Revival Is Not A Pep-Rally

John Wesley taught that, “GOD does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” Prayer is the very basis for revival and it has few beginnings apart from prayer. Revival is not a pep rally but a sincere act of faith through prayer! 

Evidenced by what GOD has done in the past we find that the movement of the Holy Spirit is ushered in by the believer praying. The power is the Lord’s but the quickening and awakening of the heart is done in us. 

Reminders and prompting to pray is refreshing as we see and hear the body of believer, without an agenda, in prayer. 

Is GOD preparing His church to be readied for revival? Indeed it is His pleasure. Yet, believers must respond to the promptings of God through His Holy Spirit. 

Promptings in prayer include a ready heart. It also includes convicting desire to pray! Perhaps have starts with a remnant that prayers with persistence. It is a work that meets with an obedience to pray. 

Tonight we were challenged to prayer through a 21-Day commitment. Jim Lo encouraged everyone to wait in the Lord and prepare our hearts. Mark Gorveatte, District Superintendent along with others encouraged us to pray for the lost, those in our communities that need the Lord. Chris Williams challenged us to be salt & light as we live & work in communities!  

What does revival look like? I think of the many examples we can find in the Bible when GOD moved and people responded. In the Old Testament we find examples of mighty expressions of His Hand at work for those who follow GOD! In the New Testament we find example during the earthly ministry of Jesus as well as the Acts of the Holy Spirit all throughout each book of the Bible. In History we find unity in prayer that transformed communities (big and small) and nations (of all kinds). 

I also find that one incredible passage says that when GOD moves, young men and women will have visions and those who are old will dream again! It is the prompting of the Lord that causes His people to be renewed! 

Joel 2:28-29:: 

“It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions “Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days”

Revival is not piety but passion to hear from GOD. It is pleading and persistent. It is not a religious act but a genuine heart-felt expression and response from GOD. 

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These are a few notes gathers as the Crossroads District met to pray for revival with the 21 Days of Prayer emphasis. Several churches gathered on this date to pray!