A Prayer for Revival in Our Churches
By Victoria Riollano
Bible Reading:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20
Listen or Read Below:
The Church needs Jesus. It is fair to say this is not a new concept, and without Jesus, the church as we know it would not exist. Yet, as a pastor’s wife, I am constantly encountering the truth of the matter…the modern church needs a revival. Petty arguments like worship styles, volume of music, length of service, and the best church model have overtaken many churches. These issues are minor in comparison to the division that happens in the pews over politics, beliefs on leadership structure, and what some feel like the church should be “doing or not doing.” As I listen to these conversations weekly, I cannot help but wonder, is the Lord grieved by our lack of focus on the great commission? Have we become so focused on our own beliefs and selfish desires that we have placed our thoughts above pointing people to Jesus?
We have to ask ourselves, what would happen if true revival, like what we see in the book of Acts, were to break out? What would happen if believers worked as a unified front, focusing less on the opinions that divide and more on proclaiming the truth that Jesus has come to proclaim the Good News, set the captives free, heal, and deliver those who are oppressed? Yet, it is not enough to wonder these things; we have been commissioned by God Himself to be a part of seeing people radically for Jesus.
After his resurrection, Jesus says it like this in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” As believers, we must take note that these words from Jesus are not passive. They are a direct command from Jesus to believers to not just hear about Jesus for themselves but to bring as many people to Christ as possible. This requires them to “go” or move into action. Interestingly, this passage does not say, “Build a local church and make it as attractive as possible so people may want to attend.” Instead, it implores us as believers to leave the comfort zone of our Christian community and spread out to other cultures and communities and tell them about Jesus. Yet, telling them about Jesus is only the start; we are to teach them everything that Jesus has taught us.
True revival requires believers to recognize their role in the Great Commission and be willing to move into action! This may look like intentionally going into the community and praying, hosting services outside of the Sunday morning experience where people can worship without regard to timing, or it may look like going into communities and telling neighborhoods about Jesus through Bible studies and discipleship. Although local churches can take on this responsibility, individual believers can rise up too. I once heard it said like this, “If we truly believe there is a real heaven and hell why aren’t we screaming the message of the gospel from the rooftops every chance we get!” My heart is concerned that modern churches have become so focused on nonessentials of the faith that we have forgotten that seeing others have eternal life. This promise of eternal life should bring us hope and help us to have joy as we share the Gospel even when it is uncomfortable.
My prayer today is that we will lean into what we find in Psalm 85:6 and ask the Lord, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” May the Lord give us a fiery passion to seek Him and tell others this great news of who Jesus Christ is.
Let’s pray:
Lord, I thank you for the gift of salvation. Forgive me for the times I have ignored this gracious offering of eternal life to me, a sinner who is undeserving. God, I ask that you give me a heart to see neighborhoods, counties, schools, and homes radically changed for you. I ask that you give me the strength, boldness, and courage to want to see people know you. Let revival start with me so that I may encourage others. Give me eyes to see those who need you and wisdom to connect with other believers who want to spread the gospel.
Jesus, I come to you in sincere prayer for the local church. Forgive us for becoming distracted by the routine and traditions of church that we have forgotten the reason why we gather. Lord, I pray that local pastors and church leaders will lead ministries toward evangelism. I pray that they will be intentional about telling people about Jesus and discipling them through the truth of the Gospel. Teach the local church to reignite again. Teach the local church to cherish the truth of the Word and put away false teaching that will lead people away from the Lord. God send your Spirit to bring a fresh wind to the church so that we may impact, encourage, and lead our nation closer to God. We trust you for a revived church and a strategy to lead many to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Christin Lola
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