Collegiate Day of Prayer Global: 40-Day Prayer GuideSample

Day 31: The Two Faces of Revival

By David Smithers (David serves as a host facilitator at the Riverside Prayer Ranch and a pastor/teacher at the Christian Assembly in Pomona, California.)

“He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
— Malachi 4:6 NKJV

When God wants to awaken a sleeping church and rescue a lost world, He loves to use the younger generation! Throughout the centuries, God has repeatedly raised up the humble and least experienced among us to accomplish His greatest works. Most of the great revivalists and missionaries throughout history have been young men and women in their 20s. New challenges and changes often require the strength of a new generation of revival pioneers.

Nevertheless, revival is never just about one group or generation. A careful study of Church history reveals that the promises of Joel 2 are always fulfilled in every great revival: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28–29).

Yes, there are two different faces of revival—two generations working together to pray and prepare the way for a fresh visitation of God. Like the covenant friendship of Ruth and Naomi or the united faith of Elizabeth and the virgin Mary, God loves to birth revival through the blending of different generations. My favorite example is the multi-generational partnership found in Exodus 17:8-15. The Amalekites are threatening the children of Israel, and Moses calls up the young leader Joshua to assemble an army to defeat the enemies of God. This is the first time Joshua is mentioned in the Scriptures. He would go on to lead God’s people through countless battles of faith and eventually become the successor of Moses.

Most of us know the story of Moses and the older generation heading up the mountaintop to watch and pray for Joshua’s army as they fought in the valley below. Soon, as Moses’ hands of prayer grew weak, the Amalekites grew strong and prevailed against Joshua. But with the support of Aaron and Hur, Moses persevered in prayer until Joshua and his young army defeated their enemies.

This is what united and focused prayer can do! This is why the younger generation needs the fervent prayers of their fathers, mothers, grandparents, and church leaders. The victory of one generation is tied to the faith and prayers of another generation. God’s Kingdom is advanced from generation to generation. We need one another’s prayers to finish well. True family is still the best way to true revival.

PRAYER POINTS:

• Ask God to help you recognize your need for the gifts and insights of others.
• Ask God to help you plan and work like a true family.
• Ask for the help and prayers of your fathers and mothers.

ACTION STEPS TOWARD GENERATIONAL UNITY

by Vicky Porterfield (Vicky is a city prayer leader in Austin, Texas while serving as a spiritual mom and decades-long intercessor for college students)

As we pray and ask the Lord for a visitation of Jesus, let us be mindful that it will take all of us. Old and young must hold hands while men and women join together and ask God to come in a powerful way. We want to experience the glory of God in our midst, so we must go beyond our own group and join with others who are not like us. Grab hold of your parents and their prayers for you. Believe God with those who have prayed for decades like Anna in the temple. Unite for the coming of the Lord!

• Ask the Lord for a person of a different age to be your spiritual parent or son/daughter. Then approach him or her and ask for a time to meet and pray with one another.
• Call a parent or a son/daughter and agree that Jesus Christ has come and wants to do miracles in your midst. Combine your faith as you pray for revival and awakening among your friends. (Note: most parents and grandparents long for the day they can pray with you. Expect to learn from each other.)
• Continually bless younger and older Christians who love Jesus like you do.