Revival Prayer Pointers

101 through 110

Week 101: The pursuit of revival/renewal requires ongoing self-examination.  Joshua reminded the children of Israel prior to his death that they must “. . . take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God.”  (Joshua 23:11)  Before we pray for revival this week, let’s consider this prayer pointer carefully.  Spend some time “taking heed to yourselves” and make sure that we truly love the Lord.

Week 102: Our effort to pray for revival is a form of exercise.  It has required a consistent pattern of effort and training for 102 weeks.  Think about Paul’s admonition to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7.  He told Timothy to “exercise yourself toward godliness.  Another translation says “train yourself for godliness.”  Part of pursuing revival/renewal is a renewed commitment to pursue godliness in every part of our lives.  Before we pray this week, let’s ask God to show us any part of our lives that needs “training in godliness.”

Week 103: Asa ruled Judah during the time of the divided kingdom.  He was one of the good kings.  He called Judah back to the Lord, urging them to forego idolatry.  The people of Judah heard Asa’s call and responded.  “Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul. . . .”  (2 Chron. 15:12)  The pursuit of revival demands that kind of commitment.  Before we pray today, let’s think about what it means to seek the Lord with all our heart and soul.

Week 104: Today brings us to the two year mark in the Revival Prayer Initiative.  It’s too soon to give up!  Take a look at 1 John 5:14&15 before you pray for revival this week.  Let these words of scripture encourage you and strengthen you for the task of praying for God’s work in our church.  God’s promises are sure and certain.  Trust them as you pray!

Week 105: Two years and counting!  Today we begin our third year of praying for revival/renewal at FBC.  John, the Apostle, tells us in 1 John 5:14 that when “we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”  Surely seeing His church renewed is consistent with His will!  Pray and believe that God will hear and answer.  Don’t give up!

Week 106: The psalmist prayed “Turn away my eyes from worthless things, and revive me in Your way.” (Psalm 119:37)  It seems so easy for “worthless things” to creep into our lives.  Perhaps we should ask God’s Spirit this week to reveal any “worthless things” in our lives that hinder revival.  If He reveals those kinds of things, let’s choose to get rid of them.

Week 107: Part of the revival “process” is waiting for the Lord and His timing.  We can’t generate revival, but we can pray for it and prepare for it.  The psalmist prayed “For You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all day.”  (Ps. 25:5)  Are you willing to pray and prepare and wait for God’s timing?  Pray this week for revival in His time and His way.  Assure Him you’re willing to wait as long as it takes!

Week 108: God is the ultimate consideration when desiring revival.  Only He can bring it to an individual and/or church.  Since God is God, He alone has the freedom to do that kind of work in our hearts and lives.  Take time to read Deuteronomy 4:29-39 before you pray for revival this week.  Let’s choose to acknowledge our complete dependence upon His work in us.

Week 109: Consider some words from Isaiah 32: 9-15 as you pray for revival this week.  They speak of the consequences of complacency.  One line stands out that seems especially pertinent to our pursuit of revival.  “Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high . . . .”  May God help us long for His Spirit upon us more than we long for anything else in the world!  Perhaps that should be our prayer this week.

Week 110: “Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.”  Those were the words of Nehemiah’s prayer when enemies tried to hinder the work God had called him to do.  Perhaps they’re good words for us to pray in pursuit of revival.  “Lord, strengthen us—our hands, hearts and minds—for revival and renewal.”  It’s a simple prayer, but effective when prayed by people who are truly hungry for God’s power!