Jonathan Edwards on Prayer

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5.4

Distinguishing Marks
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
“Let us all be hence warned, by no means to oppose, or do any thing in the least to clog or hinder, the work; but, on the contrary, do our utmost to promote it. Now Christ is come down from heaven in a remarkable and wonderful work of his Spirit, it becomes all his professed disciples to acknowledge him, and give him honour.”

Edwards believed that discouraging the work of God’s Spirit was a serious matter. As the Spirit begins to move and stir and gesture in the direction of revival, it is the duty of every true believer to take up the call, seize the banner, and contribute what he can to that great work. The world cannot stop us, for we have overcome it. But we can stop ourselves, by doubting that revival can occur in our generation, by refusing to join some action to seek or encourage revival, or by discouraging those who long for revival, and have dedicated themselves to seeking it in prayer. Edwards concludes his argument for seeking the work of the Spirit by urging readers to “give diligent heed to themselves to avoid all errors and misconduct, and whatever may darken and obscure the work; and to give no occasion to those who stand ready to reproach it.” The evidence that revival has begun can be seen in the fact that some – if only some – have taken up the challenge of seeking revival earnestly in prayer (Ps. 80.18). The end we seek – a great work of the Holy Spirit in our day – is certainly a cause worthy of every believer’s passion, devotion, and time.

Will you take up the challenge of seeking the Lord for revival? How can you encourage and enlist others for this calling?

Ready for Revival?
Are you praying for revival? Are you gathering others to pray with you? Are you preparing your church for the coming harvest? You can, and you should. Two resources from our bookstore can help. The book, Restore Us!, can provide the rationale, resources, and encouragement you need to take up this calling as an ongoing aspect of your walk with and work for the Lord. Order your copy by clicking here. And our book, Preparing Your Church for Revival, shows you how to ready the hearts of church members and leaders for the work we look to God to do in our community. Order your copy by clicking here.

Jonathan Edwards on Prayer
We have put together our 8-week series of Jonathan Edwards on prayer into a 28-day morning and evening meditation entitled, Give Him No Rest. To each of these 56 meditations we have added a prayer prompt, to guide you in taking the words of Scripture and Edwards to heart. This is an excellent resource for personal use, family devotions, or a staff-and-church-leaders study in prayer. And it’s free. For your copy of Give Him No Rest: Jonathan Edwards on Prayer, simply 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.