“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)
Jesus said that we were to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). He said we were to ask, seek and knock, speaking of persevering prayer (Matthew 7:7-8), for then we will receive. He said that when we pray, not if, we are to ask the Father to release heaven on earth (Matthew 6:10), implying that if we don’t pray, it won’t happen!
You see, God has given us great authority on earth to release heaven, but we MUST ask and keep asking until He releases it. Prayer is a key, a primary element, a quintessential component for revival, let alone to walk as a believer in Jesus Christ! The word, quintessential means “being the most typical example or most important part of something!” Without prayer, there is no heaven on earth, otherwise, why would Jesus say we needed to ask for it? Without an active and effective prayer life (James 5:16) we are CINO’s – Christian In Name Only! Yes, prayer is quintessential!
Historically, revivals are closely linked to persevering prayer. If we pray, and keep praying, God moves! It’s that simple! Well, perseverance is not that simple! From disappointments, to God “delaying” in His answer, we grow weary. But Paul reminds us that we will bear much fruit if we don’t allow of weariness to stop us from sowing in prayer (Galatians 6:7-9).
Habakkuk prophesied that though the answer seems delayed, it will come at its appointed time (Habakkuk 2:3). Our prayer links with God’s will to release heaven on earth. Peter told us that though God may seem slow in His fulfilling His promises (i.e. answered prayer, revival, saving our nation, justice), He will keep His promises. In His apparent slowness is His wisdom and perfect timing in order that more may be saved (2 Peter 3:8-9).
Ask the Lord for a greater grace to pray more, and more fervently! Ask Him to make prayer the quintessential part of your life! Ask Him to stir your pastor’s faith and prayer life. Ask Him to stir prayer in your church to be a quintessential characteristic of all your church does! Pray that God would stir and mobilize prayer across our city, to awaken intercessors and watchmen, to stir up children to pray at their schools, to embolden folks to pray at their workplaces, and for churches to become houses of prayer where the fire on the altar never goes out! Remember, though He lingers, He is about to move big time among us!!!
