“Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:4–6, NKJV)
Many Bible scholars believe that Psalm 85 was written after the people of God had returned from exile in Babylon. They were back home in their land, but things were but a shell of what they had been before the Babylonian captivity. This is a great Bible prayer for revival among the people of God. While many readers of this blog will be familiar with old fashioned “revival meetings” where evangelists preach and call on people to be saved, I think it is important to point out that revival is first and foremost for the church. The people of God need to get back to a white hot devotion to their Lord and let His power work mightily among them. Certainly, during every revival in history, many lost people have come to faith, but revival begins among the people of God.
I cannot stress enough how much we need a great revival today in America. In recent months, I have been burdened to pray for revival more than ever before in my life and ministry. As I look around at our country, I am personally convinced that America is headed for one of two outcomes: revival or ruin. I truly believe that the only thing that can save our country is a mighty movement of God – a revival.
This week, I had the privilege of attending a conference where Dr. Ted Rendall spoke. It was a great delight and blessing to hear and get to know this choice servant of Christ. He has served as a missionary, senior pastor of a large church, and president of a Bible Institute. He has preached all over the world and served in full time ministry in England, Canada, and the United States. He is also one of the foremost experts in the world on revival and spiritual awakening. During a break, I had a conversation with Dr. Rendall and asked him about revival in America.
“Dr. Rendall,” I asked, “From all that you know about revivals and spiritual awakening, is there hope for revival to come to America?” Without even a pause, Dr. Rendall quickly said, “Of course, there is great hope for revival in America!” I followed up with the logical question, “Why?” His answer encouraged me. “Remember that as bad as things are in America, there are thousands upon thousands of preachers preaching the gospel and the Word of God, ” Dr. Rendall replied, “Think about how many Christians in America are praying for revival. As long as those things are true, there is hope for God to send revival.”
Then, Dr. Rendall looked me in the eye and offered a challenge. “The church has to get burdened and earnestly pray for revival,” he said. A few moments later the conference resumed and our conversation ended. However, it has echoed in my mind ever since. Count me encouraged by the hope this man of God has for revival. Count me convicted by his challenge to have a greater burden for revival. Will you be counted too?
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