"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Prescription for Revival
Richard Owen Roberts observed, "There is a sense in which revival is like a prairie fire ignited by a bolt of lightning from the heavens. Without organization, advertising or even sometimes human leadership, revivals have altered the hearts of men, the social attitudes of millions and the destinies of nations." Revival is the heartfelt prayer of many of us, and God's Word gives the only prescription for revival. We don't just have to wait passively; we can actively be a part of the process.
When Solomon concluded the dedication of the temple, the Lord appeared to him. The king knew that his people would be pulled away from the Lord at various times, and he wanted some assurance that God would not give up on them. In answer to his prayers, God assured Solomon that even in times when He would bring hard judgment on Israel because of her sin, revival would still be possible, but it must begin with God's people. Furthermore, His people must meet certain requirements. Only then would God forgive and restore.
The same is true today. Instead of the nation of Israel, however, it is now the church that needs revived. Yet the standards are still the same. First we need a spirit of humility. Pride will block any attempt at revival. Then we must commit to praying and seeking God's face. Our priorities must change to put an emphasis on communicating with God in both confession and fellowship. But the prescription is not complete until we turn from our sins. When we're willing to change our behavior as well as our attitude, God promises to cleanse and renew us.
If you know Christ as your Savior, apply the steps from this verse to your life. Humbly seek the Lord in prayer; put away your sins and experience a new beginning with God. You don't have to wait for a national revival to experience personal revival.
Revival has to begin with someone; let it be you.