Praying for Revival

Introduction: The Psalmist is calling out “for revival and strength. Revival comes when we reach the end of our own resources, repent, and call upon God to intervene” (Johnny Hunt, Psalms, 72). The real question is this: why does it seem to take us so long to get to that point? Why must we continually try to do things in our own strength before realizing our efforts are in vain? God’s reviving strength is available to us long before we reach the end of ourselves. Unfortunately, many times we are too stubborn to seek God’s intervention before we are in a mess. “The enemy attacks us the hardest when we are enjoying the blessings of God, and we must expect it” (Hunt, Psalms, 72). Best to call on God consistently rather than waiting to call “911” when there is an emergency.

1. Confess the Truth (25-27)

My soul cleaves to the dust;Revive me according to Your word. I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts,So I will meditate on Your wonders.

At the end of the previous section, the Psalmist was delighting in the testimonies of the Lord because they provided wise counsel

This section begins with the Psalmist’s soul “cleaving to the dust”

It is as if he has suffered a spiritual attack as he was delighting in God’s word

As a result of the spiritual attack, he is now face down in the dirt (so to speak)

This prompts his prayer for revival “according to” the word of God

The Psalmist’s next step is to confess his sins

He tells of his ways to the Lord

The Lord answers his confession

The Psalmist prays for God to teach him his statutes

The next prayer is for understanding

“Make me understand” indicates the acknowledgment of God’s power to enlighten our minds

We need to know more than God’s precepts alone; we need to know “the way” of his precepts

The purpose of our understanding is to meditate / ponder the wonder of God’s words & ways

Johnny Hunt gives three suggestions for action to take when the church (or the individual Christian) is in need of revival (Hunt, 73):

Pray more aggressively

Witness more intentionally

Lead by emulation / exhortation

2. Cry out for strength (28-30)

My soul weeps because of grief;Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove the false way from me,And graciously grant me Your law. I have chosen the faithful way;I have placed Your ordinances before me.

This next section consists of one statement, three earnest prayers, and two responses

Statement 1: my soul weeps because of grief

Prayer 1: strengthen me according to Your word

2 Corinthians 12:9)

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Prayer 2: remove the false way from me (NOT remove me from it; remove it from me)

Prayer 3: graciously grant me Your law

Response 1: I have chosen the faithful way

Response 2: I have placed Your ordinances before me

In every prayer there is God’s part and our part

God always does his part

We must also do our part and work in cooperation with the Lord

3. Consecrate your heart (31-32)

I cling to Your testimonies;O LORD, do not put me to shame! I shall run the way of Your commandments,For You will enlarge my heart.

Apprehension

“I cling” to your testimonies; grab hold of the word and never let it go

God’s word is a treasure to which we must hold tightly

The Psalmist prays for the Lord to keep him from shame BECAUSE he is clinging to the Word

Comprehension

“I shall run the way of Your commandments”; I will follow the path you have laid out for me

We must understand the word before we are able to obey the word

We must read the word before we are able to understand the word

As we read, understand, and obey the word of God, He will enlarge our hearts to do his will

Conclusion: As we acknowledge our weakness, we can realize God’s strength. “This is the way of revival. Out of our brokenness, out of our weakness, we cry out to God and He answers, according to His word. He comes and revives us. He comes and strengthens us. He places us in the path of truth. In our weakness, we find His strength. This should give us hope. God will come and gives us life once again” (Johnny Hunt, Psalms, 76).