Have you heard all the talk about a revival? I've heard it for years, and on some level, it wearies me. True, the winds have definitely shifted, and there are lines being drawn (Not always a good thing). It is becoming clearer who stands for what, and those hidden or asleep are beginning to come into the light. But the talk of revival shouldn't be something we just stand back and appreciate like a work of art. It should embolden each of us to do more, to say more. Jesus didn't sit on the sidelines, and neither should we. We can't host a Superbowl party and brag how it helped our team win.
In his book, Why Revival Tarries, Leonard Ravenhill said:
Poverty-stricken as the Church is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of prayer. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.
The two prerequisites to successful Christian living are vision and passion, both of which are born in and maintained by prayer. The ministry of preaching is open to few; the ministry of prayer—the highest ministry of all human offices—is open to all.
Revival begins in each of us. If your life is lacking in vision, chances are, it's lacking in prayer. If your worship is lacking passion, chances are, your life is lacking in prayer. Prayer is not only open to but required of every Christian servant. In prayer revival starts. It is as simple as that! No need to set up a tent or pass out flyers. No need to take Bible courses or get yourself a street corner and a megaphone. Revival is labor-intensive, but not always in a visible way. Revival happens in our prayer closets, in the silence and depth of our hearts. Because, when revival occurs, it occurs in us first. Only then can we take our newness of life wherever we go. Only then can we honestly, straightforwardly share our newness of life with the masses. If I am truly filled to overflow with the mercy of God, I will treat others with mercy. If I am truly filled to overflow with the joy of the Holy Spirit, those around me will be bathed in it. If we want to fill our churches, we have to fill our lives with the practice of prayer. That our hearts would be made pure. That our behavior would not be contrived, not summoned up at the sight of a Pride parade or a teen wearing a pentagram; but that our behavior would truly reflect the fullness and compassion in our hearts. That we would surrender regularly to the Holy Spirit's examination and conviction. That those who hear (or see) our message will be made ready in advance to receive Jesus. That those who resist the message, their rejection would not last longer than their life. That those who attempt test what is in us will discover integrity.
Revival's most effective tool is prayer. Because, yes, God through our prayers reforms and revives circumstances; but, most of all, prayer reforms and revives us.
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