Praying for Something More
By Carol Madison
There are lots of things we can pray for: protection for family members, salvation of unsaved loved ones, healing of the sick, marriages restored, the next generation to stay true to the faith. But is there something more?
Yes, God desires so much more for His people! He longs to see His Church revived and His people become agents of transformation in their communities.
One of my favorite revival stories comes from the Hebrides Islands off the coast of Scotland during the years of 1948–50. A couple of homebound elderly sisters, one who was blind and the other who was severely hampered by arthritis, were instrumental through their prayers. The sisters, grieved by the decline of the church in their community and especially by the lack of interest among the young people, prayed faithfully, often late into the night. God implanted a vision for revival in their hearts, and they began to cry out with faith and hope.
As the leaders of the church joined in prayer, God began to move in tangible and powerful ways. The pastor and elders repented before God and humbled themselves in desperation for their community. In one of the prayer meetings, it was reported that the home shook, much like in the Book of Acts (see Acts 4:31).
The presence of God descended upon their community and surrounding villages throughout the Hebrides. Stories emerged of people coming under such strong conviction of the Holy Spirit that they fell to their knees in the streets, begging forgiveness. Eventually, no village was left untouched by the presence of God.
It all started with the faith and conviction of two sisters who simply offered themselves and their prayers as catalysts for revival!
Many factors can be involved in a move of revival in a church and spiritual awakening in a community, but it can also begin with just a handful of people whose hearts are committed to seeing God’s glory manifested in their own streets.
The formula is simple, but the calling is dramatic and selfless. God’s people must humble themselves in prayer with their eyes fixed on the Lord, their hearts desperate for His presence, a willingness to repent and turn from sin, and a belief that God is not only capable but willing to “heal our land” (2 Chron. 7:14).
When God calls His people to pray, I believe it’s because He intends to answer that prayer!
Prayer Points:
- Praise God that He responds to the prayers of His people and delights in displaying His glory.
- Humble yourself before the Lord, invite Him to reveal ways you need to repent, and ask Him to bring you into alignment with His Kingdom plans.
- Pray that you will be a prayer catalyst for revival—and will inspire others to pray with faith and boldness.
- Ask the Spirit to prompt your church to pray with a 2 Chronicles 7:14 vision of seeing your city and nation healed in the truth and power of Jesus.
- Pray for the revival of your church, the spiritual awakening of the lost, and the transformation of your community.
Carol Madison is the editor of Prayer Connect magazine and the author of Prayer That’s Caught and Taught. This article is adapted from Do It Again, Lord! 30 Days of Hope-Filled Prayer for Revival (PrayerShop 2023).