A Revival of Prayer

The Scriptures are replete with examples that communicate the truth that there is no substitute for prayer. Although works of faith are critical for the expansion of the church, Christians ought not forget that these labors of love are not replacements for private devotion to God (Dawson, 1942). God is certainly pleased with the efforts of his people to promulgate the gospel message, but he responds most pleasantly to prayer and answers the supplications of his children. S. D. Gordon noted, “God answers prayer. Prayer is God and man joining hands to secure some high end. He joins with us through communication of prayer in accomplishing certain great results” (P. 67). Unfortunately, many Christians live far below their privilege in God and do not exercise this accommodating prerogative. Christians need to frequent this often neglected path and rise to the challenge of bombarding heaven with their petitions. If the church would spend adequate time on their knees in prayer, God would respond to this diligence by refreshing the body of Christ, redeeming backslidden souls, and razing the bulwarks of Satan.

The Neglect of Prayer

            Many individuals fail to see the necessity of having a consistent prayer life. It is vitally important for those negligent in the realm of prayer to understand that denying themselves of God’s presence is more than just a mere weakness; it is sin and a reproach in the eyes of God. Andrew Murray astutely admonished, “Let it be our honest desire that, for the future, the sin prayerfulness may be to us truly sinful.” Sadly, most guilty of this omission will offer a sundry of excuses and reasons for why they cannot develop and maintain a constant season of prayer. For some, an abundance of wealth hinders them from answering the beckoning call of the prayer closet. Their prosperity creates in them a feeling that they are self-sufficient and can buy their way into that Celestial City (Gossip, 1947). For others, a spiritual aridity, not uncommon among most serious prayers, assails them and conceals the appeal and benefit of the prayer closet. This “disconcerting spiritual condition” attacks every Christian who earnestly prays and, if allowed to run its course, will lead to spiritual death and an eternity apart from God (Gossip, 1947). However, the greatest and most troubling reason for a person’s negligence of a prayer life is unconfessed, or hidden, sins. Unconfessed sin prevents people from praying and stems from an individual’s permitting his flesh to still have dominion in his life. Although a person may attempt to mask his condition with charitable actions and magnanimity, his life will be an empty suit and his prayer closet will be egregiously silent (Murray, 1967). Fortunately, the cure to the complacency with which the church prays is attainable: a revival of prayer. If Christians would earnestly seek God’s face, God would graciously hear their plea and respond accordingly.

What Is a Revival of Prayer?

            The need of the hour is a revival of prayer. Fortunately, the occurrence of a revival is not entirely dependent upon God. Charles Finney wisely stated, “A revival is not a miracle according to another definition of the term miracle- something above the powers of nature. It consists entirely in the right exercise of the powers of nature.” Instead of being a miracle, a revival consists of Christians’ being completely submitted to God’s purpose and God’s responding to his promise. A revival will always involve the renewing of the faith of the church. As the revival progresses, the frequent congregants will labor more zealously, love the sinner more tenderly, and live more Christ-like (Finney, 1978). Furthermore, one clear evidence that a church is experiencing a revival of prayer is that backslidden souls are returning to Christ. Prodigals and recklessly profligate will come to the realization that they are hopelessly lost, begin to be in want, and return to the old paths. Finally, when a church is in the midst of a revival of prayer, the strongholds of Satan are weakened and the powers of the world is diminished. Dissensions, jealousies, and pernicious rumors will cease as the church experiences a move of God (Finney, 1978). God would send a revival of prayer, belief, and refreshment if his people would become more concerned about the teachings of the Word and less concerned with the things of this world.

The Process for a Revival of Prayer

            With the prevalence of immorality and wickedness abounding, it is vital that the church seek God wholeheartedly. David Dawson remarked, “Never in the history of Christianity did the Church of Jesus Christ need to fight for its existence as now.” If the church follows the process clearly delineated in Scripture, a revival is not only probable, but also certain. The church must break up the fallowed ground. This fallowed ground may be the consequence of little, seemingly unimportant tasks falling unaccomplished. For example, if one neglects to pray and read his Bible one day, he is more likely to repeat his negligence the following day. Eventually, unless quickly and effectively amended, he may develop a pattern of habitual forgetfulness, resulting in unproductive, unfertile soil. For a revival of prayer to occur, this fallowed ground must tilled and farmed until ready to properly receive the rain from heaven (Finney, 1978). Furthermore, the church must designated certain portions of each week for corporate worship. Certainly, a private devotion is indispensable, but joint prayer and praising unites and encourages the church. Christians must rise to the challenge of confronting the need of the hour, plowing the untilled hearts of many believers, and assembling together for collective adoration.

            Once the church realizes the opportunities afforded and takes the initiative to endeavor for a revival of prayer, God will rightfully respond and answer the cries of his children. Edward Pell prudently remarked, “He will do that which is best for us, whatever we may ask for.” God sees the needs and wants of his people and has promised to never leave nor forsake them. The possibilities are limitless for the church which passionately seeks God and faithfully exercises its divine prerogative of prayer (Bounds, 1997).

           

References

Bounds, E. M. (1997). E. M. Bounds on Prayer. New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House.

Dawson, David (1942). More Power in Prayer. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House.

Gordon, S. D. (1904). Quiet Talks on Prayer. New York, New York: Fleming H. Revell Company.

Gossip, Arthur John (1947). In the Secret Place of the Most High. New York, New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Murray, Andrew (1967). The Prayer Life. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press.

Finney, Charles (1978). Revivals of Religion. Virginia Beach, Virginia: CBN University Press

Pell, Edward (1921). What Did Jesus Really Teach about Prayer? New York: New York: Fleming H. Revell Company.