Dear Friends,
At least one thing seems to be universally true of churches across the decades and across the faith spectrum: The church prays for revival. But what are we really praying for and do we really want revival to come? Are we willing to pay the price for revival?
If we are honest, when we are praying for revival we are often praying for God to restore some glory days of the past or we are praying for God to work within the framework of our own expectations and comfort level.
Timothy Keller, in his book Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City, shares some very important insights about revival. First, “revivals occur mainly through the ‘instituted means of grace’ preaching, pastoring, worship, and prayer. It is extremely important to reaffirm this. The Spirit of God can and does use these ordinary means of grace to bring about dramatic, extraordinary conversions and significant church growth.”
But if we stop there we miss something very important. Keller goes on to say, “nevertheless, when we study the history of revivals, we usually see in the mix some innovative method of communicating the gospel.” So it is that revivals of the past have have used the printing press, preaching in the fields, modern music, alter calls, and much more.
So the question to ask ourselves, when we pray for revival are we willing to be used in ways outside our comfort zone? In ways that may not be seen as acceptable by the church establishment? In ways that “have never been done before?” If so, pray for revival! If not, then please stop praying for something you really don’t want.
Blessings,
Pastor Stephen