Send Revival, Start With Me
I’ve been on quite a roller coaster in the past few weeks. While it wasn’t the time I would have chosen, it was the time I needed. And God used the time to rekindle a vision I’ve had for as long as I can remember but, if I’m honest, I’ve let go dormant. That I would see a move of God in my lifetime.
The wonderful thing about Together last week was the heartfelt prayer that emerged and the expectancy in the room. It was a line in the sand moment. A stake in the ground. We believe something has shifted in the heavenly realms. Rather than sit back and watch, now is the time for us to lean in. But how?
Enter the work of Professor Stuart Piggin who has researched antipodean moves of God. While there is no formula, there are some commonalities that it’s worth us paying attention to.
Unprecedented prayer for revival
In Mark 9, the disciples struggle to cast out a demon but for Jesus it just takes a word. In the conversation that ensues, Jesus makes it clear that this kind only comes out by prayer. There are things that God desires to do but will not do unless we pray. Will we pray for a move of God? It can be something we do in services or something we devote time to as Life Groups. At Hania Street there is a permanent space that you can book to gather in prayer 24/7. It could also be much simpler. Who’s around you that has the same desire to pray for a move of God and make a regular time that works for you.
Unusual unity among Christians
In our approach to being a multi-site church, we always seek relationship with other churches. We don’t see ourselves as the solution in an area but understand how God works through churches of different styles and traditions. It has also been noticeable since Covid just how many churches around the country are talking about the same things we are. Prayer, disciple-making, church planting. There’s increasing unity and partnership. But it’s also something that’s important closer to home. Often it’s hardest to love and forgive those closest to us because we see one another at our best and worst. Let’s pray that the Lord would help us remain soft-hearted, apologise quickly, and forgive freely.
Heightened faith and expectation for a move of God
Finally there’s expectation. We have come to believe in the living God, the risen Lord Jesus, the power of the gospel. The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead is at work in and through us. We believe something has shifted and is shifting in our city so let’s pray and reach out with renewed expectation.
Why not begin to gather with others or use existing gatherings you’re in to focus prayer for a move of God. You could use these three things to guide you. Just imagine looking back in five years’ time and celebrating what God has done.
Me inoi tātou.
Let us pray,
Simon
This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the the blog feed >>