Jonathan Edwards on Prayer

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 1 Timothy 4.14, 15

Distinguishing Marks
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
“It is surely no argument that an effect is not from God, that means are used in producing it; for we know that it is God’s manner to make use of means in carrying on his work in the world, and it is no more an argument against the divinity of an effect, that this means is made use of, than if it was by any other means. It is agreeable to Scripture that persons should be influenced by one another’s good example…By which it appears, that example is one of God’s means; and certainly it is not argument that a work is not of God, that his own means are made use of to effect it.”

In Edwards’ day, some doubted that revival had begun because, they said, so few people actually seemed to be indicating a work of the Spirit in their lives. But Edwards rejected that view, arguing that God used such means as the personal example of a few to encourage others to take up the work of revival as well. He provides a long list of Scriptures to this effect – consistent with his insisting that Scripture is our standard – and says that we who are wanting to be revived should follow the example of those who evidently are being revived. Revived people, and those who are seeking revival, provide an example of the work of God’s Spirit to encourage, instruct, and lead others more fully into His presence, promise, and power. What example are we holding out to our fellow believers? Is it one of eagerly seeking and expecting revival? Or is it one of a life of following Jesus which is merely “good enough”? You are an example to the people you serve, and your example has powerful effects, but of what?

What example of Christian faith are you providing others? Can you say that others are eagerly and faithfully turning to prayer, and seeking the Lord for revival, because of your example?

If Men Will Pray
What might God do, if men will begin to take more seriously the work of prayer? Our book, If Men Will Pray, works through Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 2.1-8, and guides men step-by-step in a deeper, more consistent, more fruitful and enjoyable life of prayer. The book is designed to be used by two men, praying together and encouraging one another over a one-month commitment. Watch this brief videoto learn more. Order a copy for yourself and a friend, and start enlisting men to seek the Lord and revival right now (click here).

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..

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.