Prayer Doesn't Bring Revival
I am delighted to see the deepened commitment to prayer among the people of Hayward Wesleyan Church. We are taking prayer seriously -- and we've seen some amazing results!
Still, here's something important to remember (I found this in the writings of Samuel Chadwick): Prayer doesn't bring revival (renewal.) Yes, it's true -- prayer does not bring revival.
Now, prayer is very important. In fact, it the most important activity on the face of this earth. Every great spiritual renewal movement began with prayer -- but let me repeat -- prayer, by itself does not bring revival.
If prayer alone brought renewal, then the Pharisees would have been the greatest renewal leaders in history -- they prayed a lot. However, their prayers were mostly perfunctory.
The secret is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then they shall hear from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land."
So, there we have it -- some important things that need to go along with our praying if we are to experience significant spiritual breakthrough.
1) Humility (Realizing our utter dependence upon our Savior)
2) Seeking the Face of God -- His Lordship -- saying "yes" to His will.
3) Turning from Wicked Ways -- to renounce sin (not just DE-nounce it, but Re-nounce it -- turn away from it!)
Seek God in humble obedience. turn from sin and then look out! Big change is on the way! The Lord wants to do something wonderful in your life!
Still, here's something important to remember (I found this in the writings of Samuel Chadwick): Prayer doesn't bring revival (renewal.) Yes, it's true -- prayer does not bring revival.
Now, prayer is very important. In fact, it the most important activity on the face of this earth. Every great spiritual renewal movement began with prayer -- but let me repeat -- prayer, by itself does not bring revival.
If prayer alone brought renewal, then the Pharisees would have been the greatest renewal leaders in history -- they prayed a lot. However, their prayers were mostly perfunctory.
The secret is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then they shall hear from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land."
So, there we have it -- some important things that need to go along with our praying if we are to experience significant spiritual breakthrough.
1) Humility (Realizing our utter dependence upon our Savior)
2) Seeking the Face of God -- His Lordship -- saying "yes" to His will.
3) Turning from Wicked Ways -- to renounce sin (not just DE-nounce it, but Re-nounce it -- turn away from it!)
Seek God in humble obedience. turn from sin and then look out! Big change is on the way! The Lord wants to do something wonderful in your life!
Amen!! Maybe 2 Chron. 7:14 is what should be posted in our court houses instead of the 10 commandments! (just kidding...we wouldn't get far with that idea) It wouldn't hurt to have this as a constant reminder in our churches, though. So easy to point fingers and place blame elsewhere. Humility is something we maybe aren't too good at.
ReplyDeleteMark that is a great point.
ReplyDeleteI feel like those words should be somewhere on the wall of every church!
R--nounce NOT D--nounce
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference one letter makes!
Please send this sermon to my church.
WOW!!! If all our ministers and church leaders would just practice this.
ReplyDeletePRAYER HAS TO HAVE FEET
Marilyn Jean