I have a deep ache in my heart to see revival come to the church that will affect my city and land. I have read of the Welsh revival of 1904/5, the Hebridean revival of 1949, and the Saskatoon revival of 1971 – and long to experience such again. Indeed I have tasted of some of the fruits of revival during my ministry and now, nothing else satisfies. I have seen ‘the promised land’ and now the quails and manna of the (sub) normal Christian life have no attractions for me.

 

Why is it that, when I join others to pray for revival it so often turns into another planning session for programs to reach the lost. Evangelism is not revival but may be the fruit of revival. We ask for strategies and guidance (all very good) but seldom for God to break in upon us. Why do we find it so difficult to pray for revival? Are we afraid of what that might mean to our comfortable wilderness wandering? Are we deceiving ourselves that we do not need God to touch us first before He will ever touch the lost around us? I am reminded of God promising Moses that He would send His angel before him into the Promised Land (Ex 33:2). Angels can give us good strategy and lead us into battle but Moses had only one desire – that the Lord Himself would go before them. “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here!” (Ex 33:15). May I suggest that you listen to Dr. Martyn LloydJones on My Favourite Links page – Is God Present?

 

Oh that men would cry unto the Lord with one voice and goal - that He makes His presence manifest among us. His ‘strategy’ is still that “if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chron 7:14)