Revival! (8)

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2.42

Ministers of Scotland: Lectures on Revival XIV
Nathaniel Paterson, D. D., Minister of St. Andrew’s Parish, Glasgow
“Men naturally do not love either God or the gates of Zion; but a worse state is superinduced when to this inherent dislike there has been added, amongst many, the force of a habit, growing more inveterate, both in the neglect and contempt of the sanctuary and its sacred ordinances; and if in such circumstances there be multitudes, as there are in the place we have named, who crowd to the house of God even on week days, and Sabbath after Sabbath, have we not proof most convincing that they are the subjects of an extraordinary gracious influence, that the hand of God is there, and the effect so good as to rejoice every soul that loves the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity?”

Perhaps we’re wondering whether revival is needed? Certainly the surrounding culture, with its growing indifference, if not hostility, to things Christian should suggests the need. And the declining ranks of our churches, and our divided condition – do these not indicate a want of the Spirit Who brings the multitudes to Christ, and unites His Body in peace? Where do we see people crowding the churches, as they were in Scotland in Paterson’s day? Where is it apparent that a Kingdom not of this world is advancing into every arena of life and culture? Where is our world being turned upside-down for Jesus? Where does the love of Jesus abound for the last, the lost, and the least? When we see such things as these, we’ll know that the great work of revival is underway. Until then – and even after – we must pray.

Have you talked with your church leaders about what you might expect in your church if revival should come? Have you sorted this out in your own mind?

Preparing for Revival
To further help you in preparing for revival, we have two brief books that can guide you. Preparing Your Church for Revival tells you what to expect as the Lord begins to move, and shows you how to get ready even now (click here). Restore Us! provides the rationale and means for praying together for revival. It includes 12 psalms to guide your times of praying together (click here).

Pray for Revival
Join us online once a month to pray for revival. We meet for 30 minutes, once a month, pray a psalm and seek the Lord together for revival. We’re looking for men who will commit to seeking the Lord for revival together. If you’re interested, write to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and I’ll give you a list of available times. Or we can discuss beginning a new group to pray for revival at a more suitable time.

All quotations in this series are taken from Ministers of Scotland,Lectures on Revival, Richard Owen Roberts, ed. (Wheaton: Richard Owen Roberts, Publishers, 1980). Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.