Keep the Faith: The power of people uniting in prayer
“When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, 'He is good; his love endures forever.' 2 Chron. 7:1-3
It appears from scripture and from church history, that revivals of God’s manifest presence occur most often when God’s people are praying together; and once God shows up in unique fashion, that people will instinctively bow down and worship.
Certainly this was the case when Solomon dedicated the temple to God, that prayer preceded an outpouring of the Spirit. Which was followed by praise and worship. This was certainly the case at Pentecost in Acts, chapter 2 when the disciples were together, waiting on God when the Spirit came in great power. This was certainly the case in numerous other church revivals throughout the world.
I was just sitting in the chapel of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, where my third child is starting her freshman year of college. One writer has noted that “Probably no major campus in America has experienced revival more frequently than Asbury College.” (Dr. Wesley Duewel)
It has been observed by these revivals that many times they are unplanned and unexpected but can be traced back to small groups praying for various lengths of time, sometimes days, weeks, or months; and then suddenly, without much notice, God shows up.
With this extraordinary sense of God’s presence there is often a profound sense of conviction for sin, genuine repentance, deep worship, people saved, a new sense of holiness, along with profound love and joy restored.
New Englanders don’t have to look any farther than Northampton, Massachusetts, and Jonathan Edwards for their revival heritage. That revival was the beginning the First Great Awakening, which spread and shook our entire nation. We do, however, need to look way back to the 1700s to celebrate the broad, sweeping effects of God’s powerful presence.
Brooklyn Tabernacle, home of the famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in New York, is a modern-day example of what happens when God’s people pray. Going from a broken-down hall with several people to a large, thriving community built from the power of passionate prayer.
Where is the God of Holy Fire today? Where is the God of miracles today? Have you ever heard the old saying if God seems far away, guess who moved? Have you ever read in scripture where it says if we draw near to God then God will draw near to us.
I sense deeply that God want holy fires burning in New England again. A providential visitation that will set our nation ablaze with holy love.
Oh God, pour out your Spirit again and restore us; revive your people and heal your land.
Major Paul Pelletier is the Commanding Officer of the Worcester Salvation Army.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Keep the Faith: The power of people uniting in prayer
