A Prayer for Revival
O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3.2)
The Encarta Dictionary defines revive in this way: "To bring somebody or something back to life, consciousness, or full strength." Perhaps you need spiritual revival. If so, Habakkuk provides a prayer that may help you...
O Lord, I have heard the report of you. Do you know - from personal experience, from the testimony of others, or from a sense of divine revelation - how God has moved in times past? Read accounts of spiritual renewal in the Bible and in other Christian works to awaken a desire in your soul.
Your work, O Lord, do I fear. Revival comes about by the hand of God, not the plan of men.
In the midst of the years. Some things must wait for the end of time to come about, but revival is not one of them. Revive me, now, O Lord! Remember, when Jesus came to Lazarus' tomb, he revived him that day!
Revive your work. Do you honestly want God to do his work, or are you praying for God to do your work? Let God set the agenda.
Make known your work. God sees your need deeper than you see it yourself. Trust him to reveal to you just what he needs to do in you, and then let him do it.
In wrath, remember mercy. Revival does not come to the proud heart, but to the one who has learned to pray, "Lord be merciful to me!"
Do you need God to come and revive your soul, your church? Sincerely pray the prayer of Habakkuk.
“O God, have mercy upon thy poor church, and visit her, and revive her. She has but a little strength; she has desired to keep thy word; oh, refresh her; restore to her thy power, and give her yet to be great in this land. Amen.” (Charles Spurgeon)