1859 - 2009: The Burden For Revival

As we bring this series of posts on the 1859 Revival to an end, where are we today in terms of revival? Can we expect a similar move of the Holy Spirit today? Or do we look on those times as just a history lesson, part of the golden age of the past?

What can we learn from 1859 and implement today? The origins of the revival came from sustained, faithful prayer rising up from the Lord's people. The prayer meeting in Kells met for almost two years before the work went outside the village. The Lord also blessed the advance of His word as it was read, preached, and applied to the sinful hearts of the people. The Lord blessed the united work of Presbyterians, Church of Ireland, Methodists, Congregationalists, Baptists and Independents as they came together in prayer meetings, setting denomination aside and joining under the one Lord.

So where do we go from here? Let's join in prayer for the mass conversion of men, women and children in this land, so that many are saved and the glory goes to God. One verse that is used by revivalists is this:

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 and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

If my people...

On Monday night, we had our usual Late Praise service in the College Chapel. This week it fell to me to organise. Having cast my vote over the weekend (using my postal vote), the elections were in my mind. So I thought we would read, think and pray about our position as God's people in the world.

One of the readings we used was 2 Chronicles 7:14 - '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 and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'

We were praying for revival to come, to see the increase of the kingdom in our land - north and south - but then someone prayed a prayer, and it blew me away... Revival starts with us. It's up to the people of God (called by his name) to be humble, and pray, and seek God and repent as the key to see God acting.

What are we doing to constantly seek God's face and walk in his ways? Are we ready to be totally transformed by the Spirit so that others see the transformation and ask what it's all about (1 Peter 3:15)

Send revival Lord, and start with me!