Bowed heads and hunched backs fill the sanctuary.
Bowed heads, humble hearts….often the first sign God is moving in a place.
Often times, we look at people jumping up and down, or hear laughter and weird sounds…and think that could be revival.
Yet, history tells us that when a Holy God meets an un-holy people….there is a tsunami in the hearts of the people. And that tsunami looks most like repentance.
In fact, prayer and repentance is often the pavement for any great move of God.
Without prayer, the wave of His Spirit will just wash upon the shore, depositing what’s left over from the ocean. And we will go back to normal…grains of sand…staring out, at a vast, fast moving ocean.
Stagnant waters never clean us. His desire is that He might sweep into our hearts like a mighty, crashing wave….making us knew again.
During the move of God I experienced, people were seen everywhere, laying hands on one another, praying.
It didn’t matter if someone just got out of prison…they would be praying for the business man beside them. There would be children praying for an adult who would be asking.
The teachers would be covering infants in the nursery. And those in wheelchairs always had many surrounding them with faith and encouragement.
This church had prayer service seven days of the week. Prayer was going on before, after, and during services. There was 24/7 prayer and fasting…those in their homes, along with those standing around the sanctuary.
Many of us attended prayer meetings throughout the week. It was there my heart instantly connected with all those I had been praying with. It didn’t matter if you had never met anyone prior…upon praying together….especially deep, sincere, heartfelt prayers….people instantly become friends. No, not just friends….family.
Some of the people dearest to me are those that I poured my heart out to those first years within that church.
There is a special bond revival makes that you can’t understand unless you have been there. A child-like honesty, transparency, sincerity, that is often lacking in other places.
As people willingly humble themselves, praying, seeking His face eagerly; God faithfully honors the sacrifices of our praise.
And little did I know, the impact a few simple words would make on the one I was about to approach, as I tip-toed to the front. Trembling with a lump in my throat. That first day as a prayer person, still weary of my new role…
5 Comments
Great quote, Jen. I often wonder what happens in the spiritual realms when we choose to turn to God in the middle of difficult circumstances. I think our prayers win unseen battles.
GOD BLESS!
Jen, I finally remembered to link up on Monday! 🙂
Thank you for this sweet reminder that prayer and repentance are essential for the work of revival to start.
May it begin with me, Lord.
Amen Jen! Many of us miss out on so much because we only pray by ourselves. But like Jesus outlines in Matthew 18:19-20, “Whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.” Praying together is the key to powerful prayer!! 🙂
Blessings and love sweet sister!
Denise
Jen- loved this post so much- what an encouragement to one who ALWAYS thinks she has stuffed up ! [ me]
when you said: I want to live there, continually in that abandoned place of God-seeking, desperately clinging hunger, that says, “All I need is you God”. Don’t you?
YES Jen. YES YES YES.
May we be constant in prayer! Thanks for the great reminder and for hosting & God bless!