had any clue that major blessings could be theirs just for the asking, they would be praying up a storm!
The Common Thread of Revival
When I was a young twenty-something year old pastor, I began a study of revival. It began with a study of some of the great revivalists and evangelists in church history, men such as John Wesley, George Whitefield, D. L. Moody, and Charles Finney. The revivals they experienced in their ministries were thrilling to me. I couldn’t help but feel that what God had done in the past He could certainly do today.
As my circle of reading widened, I began reading of other revivals that seemed to occur spontaneously, even without major evangelists associated with them.
I grew more and more intrigued. As I read I noticed a common thread that seemed to be woven throughout almost every account of revival. It seemed that somewhere lurking behind the scenes of every revival was the element of prayer. All the great evangelists were men who prayed, often with fasting, and often for hours upon end. Many times revivals seemed to break out in churches or places where a band of faithful prayer warriors had been seeking the face of God for months or years.
The more I read, the more convinced I became that I had found the secret of revival. It was a secret that any experienced minister could easily have shared with me, but it is always so special when you find it out for yourself. The secret I discovered was this: revival comes when God’s people pray! Let me give you a couple of examples.
The Revival of 1800
By the 1790’s, the United States had become a spiritual desert. Atheistic philosophies from the pens of Voltaire, Rousseau, and Thomas Paine had captured the minds of many of the nation’s intellectuals and leaders, and had been particularly embraced by the college students of that day. A poll was taken at Harvard and not one student would admit to being a Christian. A mock communion was held at Williams College, and anti-Christian plays were common events at Dartmouth. The churches were diminishing and were struggling for their very existence. Thomas Paine joyfully announced, “Christianity will be forgotten in thirty years.”
It was with heavy hearts that 23 New England ministers met together on a winter day in 1794 to discuss and consider what could be done to halt the flood of ungodliness that had ravaged the nation. The ministers came to agree that only a divine visitation could breathe life into the dying churches of America. The question was, what could they do to precipitate such a revival? They had only one answer — pray.
A call was sent out to all churches and all Christians in the nation to pray specifically for revival. The Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, Moravians, and many other churches adopted the plan. Soon all America was saturated with the prayers of God’s people. In addition to special days of prayer, covenants of prayer were entered into by many believers to set aside times to jointly seek the face of God for the state of the church and the nation. Prayer became the main business of the church.
Then the breakthrough came. Revival broke out in Connecticut and soon swept through the country. In town after town the churches began to see converts being added to them at a rate few could have imagined possible. In one New England town, young people at a social gathering suddenly began to weep for no apparent reason. Conversions followed and revival swept the city.
James McGready, who pastored three little churches in Logan County, Kentucky, saw eleven thousand people come to a communion service/camp-meeting. While McGready preached, some of the sinners who were considered the hardest cases broke down and cried like babies. At Yale University great numbers of students rushed to join the Moral Society, and Christianity became as popular among the college students as Voltaire had been only a few years previously.
This revival, like a raging forest fire, swept from one end of our nation to the other. Although it is historically known as the revival of 1800, it lasted for many years and its effects were felt for a generation. Out of this revival came the resurrection of the church in America, a new emphasis on missions, the beginning of Sunday schools, and a great deal of stability in the previously lawless West. The church once again exerted considerable influence in the United States. God had surely answered the prayers of His people.
The Prayer Revival of 1857-59
By 1857, bitter division over the issue of slavery and a gradual weakening of the church had brought us to another place of desperate need for revival. In September of that year Jeremiah Lanphier, a former businessman turned lay missionary, decided that the businessmen of New York City would profit themselves and their city by a weekly prayer meeting. Distributing hundreds of handbills throughout the city, he invited businessmen to stop in over their lunch hour at the 80 year old Dutch Reformed Church on Fulton Street for “5, 10, or 20 minutes; or the whole hour, as your time permits.”
There was nothing special about the first meeting. Jeremiah waited alone for the first 30 minutes and finally six men showed up. But the next week there were 14, and then 23. It was decided to meet every day rather than weekly, and soon the entire church was filled to capacity with 3000 praying businessmen. Prayer meetings began to spring up in other parts of the city and within six months 10,000 were gathering daily over their lunch hour to pray.
This movement of prayer swept through New England and spread across the nation. Charles Finney, the great Presbyterian evangelist, summed up the prevailing attitude in saying, “The general impression seems to be, ‘We have had instruction until we are hardened; it is time for us to pray’.”
With so much prayer going forth from the lips of God’s people, it was inevitable that great numbers of conversions would soon follow. And follow they did! There were towns in which the people declared it was “almost impossible” to find persons who had not been converted. Throughout the land, taverns and gambling dens shut down for lack of patrons, and the churches filled up at a phenomenal rate. One man who traveled from Omaha to Boston found continuous prayer meetings the entire length of his journey in the cities which he passed through.
At the height of this revival it was estimated that no less than 50,000 souls were professing their faith in Christ each week throughout the nation. In one year, out of a population of thirty million, an estimated one million Americans were converted.
This revival was the most intense and rapidly spreading of all the awakenings our nation has seen. From the beginning it consisted of two key elements: much prayer and many conversions. It was not dependent upon any one man or denomination, but was the result of Christians of many backgrounds uniting to sow the seeds of prayer and reap a harvest of souls. Once again, God had proven that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Prayer, Rain, & Fruit
Of course, you can find this “secret” in the Bible without too much effort. Luke seemed to know it well. In Luke’s writings (Gospel of Luke, Book of Acts) we find a strong emphasis on prayer and on the Holy Spirit. Luke has more to say about the Holy Spirit and the filling of the Holy Spirit than all the other Biblical writers combined! Interestingly, he also gives us some insights into prayer that the other gospel writers do not.
It is Luke that tells us what Jesus was doing at His baptism by John: “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened…” (Luke 3:21)
While the other gospels tell us of Jesus’ baptism, only Luke mentions the fact that He was praying as He came up out of the water. And what followed His baptism and prayer? We read further: “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, ‘Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased’” (Luke 3:22).
Luke tells us that at Jesus’ baptism several important things were happening. Jesus was praying, the heavens were opened, the Holy Spirit came upon Him, and God the Father endorsed Him. Could it be that there is a connection between prayer and the descent of the Holy Spirit?
Consider Luke’s other book, the book of Acts. On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended upon 120 disciples of Jesus, and the early church was birthed in revival. Was prayer involved here? Any Bible student knows the answer to this. In Acts 1:14 we read: “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…”
Again we find that prayer precedes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. During that assembly of praying saints, God shows up, and we read: “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:2,4).
Let us consider one more Biblical source. In James we read: “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit” (James 5:17,18).
In this verse we find the profound link between prayer, the Holy Spirit (as symbolized by rain) and the fruit that Jesus longs to produce in our lives and churches. Prayer brings the power of the Spirit, and the power of the Spirit brings forth the fruit. Both church history and Scripture amply testify to the reality of this.
The Last Days
When it comes to the last days, Christians seem to be divided pretty neatly into two camps. Many believe that the last days will be a time of great apostasy and spiritual coldness for the church. They predict perilous times and a “Laodicean” condition for the church prior to the return of Jesus. Others insist that God has promised to “pour out His Spirit” upon all flesh in the last days.
I believe the Scripture supports both views. Clearly there are ominous signs of societal degeneration and a slide into spiritual impotence by many of the professing Christians and churches. When 42% of Americans declare that Jesus Christ committed sins (including one-fourth of those who claim to be born again), something is dreadfully wrong.
On the other hand, evangelism goes on in record proportions. Nations such as South Korea and many of the African nations, which had almost no Christians at the turn of the century, are bursting at the seams with churches and evangelical believers today. In the previous century, any church with 1,000 members was considered enormous. Today we have many churches of 10,000 or more.
Yes the world is growing darker, but the Holy Spirit has not gone into retirement. The Bible gives no indication that the whole world will be converted to Christ before He comes, but it does tell us that the Gospel shall be proclaimed to all nations. If that gospel is to have a chance to succeed it must be accompanied by the prayers of believers. Let us join our voices in prayer for our churches, communities, and our nation, crying out to God for a great spiritual awakening as we await the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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christinprophecy.org
CHARLES GRANDISON FINNEY was probably the greatest revival preacher there ever was. He began as a solicitor and after his conversion to an evangelist, pastor, professor of theology and author, he was used for his whole life as an instrument for new revivals. His present extracts are excerpts from the second and fourth of his famous speeches about revivals, held in New York in the winter of 1834/35. These speeches were later published and probably form one of the most systematic accounts about revival.
There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival: the one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God’s mind is changed by prayer, or that His disposition or character is changed. But prayer produces such a change in us it renders it consistent for God to do as it would not be consistent for Him to do otherwise. When a sinner repents, that state of feeling makes it proper for God to forgive him. God has always been ready to forgive him on that condition, so that when the sinner changes his feelings and repents, it requires no change of feeling in God to pardon him. It is the sinner’s repentance that renders His forgiveness proper, and is the occasion of God’s acting as He does.
So, also, when the children of God pray fervently they are in the right inner condition to enable God to hear them. He was always prepared to bless those who have a right heart attitude and who pray in the right way.
Prayer is in a chain of causes which lead to a revival, and is a cause which is as important as the proclamation of the truth. Many zealously preached the gospel to cause people to turn around but have laid too little weight on prayer. They preached eagerly, talked to individuals, and handed out leaflets but, to their surprise, with little success. The reason why they could not achieve more was because they neglected the other form of support, which is fervent prayer. They forgot that the truth itself has no effect without the Spirit of God.
Sometimes it happens that those who are mostly involved with the spreading of the truth do not dedicate themselves to prayer in the same proportion. This is terrible unless they have a spirit of prayer, or unless someone else upholds them in prayer; otherwise, the preaching of the Truth only strengthens the heathen in their unrepentant attitude.
“In this Revival, as in previous ones, a sincere spirit of prayer prevailed. We had prayer meetings in different houses every day at 11 o’clock.
I remember that in one of these meetings a Mr S., who was a teller in the town bank, was so burdened by the spirit of prayer that after the meeting was finished (we had all knelt while we prayed) he was not able to get up off his knees.
He stayed on his knees weeping in agony for souls. He said “Pray for Mr…..”, who was the director of the bank where he worked. The director was a wealthy, unconverted man.
When the others saw that his soul suffered birth pains for this man, the others knelt down and wrestled in prayer for his conversion. As soon as Mr S.’s mind was peaceful enough that he could go home, we all withdrew; soon afterwards the bank director expressed his hope in Jesus Christ. Until then, I think, he had never been to any meetings, and it was not known that he was ever concerned about his salvation.
But prayer took over and soon God took the case in His hands”.
This remark was made by Finney in connection with his account of the Revival in Troy, which began in 1826 in his “Memoirs” (London, 1876, pages 104-5).
A revival may be expected when Christians have a spirit of prayer for a revival. That is, when they pray as if their hearts were set upon it. Sometimes Christians are not engaged in definite prayer for a revival, not even when they are warm in prayer.
Their minds are upon something else; they are praying for something else – the salvation of the heathen and the like – and not for a revival among themselves. But when they feel a want of revival, they pray for it; they feel for their own families and neighbourhoods; they pray for them as if they could not be denied.
What constitutes a spirit of prayer? Is it many prayers and warm words? No. Prayer is the state of the heart. The spirit of prayer is a state of continual desire and anxiety of mind for the salvation of sinners. It is something that weighs them down. It is the same, so far as the philosophy of minds is concerned, as when a man is anxious for some worldly interest. A Christian who has this spirit of prayer feels anxious for souls. It is the subject of his thoughts all the time, and makes him look and act as if he had a load on his mind. He thinks of it by day, and dreams of it by night. This is properly “praying without ceasing”. His prayers seem to flow from his heart liquid as water: “O Lord, revive thy work!”
Sometimes this feeling is very deep; persons have been bowed down so that they could neither stand nor sit. The feeling is not always as great as this, but such things are much more common than one would expect. In the great Revivals in 1826, they were common. This is by no means enthusiasm. It is just what Paul felt when he said: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth…
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This travail of soul is that deep agony which persons feel when they lay hold on God for such a blessing and will not let Him go until they receive it. I do not mean to be understood that it is essential to a spirit of prayer that the distress should be so great as this. But this deep, continual, earnest desire for the salvation of sinners is what constitutes the spirit of prayer for a revival.
When this feeling exists in a church, unless the Spirit is grieved away by sin, there will infallibly be a conversion of sinners to God. This burning desire increases more and more until revival comes…
Generally there are but few professors of religion that know anything about this spirit of prayer which prevails with God. I have been amazed to see such accounts as are often published about revivals, as if the revival had come without any cause – nobody knew why or wherefore. I have sometimes inquired into such cases, when it had been given out that nobody knew anything about it, until one Sabbath they saw in the face of the congregation that God was there; or they saw it in their conference room, or prayer meeting, and were astonished at the mysterious sovereignty of God in bringing in a revival without any apparent connection with means.
Now mark me! Go and inquire among the obscure members of the church, and you will always find that somebody had been praying for revival, and was expecting it – some man or woman had been agonising in prayer for the salvation of sinners until the blessing was gained. This person perhaps woke everyone out of their sleep so that they jumped up, rubbed their eyes, and could not quite understand where the sudden excitement came from. Even if only so few know of the responsibility of a revival, you can be assured that someone held watch on the tower and did not cease with begging until the blessing was there. Generally, a revival is more or less extensive, as there are more or less persons who have the spirit of prayer.
by Charles Finney
Source: Revival Movement Association
www.cai.org
