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Intention

If we want to see corporate revival, then we have to start with individuals

Scripture

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation;
but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
giving thanks always for all things to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
— Ephesians 5:15-21 NKJV

Reflection

My heading is deliberately provocative because, on the one hand, revival is a sovereign work of God by the Holy Spirit. (See the excellent article HERE by David Jones) But while it is often accompanied by prayer, the Scriptures reveal that it is the LORD who always takes the initiative rather than ourselves (see Acts 2:1-2; Eph. 2:8-10). On the other hand, though, if we want to see revival corporately, then it has to first begin with ourselves individually.

What does this mean? Well, the apostle Paul has some extremely helpful words — divinely inspired of course — in Ephesians 5:15-21. This is where he famously urges believers to keep on being filled with the Spirit (note how the term in Greek is in the “present continuous” which means that the filling is to keep on occurring).

In practice, this means we are to: walk in wisdom (v. 15) not waste the time we’ve been given (v. 16), understand what God’s Word is and not be foolish (v. 17), not get drunk (v. 18), seek to edify one another with our speech (v. 19), cultivate an attitude of thankfulness (v. 20) and finally, seek to be submitted to authority in the various relationships we all have (v. 21ff).

As we’re filled with God’s Holy Spirit, it will be expressed in each of these different kinds of ways. And a personal spiritual revival will have truly taken place. But following on from that, this cannot help but have a profound impact on everyone else around. Especially those we worship and fellowship with at church.

Revival often starts in small and insignificant ways. At least, that’s how it often appears from a human perspective (See Zech. 4:6).

But make no mistake, the LORD delights in using the weak things of this world to display His power and strength (i.e., 2 Cor. 12:7-10). So, as you prayerfully repent of the sin in your life while clothing yourself with the righteous behaviour God expects, get ready to see the world turned upside down. One ‘insignificant’ day at a time!

I’m not really one for written prayers, but there are a couple I use from time to time that I find especially helpful and meaningful. I hope this “Morning Trinitarian” prayer by John Stott encourages, blesses and most of all revives you as much as it has done for me.

Video

Prayer

Good morning heavenly Father, good morning Lord Jesus, good morning Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, I worship You as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe

Lord Jesus, I worship You, Saviour and Lord of the world.
Holy Spirit, I worship You, Sanctifier of the people of God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in Your presence
 and please You more and more.
Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day You will fill me with yourself and cause Your fruit to ripen in my life: 
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God,
have mercy upon me.
Amen.

– John Stott, quoted in Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott

Author Bio

Mark is the pastor at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Hobart. He and his wife have six children. Mark is a passionate advocate for faith, family, freedom and life. He is a gifted communicator and has made various appearances on radio and TV. He contributes to numerous online publications including The Spectator Australia, where his articles often appear in the most popular list.

Prayer Points for 31 Days of Prayer & Fasting for Revival

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. Hebrews 12:28-29
2. Pray that the Lamb who was slain might receive the reward for His suffering. Revelation 5:6-14
3. Pray for Revival for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Isaiah 64:1-2

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