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As we stand on the verge of a new year, what is our expectation? We certainly look back at 2023 with deep gratitude to God for His faithfulness and sovereignty.

In many ways, for the prayer movement, it was an exciting year. One of the high points was the World Prayer Assembly in Perth in October.

And I am sure you have many other highlights that you relate to, both personally and corporately.

So, what is ahead? Only God knows whether it be ahead as far as the world and Australia are concerned — change, challenge — whatever.

Turn to Prayer

I have recently become aware of the latest book by Doctor Stuart Robinson,  an award-winning and best-selling author. The book is titled Prayer Power Changing the World and You.

When asked the question, “Why this book on prayer?”, Stuart responded:

“The church is dying – in every Western country. Here in Australia, where 69% of the churches are declining, for the first time in history, even nominal Christianity is now a minority affiliation. This is happening at a time when we have the best-educated clergy, the most advanced technology to share our message and the most state -of-the-art facilities. In the West, the church is sleepwalking into oblivion.

However, wherever I travel in the world and find the church exploding in supernatural growth, there are always the same three fundamentals in operation. One of them is persistent, persevering, prevailing prayer.

An English wit remarked that the death of the church had often been predicted because it had gone to the dogs. But in every case, it was the dogs that died, and the church revived. Those revivals have always been preceded by and dependent upon extraordinary prayer by believers desperate for a visitation of God — again.”

Divine Providence

Stuart was also asked, “Why the title?”

“Readers will encounter many events and environments that will surprise and hopefully encourage them on their own pilgrimage to get to know God better and to be used by Him for the blessing of their own churches. When the Israelites were about to enter Canaan, God warned them of what might happen when they prospered and forgot all about Him. Affluence is usually toxic to spirituality.

In our welfare state, we don’t need to depend upon God. The government’s safety nets supply most of our needs. This means we may live as practical atheists who remain ignorant of God’s power. In my life, I have often been in hostile situations or in times of extreme need, that had God not supernaturally intervened I would not be alive to testify to His real power and provision. My prayer is that as people read, they too will hunger for the presence of God and be amazed at what only He can do.”

Revival

Stuart was also asked, “What has the general response been to Prayer Power?”

“The commonest response has been renewed enthusiasm for prayer as a result of the many stories used to illustrate the teaching. The ‘stand-out’ for me is receiving reports that where individuals and churches have implemented what is in the book, dying churches have avoided death. As they have sought God in prayer, they have been resuscitated back to life and growth.

The whole of my ministry in hostile environments overseas and in Australia has been based upon Jesus’ words, ‘Apart from Me, you can do nothing.’ (John 15:5) Intimacy with Jesus through prayer is foundational to positive kingdom outcomes.

As we move forward into 2024, more than ever, we need persistent, persevering, prevailing prayer.

Yes, we long for a visitation of God again to this great Southland of the Holy Spirit.

But it begins with us as individuals. In the words of Psalm 139, “Search me O God and know my heart. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Let us have a hunger for the presence of God, for the power of God, for the Glory of God to be revealed in our time.

May there be renewed enthusiasm for prayer. May we seek intimacy with Jesus through prayer, knowing that as this happens more and more in our lives, we will see positive Kingdom outcomes.

www.AustraliaPrays.com.au

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Photo by Susanna Marsiglia.