REVIVE US AGAIN, O LORD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Psalm 85:6
"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"
Supporting Texts: Habakkuk 3:2, Hosea 6:1-2, Acts 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION
Revival is a divine visitation that brings spiritual awakening, transformation, and restoration. It is the rekindling of God’s fire in the hearts of His people, leading them back to passionate love and service for Him. Throughout history, every great move of God has been preceded by seasons of deep hunger, repentance, and prayer among His people. Psalm 85:6 expresses a heartfelt cry for revival, a plea that God would once again stir His people and cause them to rejoice in Him. When revival comes, the Church is purified, believers are strengthened, and sinners are drawn to salvation.
The need for revival has never been greater than in our time. Many believers have become spiritually lukewarm, complacent, or distracted by the cares of life. Churches that once burned with zeal for God now struggle with spiritual dryness. The fire of prayer, evangelism, and holiness is fading in many places. Just as Israel often drifted away from God and needed restoration, the Church today must cry out, “Revive us again, O Lord!” When God revives His people, He restores their passion for righteousness, fills them afresh with His Spirit, and empowers them to walk in divine purpose.
True revival is not just an emotional experience; it is a deep, lasting transformation that affects individuals, families, churches, and even nations. It leads to repentance, holiness, love for God’s Word, and a renewed commitment to the Great Commission. Every believer must desire and prepare for revival by seeking the Lord earnestly, confessing their sins, and aligning themselves with His will. As we explore this topic, may our hearts be stirred to seek a mighty outpouring of God’s Spirit in our lives and generation.
1. THE SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL DECLINE
Before revival can come, we must first recognise the signs of spiritual decline.
a) Loss of Passion for God
When prayer, Bible study, and worship become routine or neglected, it is a sign of spiritual coldness (Revelation 2:4).
b) Compromise and Worldliness
A spiritually declining person begins to tolerate sin and conform to worldly standards (Romans 12:2).
c) Lack of Evangelistic Zeal
When believers stop witnessing and sharing the Gospel, it indicates a need for revival (Matthew 28:19-20).
d) Diminished Hunger for God’s Presence
A lack of desire to seek God in prayer and fellowship is a warning sign (Psalm 42:1-2).
e) Biblical Example: The Church in Laodicea
Jesus rebuked the Laodicean church for being lukewarm and urged them to repent (Revelation 3:15-17).
2. THE URGENCY OF REVIVAL
Revival is not an option; it is a necessity for the survival and effectiveness of the Church.
a) The World is in Darkness
Sin and immorality are increasing, and the Church must shine brighter (Isaiah 60:1-2).
b) Many Souls are Perishing
Without revival, many will remain in spiritual bondage and perish without Christ (Romans 10:13-14).
c) The Church Must Fulfil Its Mission
The Great Commission can only be fulfilled through a revived and empowered Church (Acts 1:8).
d) Personal Growth and Holiness
Revival brings personal renewal, leading to a life of holiness and obedience (1 Peter 1:15-16).
e) Biblical Example: The Revival at Pentecost
The disciples were revived and empowered to turn the world upside down after Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
3. KEYS TO EXPERIENCING REVIVAL
Revival does not happen by accident; it comes through intentional pursuit.
a) Genuine Repentance
Revival starts with acknowledging sin and turning back to God (2 Chronicles 7:14).
b) Persistent Prayer and Fasting
God moves in response to fervent, persistent prayer (Joel 2:12-13).
c) Hunger for God’s Word
A revived heart desires the truth of God’s Word and obeys it (Psalm 119:25).
d) Unity and Love Among Believers
Revival flourishes in an atmosphere of love and unity (Acts 2:42-47).
e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah and the Israelites
Through prayer, fasting, and repentance, Nehemiah led Israel to a great revival (Nehemiah 8:1-12).
4. THE IMPACT OF REVIVAL
When revival comes, transformation follows.
a) Restored Spiritual Passion
Believers regain their zeal for God and His kingdom (Romans 12:11).
b) Supernatural Manifestations
Miracles, signs, and wonders accompany revival (Acts 4:31).
c) Increased Evangelism and Soul Winning
A revived Church is a soul-winning Church (Mark 16:20).
d) Healing and Deliverance
Many experience emotional, physical, and spiritual healing (Isaiah 61:1-3).
e) The Welsh Revival:
Thousands came to Christ, and entire communities were transformed in the early 1900s.
5. HOW TO SUSTAIN REVIVAL
Revival must be maintained to prevent spiritual decline.
a) Continual Prayer and Intercession
Prayer must never cease for revival to continue (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
b) Steadfastness in the Word
A Bible-based lifestyle sustains the fire of revival (Colossians 3:16).
c) Ongoing Evangelism and Discipleship
Revival must lead to making disciples for Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
d) Guarding Against Distractions and Sin
The enemy will try to quench the fire, so we must remain vigilant (1 Peter 5:8).
e) Biblical Example: The Early Church
They continued in prayer, teaching, and fellowship, sustaining the move of God (Acts 2:42-47).
CONCLUSION
The cry for revival must be genuine and persistent. We cannot afford to remain spiritually weak, ineffective, or complacent. The Church needs fresh fire, believers need personal renewal, and the world needs the power of God manifested through us. Revival is God's answer to a dying world, and He is willing to pour out His Spirit if we seek Him earnestly.
As we lift our voices in prayer and align our hearts with His will, may we experience an outpouring of revival that transforms our lives, churches, and nations. May we not be content with spiritual dryness but press on until we see a mighty move of God in our generation. Revive us again, O Lord!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, revive my heart and set me on fire for You.
2. Father, let a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit sweep through the Church.
3. Lord, restore the passion for prayer, holiness, and evangelism in my life.
4. Father, let every spiritual dryness in my life be replaced with divine freshness.
5. Lord, send a mighty revival that will transform nations for Your glory.
