Movement of Prayer: The Transformative Power of Prayer in Times of Revival

Looking into the important role of prayer in past revivals and exploring three stages of revival through prayer, we see the power of prayer at work. Rev Charles Tan teaches from the Bible and leads us to reflect on this message.

It is a privilege to pen what the Lord has laid upon my heart. The topic, “Fanning Revival,” resonates deeply as the Assemblies of Singapore embarks on MM33. Reflecting on the role of prayer in sparking revivals in the past, the characteristics of such movements, and how we should respond to them, I offer these reflections as the basis of this message.

In every season, regardless of circumstances, there is an innate longing for a divine visitation. This stirring within us comes from the Holy Spirit’s conviction, drawing us to ask, “And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know.’” (Ezekiel 37:3). As the last days approach, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and God’s mandate empower us to proclaim, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Let us explore three key stages of revival through the power of prayer.

In every season, regardless of circumstances, there is an innate longing for a divine visitation.

Pray: Fanning the Spark: Revival begins as a desperate cry within us. Over fifty years ago, during my National Service, a group of us were burdened to see God’s visitation in our camp. But revival must first be ignited in our hearts. Each time we sang the familiar lines of this song, we were reminded of this truth:

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going,

And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.

That’s how it is with God’s love;

Once you’ve experienced it,

You spread His love to everyone;

You want to pass it on.”

The principle remains unchanged. As Scripture declares: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

We are called to humility: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9). Humility compels us to acknowledge our dependence on God, grieve over our spiritual condition, and intercede for the spiritual poverty around us. It requires us to resist the enemy’s seduction toward worldliness and sin.

Prayer grants us the awesome privilege of access to the throne room of God. In prayer, we participate with Jesus, our Great High Priest, in intercession for the salvation of the lost. As we abide in Him, the Holy Spirit empowers and leads us, enabling us to persevere in prayer. Through the Spirit, we align with the heart of Christ, perceive the will of the Father, and experience the pleasure of partnering with Him.

As we seek God’s face, worldly distractions lose their grip on us. The power of the enemy is broken, and we hunger for God’s Word, His glory, and His presence. In His time, God hears from heaven, forgives our sins, and heals our land. That is revival!

Prayer grants us the awesome privilege of access to the throne room of God. In prayer, we participate with Jesus, our Great High Priest, in intercession for the salvation of the lost.

Pray: Fanning the Flame: Revival prayer is not only about fanning the spark but also about sustaining the flame. Our prayers should bring delight to the Father’s heart, as we exalt His Son, Jesus. Christ must remain the central motivation and goal of all our pursuits. From this place of worship, the services we render become acts of joy, a form of worship, and fruitfulness before Him.

Challenges will inevitably arise. The enemy seeks to bring confusion, comparison, and conflict. However, we do not fight with worldly weapons but with spiritual ones: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

The truth must be preached with wisdom and love. We rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, marked by patience and humility, as Paul exhorts: “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

Revival prayer is not only about fanning the spark but also about sustaining the flame.

Pray: Keeping the Flame: Like as on surfs with the wave; we surf with the Spirit’s waves through prayer. Keeping the flame of revival requires walking in step with the Holy Spirit. We cannot sustain the flame on our own; it is the power of the Spirit that enables us. The song “Spirit, Touch Your Church” beautifully captures this dependence:

“Lord, we need Your grace and mercy,

We need to pray like never before,

We need the power of Your Holy Spirit

To open heaven’s door.”

Our focus must remain on Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith—not revival itself. As we encounter Christ, engage with Him, and are transformed by His Spirit, we fan revival wherever we go.

Keeping the flame of revival requires walking in step with the Holy Spirit. We cannot sustain the flame on our own; it is the power of the Spirit that enables us.

A Prayer for Revival: Heavenly Father, You alone know if these bones can live again. In Your sovereignty, grant us, Your people, the grace to be instruments of revival, speaking life through Christ. Lord Jesus, our Redeemer and Intercessor, thank You for granting us access to the throne of grace. Through Your blood, You invite us to join You in intercession for Your Kingdom to come and Your will to be done. Holy Spirit, we heed Your leading, facilitating Your ministry and bearing Your fruit as we exalt Christ. Empower us to fan the flame of revival and keep it burning for Your glory. In Jesus’ majestic and victorious name, we pray. Amen.