In each long running revival, prayer produced great momentum. It electrified the atmosphere for great liberty and flow in the Spirit. In long running revivals with the greatest results, a minimum of one hour of prayer went up to the Lord before each service. For many years I traveled in Africa with a full time intercessor. Even while preaching on the stage in huge tent crusades, he would be in intercessory prayer. The effects of his prayers and the ability to open the windows of Heaven for greater manifestations were clearly felt.
Remember James 5:16 “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available – dynamic in its working.”
In one of the many long running Revivals, I tried a different test and found the results to be just what the Lord had shown me.
In a church of approximately 150 people, the Lord instructed me to gather 50 intercessors to pray one hour before each service for a whole week and He (the Lord) would bring 50 souls (saved). I presented this to the little country church and by Monday we started at 6pm with approximately 30 intercessors. By Thursday & Friday we had up to 50 intercessors praying in souls. By the end of Friday evening service, over 50 souls came to the altar to be saved. Praise the Lord!
Paul said in Galatians 4:19-20 “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you”
Isaiah 66:8 “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.”
Remember the church in the book of Acts was birthed out of prayer.
Acts 1:14 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Prayer was vital to growing this Apostolic Power Base.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Acts 2:46-47 “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 3:1 “Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.”
On the way to the temple a crippled man got healed. Even after persecution from religious leaders, notice how they went to prayer again.
Acts 4:24-31 “So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.’ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
Prayer produced great power once again.Never underestimate the power of prayer.
As a Revivalist I have noticed many churches will lean on the Revivalist’s giftings and movement of signs & wonders being demonstrated to hold momentum for the church – wrong. When the Revivalist leaves the local pastor ends up trying to fill a sudden vacuum of sorts.
Please be encouraged to maintain great strength in prayer before and after the Revivalist shows up!
Remember in Acts 12:5, constant prayer opened prison doors to set Peter free. Note the word constant because this is what will set many people free during Revival!