|
"PRAYING FOR REVIVAL"
The Power of Praying
It is beyond the natural mind to believe that a little band of believers on their knees have the power to determine destiny, to rule kingdoms, to chart the course of events, to loose and to bind, to destroy, to give life, and to bring revival, but it is verified in the Word of God.
More than once, Moses’ prayers saved his nation from destruction (Deuteronomy 9, 11, 16, 21). On his knees, Daniel towered over pagan Babylon and made them know that God rules. Elijah strangled the economy of a nation and then, with one prayer, broke the drought as a witness to the power of God. Hosea prayed a hedge of thorns around his wayward wife until she would be redeemed (Hosea 2:6). A prophet’s prayer blinded and subdued a destroying army who then took orders from him (II Kings 6).
Praying women initiated revival on the continent of Europe (Acts 16:13-15). Cornelius prayed down an angel and a revival in an unlikely place with unlikely people (Acts 10). A home prayer meeting dispatched an angel to unlock prison doors (Acts 12:5-7). The prayer and praise of Paul and Silas provoked an earthquake which broke open a revival (Acts 16:25-34). Peter prayed, Dorcas was raised from the dead, the whole city heard about it, and many believed (Acts 9:40-42). Paul prayed, the governor’s father was healed and became a witness to the power of God (Acts 28:7, 8).
Consider that small-group praying had major effect on nations, heathens, enemies, continents, economies, strange people, family, prisoners, angels, the sick, and the dead. What an awesome thought. Most of it was done on location of daily living—in homes, on the street, or in public. The power of aggressive prayer is easily accessible to all of us.
The early church prayer warriors not only prayed strong prayers bolstered by faith, but they were not afraid to exercise the authority which Jesus had given them. Their bold prayers were accompanied with bold words. They not only prayed, asking God for things, they also spoke to and against powers, as they perceived through the Holy Ghost.
In Acts 4:29-31, they decidedly spoke against the hindering forces and prayed for boldness accompanied with the miraculous. There was no sign of timidity in their prayers. Neither their ability nor worthiness was considered. Their petitions were not made from a beggar’s stance. Their unshakable confidence was in God, and He shook the place to vindicate their primitive faith.
Peter not only prayed miraculous prayers (Acts 5:1-11; 8:20-24), but he also spoke judgment and rebuked with the power and perception of the Holy Ghost.
Peter and John, without pseudo humility, could say, “Look on us,” and then with unshakable faith could say, “… rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6).
Peter visited palsied Aeneas and brought strong words of command rather than simple words of cheer. “… Aneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole; arise …” (Acts 9:34).
Paul, on a downtown street, commanded: “Stand upright on thy feet” (Acts 14:10).
This same authority and power has been given to us. Read Matthew 10:1, 7, 8; Mark 16:17, 18, 20; and Acts 1:8. Timidity, inferiority, and self-consciousness have no place in the spiritual life of a believer. Let us raise our sights, enlarge our borders, and become bold enough to pray prayers and speak words appropriate to the power of our God. In His divine wisdom, He has decreed to respond to us in proportion to what we ask of Him. “Whatsoever ye ask …”
The telecommunications revolution has changed our world. Almost every day breakthroughs surprise us as to the extent of how man has learned to communicate. Can we imagine the breakthroughs possible in communicating with God through prayer? The power of aggressive prayer, rooted in faith by the Word, and executed in boldness of authority by the Name, can change our world.
Thetus Tenney
The Pentecostals of Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
| 
