Praying for Revival: A Five-Day DevotionExemplo

New Beginnings

Experiencing revival is getting a fresh start, similar to the beginning of a new year. From the moment revival touches us, all things, in a sense, become new. We see with new eyes. We feel with a fresh intensity. Our hope in God is renewed. But these blessings are not to be hoarded; they are to be shared. One sure sign of revival is a new boldness in sharing new life in Christ with others.

Consider the many people worldwide, and even in our own communities, who are still unreached for Christ. Consider that these souls will be lost if we do not see revival in our day. Then imagine what can happen if these same people are reached through revival. Praying for revival is not only prayer for personal change, but also praying for a fresh wave of evangelism, sparked by hearts renewed for Christ.

“Revivals begin with God’s own people; the Holy Spirit touches their heart anew, and gives them new fervor, and compassion, and zeal, new light and life, and when he has thus come to you, he next goes forth to the valley of dry bones. . . . Oh, what responsibility this lays on the Church of God! If you grieve him away from yourselves, or hinder his visit, then the poor perishing world suffers sorely!” —Andrew Bonar

PRAYER PROMPT: Father, you know the need for a fresh wave of your Spirit in our land. Bring the kind of revival that spurs us to evangelism. May revival result in the salvation of many.