I’ve been praying for revival to come to these islands for years. I know it’s something I’m called to do. And I also know a big part of my call is to encourage others to be praying for revival.
I think God is answering those prayers. The recent outpouring in Cwmbran to me is a sign of this. It’s exciting – hundreds of people from completely outside the church have given their lives to following Jesus. We want to see more, and so we need to pray more… but it’s exciting to see these things starting to happen.
But when I’m praying for revival, what am I actually praying for? Ultimately, I’m praying for huge numbers of people outside the church to come to faith. That to me is what revival is all about. That’s what I long to see around these nations. That’s what I long to see in London. And that’s what I’m praying for.
And it’s good to pray directly for that. But there are also other things that we can be praying for as markers towards that. Why not incorporate some of these into your regular prayers…
- Pray for God to soften the hearts of people who don’t yet know Him. In the Bible the opposite of faith is described as hardness of heart. So pray for God to soften the hard-hearted, so they become more open to Him.
- Pray for people to have a positive view of the church. Sadly many negative stereotypes often come to mind when people think about the church. Pray for people to see the church in a more positive light.
- Pray for people to meet with Christian friends who can clearly articulate the Gospel. Pray that God sends the right people at the right times, and anoints their words about Jesus.
- Pray for people to have a revelation of who Jesus is. This is crucial. We can talk about Jesus, but it requires the Holy Spirit to bring revelation to someone’s heart. Pray that God uses our witness to reveal who Jesus really is.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to draw people to God. Jesus tells us in John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Again, it’s the Holy Spirit who does the real work. But our role is therefore to pray… to invite Him to do that work.
This is what I pray for when I’m praying for revival. Will you join me? Will you pray for people, across London and across all these islands? Pray for God to soften hearts, to bring a positive view of the church, to anoint people as they communicate the Gospel, to reveal Jesus, and ultimately to bring people to know Him. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in lives on a huge scale, and bring revival to this land.
Mark Williamson also blogs regularly at One Rock International, a training organisation resourcing missionary leaders across the globe. He’s passionate about good films, good food, getting into deep conversations, and going for long walks with his wife Joanna.