A Gut-Check Prayer for Renewal and Revival
A GUT-CHECK PRAYER FOR RENEWAL & REVIVAL
Recently, I've been asking God to give me a powerful prayer for renewal and revival. I asked for a prayer of repentance that would not only minister to His people, but would prompt Him to bring about one of the great revivals ever seen on this planet. Following is the prayer God gave me. Every line comes from scripture:
“Lord God of heaven, great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your people are praying before you day and night. We confess our sin that we have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servants.”
“Lord High Almighty God, your word instructs us: “…return to me and obey my commands for the sake of your Name.” We are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand and your son’s death and resurrection. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. We humbly ask that you grant your people favor and success today in our prayer for renewal and revival.“
“Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to those who spoke in your name.”
“Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame because of our unfaithfulness to you. We are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. You, Lord our God are merciful and forgiving, even though we are in rebellion. We have not obeyed the Lord our God. Your church has transgressed and turned away, refusing to obey you.”
“Therefore, the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us by bringing on us great disaster. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. Because of all this, the Lord has not turned away the disaster that is now upon us. We have failed to recognize that the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.”
“Now, Lord our God, You, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your wrath from your people Our sins and iniquity have made your people an object of scorn to all those around us.”
“Now, Lord our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your people. For your sake of you and your name, Lord, look with favor on your people. Give ear, our Almighty God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of your people that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because people bear your Name.”
“Lord our God, you have been gracious in giving us a firm place in Your sanctuary. You, almighty God give light to our eyes. God, we are thankful you that you have not forsaken us as you have promised in Your holy word. You have shown us kindness and grace and mercy that we do not deserve. You have granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins.”
“Lord, we have heard of your fame and we stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known. Even in your righteous wrath you still remember grace and mercy. Hear us, Shepherd of Israel! Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us! Revive us, and we will call on your name! Renew us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that all may be saved!”
“Oh great and mighty God, it is your stated purpose, plan and will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. For you, Lord God, so loved the world, that you gave your only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. It is your heart’s desire that all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. It is good and pleasing in your sight, Lord God, our Savior, you who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. You, Lord God, showed your limitless love for us in that while we were still sinners, you gave your Son, Jesus Christ to die for us and pay the price we could never pay. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”
“Oh mighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords, say to them: “As I live, I the Lord God declare, that I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die?” Lord High God, You also say: “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.” Is not God's kindness meant to lead you to repentance? I, the great El Elyon, command all people everywhere to repent!”
Rev. Dr. N. Patrick Marica contributes incisive Christian commentary (well, most of the time!) on this blog on a regular basis. He is the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and he has a D. Min. from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook". He has been married to Kathy since 1985. They have 2 adult daughters and an adult son.
Contact Nick at amhersttheological@gmail.com
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