Jonathan Edwards on Prayer
But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too…” Acts 17.6

Distinguishing Marks
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
“The work of the Spirit then, was carried in a manner that, in very many respects, was altogether new: such as never had been seen or heard since the world stood. The work was then carried on with more visible and remarkable power than ever; nor had there been seen before such mighty and wonderful effects of the Spirit of God in sudden changes, and such great engagedness and zeal in great multitudes – such a sudden alteration in towns, cities, and countries…”

As we pray for revival – for that increasing presence of the Lord that sees us daily growing in Him and increasing in the evidence of His Spirit; and as we seek the Lord for renewal in our churches and awakening in our world, we should make sure our vision of what we seek is in line with God’s. When we look to the Word of God we will see, where the Spirit of God was working, remarkable, powerful, and glorious effects such as the world had never seen before. Is this what we expect? Do we expect our lives to be as powerfully transformed as Peter’s or Paul’s? Are we praying that God will make our churches such places of worship, disciple-making, selfless fellowship, and mission that our entire community will be drawn to them, seeking the Lord (cf. Mic. 4.1-8)? What do we seek? What are we expecting? For unless our prayers are informed by Scripture concerning the effects of a work of the Spirit, our prayers will be empty and meaningless, and our lives will continue as at present, pretty much unchanged.

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14.17, 18). What should you expect this to look like as it advances in you, in your church, and throughout your community?

Learn to Pray for Revival – and Pray!
We currently conduct three meetings to pray for revival, enlisting participants from around the country to come together in our online prayer room once a month – or once a week – to seek the Lord for revival. We use selected psalms to guide our time together, and spend around 30 minutes in prayer together. Join us. We’d like to begin a second weekly group, convening at 4:00 Eastern time each Thursday, to seek the Lord for revival. If you’d like to be part of this group, or if you would like to join an existing revival prayer group, send me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

An Humble Attempt
If you have not read Edwards’ book on praying for revival, I urge you to do so. We’ll send it to you in a free PDF which you can print or download to your e-reader. Just email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and request Jonathan Edwards’ An Humble Attempt.

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from Jonathan Edwards, Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, in Edward Hickman, ed. The Works of Jonathan Edwards(Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1834, 1995), Vol. Two, pp. 257ff.