Let me start by apologizing. I don’t usually want to air my dirty laundry in these posts. But since the goal of this blog is to promote a revival in our generation, I felt that I needed to say this.
So, I’m sorry for letting my emotions get the better of me, but today’s post is coming from a heart that desires to see change. The body of Christ needs to wake up, from the leadership on down.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:2-3
This verse talks about a prayer meeting that was held at the church of Antioch. During this meeting, Saul (later to become Paul) and Barnabas were called into a missionary work. Their work changed the world forever.
This morning I was at a prayer breakfast hosted by an association of churches that we are involved with. It was called because of some needs and transitions that our churches are experiencing. It was to be an hour of prayer, with a half hour of breakfast provided beforehand.
There are just over 100 churches in our association. All of the pastors and leaders were called and invited to the meeting. What do you think the response was? There were 8 of us there to pray.
Just 8. Of those 8, 4 of them were on the committee that hosted the prayer. At this point, I have to say that it was a wonderful time of prayer. Those who attended were there to seek God. We had a great time in the spirit.
But on the way home, I had to think about what we’re missing. We need revival in our land. We know that. We talk about it. When someone brings it up we all nod our heads in agreement.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t give birth to revival. Prayer brings it about.
In the above verse, Saul went to this meeting. I’m sure he had other things to do. At that point he was vocational. He was a tent-maker who taught at his local church. What if he decided that he was too busy to get to that prayer meeting?
I hear pastors complain all the time about the prayerlessness of their people. “We can’t get them to come out to the prayer meetings we call.” Where are these pastors when they are called to pray?
To be fair, I understand that many have vocational jobs during the week and they can’t take the time off. I understand that others may have some transportation or health issues. I don’t have a problem with these.
But 8 – out of all the pastors and leaders of 100 churches. Where’s the revival we seek? It’s in our hands. We must remove the roadblocks. One of the biggest is the lack of prayer from the top down.
Again, I ask your forgiveness for my ranting in this post. But my heart’s desire is to see a move of God sweep this nation in my lifetime. Whatever it takes. Even the “sacrifice” of prayer.
Question: How often do you pray for revival in our nation?
© Nick Zaccardi 2014
The Spirit and the Word 