I have had a desire to pray in a manner that would lead to revival. I say this after listening to/reading many messages by Orr, Rice, Ravenhill, Connelly, and others.
If you are moved by God to pray with others daily, then do so. But remember that God is not bound to send revival even after many heartfelt corporate daily prayers.
So I encourage you to have daily prayer, but say this as so many of us get disappointed when no immediate, visible results come about.
I have been praying for God to move in revival power in our church, community, country, world, etc. And don't let me fool you into thinking I brought anything personally, or that I am on my knees many hours a day. However, I do pray for revival, and I do think of revival all the time. There are many at our church praying similar prayers. Changes have happened in our church, but not in an immediate way, but rather like a growing plant. The creation of an evangelism ministry at our church, a Wednesday night prayer meeting, an explosion of missions support, and all sorts of godly changes throughout.
During the process of desiring revival and personal revival, I had the Holy Spirit fall upon me, individually. This was strange as people don't know how to react when you tell them.
So I say these things to let you know that in all your praying, be prepared for God to take over when you ask Him to revive you, and for Him to make changes that you wouldn't necessarily approve. Moreover, making your mind up to pray daily will cause the enemy to attack you, as Satan will try to get you to stop.
So my advise, being a fellow seeker of revival, is pray without ceasing, and if this means daily corporate prayer, then pray together daily, but be prepared for God to really work you over on the inside.
Prayer is a must, but prayer without hunger and thirst for righteousness is just formality. Sometimes I think promising God a schedule when your heart is not in it can turn your efforts into frustration. But if God is leading you to this, He has a reason for it.
All revivals come out of prayer, and many have come from daily corporate prayer, but none have come without prayer. And this being specific, fervent, continuous prayer for an outpouring of God's Spirit.
What I have found personally that I must change within my heart, is that God is not in a rush to send revival just because I am. We must 'wait' upon God. _________________ Hal Bachman
|