Revival Praying

"Let’s not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, folks. The most important thing we can do, THE opportunity before the church right now is this Gospel moment. It’s not the “reset” of a slower pace of life; it’s not a change in political leadership. That’s not the main thing in God’s mind. It is the eternal destiny of human souls...Pray for an outpouring of the revelation of Jesus in the world. Pray for it every day!" - John Eldredge

Dear Church Family: 

Later this morning (8:30 am) our church will hold its first-ever "virtual prayer gathering". We are connecting through Zoom to cry out to God for revival in our land! This guide will be a helpful tool to assist us!

This prayer guide is not a formula for revival, for there is no such thing except for obeying the principles of God in the Scripture (e.g. 2 Chronicles 7:14).  It is meant to be a list of helpful suggestions to get us started in praying for purity, for the church, and for effective evangelism.  The key is that we confess our sins and pray as the Spirit leads us according to the commands of Scripture. 

I am calling on believers throughout the Pine Belt to Join me as we cry out to God together for healing, for restoration, for REVIVAL!

Dr. Scott Hanberry

REVIVAL PRAYER GUIDE

Step #1: Personal Revival

This should have been done before assembling together for corporate prayer. However, it may be necessary to take a few minutes to reflect before the Lord over the state of one’s own heart before interceding for the saints and the lost. IF WE DO NOT FIRST CONFESS OUR SINS, WE CANNOT EXPECT GOD TO HEAR OUR PRAYERS (Isaiah 59:1-3).  

“Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8)

There is no mystery about what it takes to experience the manifest presence of God. We must confess and repent of sin, drawing near to God. We know that He will then draw near to us, guiding us to lose our double-mindedness and gain the mind of Christ. 
 
“Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.” (Psalm 19:12)

Yet there are likely sins that are hidden to us that we ought to repent of as well. This is the humble reality of the fact that we are not yet perfected. Having confessed and repented, the following verse promises us that our prayer will be of use. 

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 2:21) 

Now we are ready to intercede and implore the Lord for corporate revival. 

Step #2: Church Revival

Here we pray according to Scripture for the church as a whole. As Ephesians 6:18 says, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” See examples of topics below. 

Note: It is helpful to read the associated Scriptures to use as guidelines as we pray.

• Pray for devotion and purity to essential doctrines. (Jude 3) 
• Pray that false teachers will be discovered and put out from the flock. (Revelation 2:20)
• Pray that the church will rediscover its first love of the work and person of Christ. (Revelation 2:4)
• Pray that unity, love, hope, holiness, and good works will be manifested by the church so that it can be effective salt and light. (John 17:21; John 13:34-35; 1 Peter 3:15, Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 5:16)
• Pray that pastors would preach the Word faithfully, reproving and exhorting as necessary. (2 Timothy 4:2)
• Pray that Christians will grow up into maturity in the knowledge of Christ and His Word. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
• Pray for more Christians to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. (Acts 2:42)
• Pray for God to raise up workers and evangelists for His harvest. (Matthew 9:37-38)
• Pray for brokenness over the eternal state of the lost. (Luke 15:8-9)
• Pray for marriages and families to be strengthened. (Ephesians 5:22-6:4)
• Pray for humility. (1 Peter 5:6)
• Pray that the church will seek the wisdom of God and not of man. (James 1:5)
  

Of course, this is just a sample of things to pray for as there are many things we could pray for concerning revival and the church. 

Step #3: Evangelization of the Unsaved

A revived church must engage in evangelism. However, the Bible makes it very clear that no one seeks after God unless the Holy Spirit first draws him. Therefore, we must pray that God would open hearts to repent and receive His Son. 

• Pray that the captives of the devil would be released. (2 Timothy 2:26)
• Pray that the dead would be made alive in Christ. (Ephesians 2:1-7)
• Pray for the lost to repent. (Luke 13:5)
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 16:8)
• Pray for seeds to sprout and take root because they fall on receptive hearts. (Luke 8:4-15)
• Pray for revived Christians to be faithful in witnessing. (Acts 1:8)
  

We ought also to intercede on behalf of specific individuals for salvation, we ought to pray for specific social ills in the community, and we ought to pray for our leaders. 

Let us remember that effective prayer is not checking off a checklist, but it is praying as the Spirit leads us according to God's Word for the things with which He burdens our hearts.  It is never about doing things for God, but it is about God accomplishing His reviving work in and through us such that it touches others as well. 

PANDEMIC PRAYERS

Pray for the coronavirus to stop spreading.

Almighty God, we know that everything is in Your sovereign control. We ask that You keep this new coronavirus from continuing to spread. Give government officials the ability to safely handle people arriving from other countries. Help people decide to stay home instead of traveling or going out needlessly. Holy Spirit, remind people to wash their hands properly. And while it may be heartbreaking, comfort families as they decide to keep their distance from elderly or other high-risk family members.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea …—Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)

Pray for people who are infected with COVID-19 or facing quarantine.

Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.

Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Pray for protection for people at higher risk of developing the disease.

Dear Lord, we lift to You our concern for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty and, for many, preventive isolation from loved ones.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Pray for medical professionals, caregivers, and researchers responsible for fighting the coronavirus.

God, as more people get sick, healthcare workers and first responders are working longer hours with fewer supplies and with more risk of contracting the new coronavirus themselves. Renew their energy and sustain them on long shifts. Bring Your protection upon them as they work with patients. Multiply their supplies so they have the protective items needed to stay safe on the job.

Inspire and invigorate the research doctors developing better tests to diagnose the virus, create vaccines to prevent it, and identify protocols to eliminate the disease’s spread.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.—Psalm 23:4 

Pray for leaders responsible for making decisions about the coronavirus.

Father, we seek Your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world. We pray that they communicate clearly, truthfully, and calmly — with each other and with the public — and that their messages are received and heeded. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection.

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers …—2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV)

Pray for families adjusting to new ways of life.

Holy Spirit, as families adjust to everyone being home as businesses and schools close, we ask that You guide people in their new realities. Give spouses grace for each other. Prompt worn-out parents to speak words of kindness and encouragement to their children. Help children find creative ways to experience the beauty of all You have created and continue learning.

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.—Psalm 57:1 (NIV)

Pray for business owners and families facing financial stress.

Jesus, we thank You for Your faithfulness in how you have guided and equipped people in their jobs and have provided in the past. It can be scary and overwhelming not knowing how bills and obligations will be met or to not be able to provide for families. As people feel financial strain during the uncertainty, bring them comfort and peace, reminding them that You are there for them. Provide for them in their times of need.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. —John 14:27 (NIV)

Pray for grocery store workers and delivery drivers.

Lord, we are so grateful for all the people who continue to work each day so that people are able to eat. We ask that You bless and protect them as they serve. Give them grace to handle disgruntled customers during supplies shortages. Keep their bodies healthy as they unload and stock boxes of supplies. Keep their cars and trucks running smoothly as they deliver needed supplies and food people have ordered online. And please protect them all from contracting the coronavirus.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Pray for the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds to the Truth of the Gospel.

Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel in these unprecedented days.

Pray for boldness among believers to love, serve, work, and witness.

Pray for God to capture the attention of our Nation. 

Pray for mercy and grace. Pray that there would be corporate repentance.