Praying for Revival
Psalm 85:1-13
Introduction
Turn with me to Psalm 85 tonight - Pray
We live in a nation that often refers to itself as “Christian” – but as we continue to press through time I have begun to really wonder, “Where is the evidence of the fruit”?
Jesus said that if he is the vine and we are the branches, then logically the fruit would come off of us. So, in this nation – where’s the fruit?
Basically, while many claim to be Christian the evidence of their lives is not.
Prior to being brought into captivity, the Israelites were living the same way that we see in this nation today. Giving themselves over to reprobate minds, sin, and whatever else makes them feel good.
We have an example tonight to draw from that really hits the nail on the head and demonstrates the opportunities that even this nation and church has today.
Point 1 - Prayer for favor
Could you be more humble?
Could you seek after God’s favor more in your life?
There is a unique opportunity here, to honestly reflect on what the Lord has done for you, and see yourself in this same situation.
As you know, Easter is rapidly approaching us, and before long it will be here and we will wonder where the time went.
However, look at how David records God’s mercy to us – even when things in this world catch up with us. (Read v1-3)
What David is doing is very unique here. He is telling God of what He has done for his people. He is reminding God of His mercy.
Why do you think David would do this?
David is confessing of the goodness of the Lord. He is praising God for what He has done for His people.
The psalmist recognizes in this psalm that captivity and judgment were necessary and prays that the Lord would turn from His anger and grant them mercy.
We, too, must admit our faults before the Lord will revive us.
Imagine how much different life could have been for the Israelites had they not sought the Lord for favor? Imagine how much more could have happened to them if they had not humbled themselves before the Lord?
I honestly believe that God still seeks this kind of humbleness from us today.
Then watch – rather than going into what God can do for Him, he begins to pray on behalf of a nation.
Read v4-7
V5 is very pivotal in this passage – David is actually seeking to question God and ask him (in layman’s terms), “How long are we going to have to pay for the mistakes of the past?”
Then again, David pleads for revival in the land – something that we need desperately even today in this nation.
Show us your unfailing love ...
Show us your salvation – show us how much you care – show us all you have done – think about Easter.
What has God done for you?
David is declaring to God – to show us the unfailing love! God is faithful – that is a promise!
Easter – what a perfect opportunity to declare to God His faithfulness!
Once we pray for favor, we have to be willing to hear what God is saying to us.
Point 2 - Willingness to hear the Lord
David begins by declaring what he will do
Read v8-9
Can you do this? Can you state to God what you will do, because you are obedient – or do we tell God what we will do because we fit Him in?
Application: This is the challenge tonight – God has already told us what we need to be doing – he has already made it very clear of what needs to be done.
Look at David’s declaration of God’s faithfulness.
Let’s re-read 9-12, and look at what David is saying – we’ll discuss these few verses afterwards.
What does this mean to you?
Is it not a promise of how God is raising you?
Is not a direction that we can move in and cling too?
In my heart, I believe that God is trying to make his presence known to us in all things – especially when it comes to revealing His grace and mercy to us.
A failure to listen to God brings judgment, so the psalmist is willing to hear the Lord in hope of revival.
If the conditions of repentance are met, the psalmist knows blessings will follow!
Verse 13 is one of the most powerful verses I have read in a while. (Read v13)
God prepares your steps – IF we are faithful to follow and seek Him.
Conclusion
I want to challenge you this week to pray over this psalm, repent of sin in your life, and literally go before the Lord and plead for His favor.
Pray that He might revive your heart first – then this church – and then the world for His sake.
Easter is approaching – and what an amazing blessing it would be to see a revival take place as we celebrate the sacrifice the Lord Jesus made for us.
It is my prayer this week and in the coming weeks – and I pray that you would join me in this – I want nothing more than to see God’s people get on fire for Him!
Pray
Sermon Outline provided by Rev Richard S. Sharpe, Jr.
