January 31: Debrief
SO, WHAT HAVE I LEARNED?
Thirty days ago, we embarked on a great adventure, 60 DAYS OF PRAYING FOR REVIVAL. We called this adventure, A Heart Cry for Revival. Here are some highlights I have gleaned from my journey:
- I have noticed that my prayers focus more on God and His attributes now than when I first started. I confess that I have usually been too eager to launch into the litany of requests and needs without properly aligning my focus on God and His character.
- My awe-factor has also increased. Our God is amazing and should elicit a feeling of reverence and amazement every time we enter into His sacred presence in prayer. Now, I am not suggesting that God is not always with us. He is ever-present. But when we focus on Him, we should be aware that He is “holy, holy, holy.”
- I am learning that I need this. For some, 30 days may seem interminable and boring. For me, 30 days are not enough. I am sure that when 60 days are finished, I will conclude that they are not enough. I don’t want the intensity to diminish, nor the passion. I want to keep going as long as I can. God is not finished with me yet. And I need Him now more than ever.
- I have been encouraged by the interest and engagement of fellow travelers. It is spiritually invigorating to know that there are many others learning and growing along with me. I also sense that revival is in the air.
- When I heard the phrase, A Heart Cry for Revival, I knew that this is at the heart of true revival: a heartfelt passion for revival. It is this that will sustain our pursuit of revival. My heart is groaning for a mighty wave of the Spirit, filling every heart with His love and power.
- I have noticed that, because of this initiative, I have been consciously practicing the presence of God. I have become more aware of and sensitive to His leading in my life. Things that might discourage or derail me before have no power to do so now.
- I have been learning what it means to live a prayerful life. I am sure that I should have learned this sooner. Often, busy lives and constant pursuits blind us to what is truly important. The urgent crowds out the important, especially what is supremely important. I believe that I am more aware of what is truly necessary in my life.
The world out there is not waiting for a new definition of Christianity; it’s waiting for a new demonstration of Christianity.
In revival, God is not concerned about filling empty churches, He is concerned about filling empty hearts.
Leonard Ravenhill
APPLICATION
Would you be willing to share some things that you have learned/are learning through this process? If so, you can leave your observations in the Leave a Reply space below. Or you can comment on FB. I’m sure that your insights and comments would encourage others.
REVDANS 
When I was 25, I committed my all to God. Covered my spirit with God in scripture and daily talks with Him. I grew closer to Him. My husband, Kevin, came to know God and grew spiritually. We were a team. Over the last few years, I’ve lost some of the closeness. I let personal hurts interfere. I needed this revival. I’m no longer just praying, but seeing where I need God more in me.
It is easy to be judgmental & opinionated. Recently, a teacher in a Bible class said, “It isn’t a sin to think bad thoughts. It is a sin when you say it or do it.”
Her words bothered me. If God abides in me and I in Him, I shouldn’t have those thoughts. I always felt guilty and prayed for forgiveness. I want to see people as God sees them, not from my personal, human, opinionated perspective.
This study has helped me. I was already studying and praying, but with this study focused on revival, “Heart Cry for Revival,” it has brought me back with more of a desire to be closer to God seeing others as He does. It has changed how I pray for our leaders in the church. It has shown me how much we let our feelings control our thoughts and actions when we should step back and examine ourselves before acting on those feelings. Praise God, He is still teaching me how to pray.
I, too, have found my prayer life more focused and purposeful. As I began this journey I found God to be more present to me each moment and have become more aware of spiritual needs around me. Our church is seeking more ways to utilize our facility to reach the needs of those around us. I’m excited to see God work in our lives and set our hearts on fire. Thanks, Bro Dan, for these lessons.