Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. (Matt. 26:41)Almost 260 years ago Jonathan Edwards made a fascinating prediction. He spoke of a great prayer movement which would climax at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Few would deny that Edwards was a godly man, but was he a prophet and are we seeing his prediction come true in the second decade of the 21st century?
There is a growing amount of evidence supporting what he said would take place. Like what? Today there is a growing thirst in the hearts of people almost everywhere to connect with God, to know what His purpose is for their lives, and to find God's direction and will. What impresses me is that it is not necessarily an organized movement but a spontaneous heart-cry in the lives of people. It is touching the lives of people all over the world.
One observer said, "It is evident in schools, churches, offices, factories, homes—just about everywhere. People are agreeing to pray by phone; to pray by day and by night; to march for prayer, praying for cities as they go; to pray in churches, businesses, coffeehouses, at work and wherever they meet."
I can tell you that nothing will bring so much promise of a real move of God as the call to prayer which is resounding all over the world. Why? Any lasting revival or work of God's Holy Spirit recorded in church history has always been preceded by seasons of prayer.
Do you remember the words of Scripture, often quoted but seldom heeded, recorded in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God spoke through the prophet, saying, "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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land"? Humility, of course, precedes prayer, and prayer precedes the blessing of God.
One of the misconceptions about prayer is that it can't be effective unless large groups of people are praying. Now, may I be clear that I rejoice when large groups of people come together and pray; but Jesus promised to attend a prayer meeting involving as few as two or three people. He said,
Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.A number of years ago, when we were living in the Philippines, I became discouraged, wondering whether anyone was really praying for us. Letters were few and far between. E-mail hadn't been invented, and the situation was depressing. "Out of sight, out of mind" I began thinking. Then one day it sunk in. You don't need armies of people to move the hand of God. You only need a few who know how to pray and who pray. It's still true.
(Matt. 18:19-20)
So you don't like what is happening in your church, do you? Forget the gossip, and the committee to get rid of the pastor. Why not invite a few friends to pray with you and really pray. "Christians don't gossip," says my daughter, "they just share prayer requests." Right.
Unhappy with the way your boss is handling things? Don't bother to file a grievance with the union; start praying, asking God to undertake. About to give up on your marriage? Take the 30-day challenge. Agree that you and your mate will clasp hands and pray together every day for 30 days and see what happens.
Because I am His child and He is my father, I can come into His presence anytime, anywhere, and share my heart with Him. Thank God there is a growing prayer movement among God's people today. Be part of it.
Resource reading: Mark 13
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