“Every revival begins in a prayer meeting” –J. Edwin Orr
“Whenever God intends great blessings for His people, He first sets them to praying” –Matthew Henry
1. The promise of revival: Acts 1:4-8.
Predicted by John the Baptist. “You shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days from now” (1:5).
Proclaimed by Jesus. “Tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power” (Luke 24:49).
Power of the Holy Spirit. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me . . .” (1:2).
2. The prayer for revival: Acts 1:12-14.
Place. “They returned to Jerusalem” (1:12). We cannot have our prayers answered if we do not obey the known will of God.
People. “The eleven apostles, the woman, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers” (1:14). Nothing has changed in 2000 years, God works when a small group commits to intercessory prayer.
Passion. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication” (1:14). Four qualities to revival:
a. “These all” unity.
b. “Continued” persistence.
c. “Prayer” proseuche talking to God.
d. “Supplication” begging.
3. The power of revival: Acts 2:1-4
Wind. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). Wind is the symbol of the new birth, i.e., new life.
a. From God. It was not worked up by believers.
b. Mighty. Powerful to do what it was sent to do.
c. Everyone. Filled the whole house.
Divided Tongues of Fire (2:3) “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them” (Acts 2:3).
a. Visual, “As of fire,” i.e., not real fire, but fire-like.
b. Cleansing. Fire is the symbol of purification.
c. Included each. “Sat on each of them.”
Filled with the Holy Spirit “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).
a. First of many. “Be filled (more than once) with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).
b. Yield. Not to get the Spirit, but the Spirit gets you.”
c. New task. We are filled to do God’s work.
d. New presence. Not more of the old.
Speak with other tongues
a. Languages. “Everyone heard them speak in his own language” (2:6).
b. Different. Other language, i.e., heteros, “different kind.”
c. Words. “Gave them utterance.”
4. The power of revival: Acts 2:41-47.
Significant conversions. “Those who gladly received His Word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (2:41).
Supernatural conditions.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
a. Baptized. A testimony of salvation.
b. Bible. “Continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (2:42).
c. Gathered. Fellowship.
d. Breaking of bread. The Lord’s Table.
e. Spiritual power. Prayers.
Spiritual consequences.
a. Respect of unsaved. “Fear came upon every soul” (2:43).
b. Supernatural power. “Wonders and signs” (2:43).
c. Unity. “All who believed were together” (2:44).
d. Church attendance. Continued . . . in the temple” (2:46).
e. Lord’s Table. Breaking bread from house to house” (2:46).
Sustained commitments. “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (2:47).
5. Practical ways to pray for revival.
a. Two-pray, pray with another (Matt. 18:19).
b. Carrier of revival, pray with someone who has experienced revival.
c. Intercession, private prayer.
d. Home prayer meetings.
e. Church prayer meetings.
f. One-hour prayer.
g. Fasting.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.eduand tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
