Charles Spurgeon & Revival Without Prayer is No Revival

Christ commands us to pray in his name and the Father will give us whatever we ask.  Of course, this is only if what we ask is in His will.  But many times we assume that praying here and there throughout the day is good enough because Paul tells us to pray without ceasing.  But in actuality Paul is not suggesting that the little prayers throughout the day are the only way to pray.

When Christ chose the twelve apostles he did not pray here and there throughout the day.  He spent the entire night praying for God's wisdom and will.  Paul constantly talks about how much he is praying for the different churches he planted. 

Here's the kicker, though.  Many of us in the church almost just expect God to work and do mighty things in and through our churches without spending significant times in prayer.  And I'm very guilty of this.  As a pastor you would think that I spend at least 30-60 minutes each day in fervent prayer for those in my church and for God to move mightily here.  Wrong.  Prayer seems to be the last thing on my mind.  And I am very ashamed of that fact.  If we want to see our churches experience true revival then we must pray.

Charles Spurgeon had the right idea.  He desired revival in his church and he made it very plan in his prayers. 

"And now, Oh Lord God of Hosts, hear our ardent appeal to Thy throne. 'Turn us again.'  Lighten our path with the guidance of Thine eye: cheer our hearts with the smiles of Thy face.  O God of armies, let every regiment and rank of Thy militant Church be of perfect heart, undivided in Thy service. Let great grace rest upon all thy children.  Let great fear come upon all the people.  Let many reluctant hearts be turned to the Lord.  Let there now be times of refreshing from Thy presence.  To Thine own name hall be all the glory: 'O Thou that are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey'" (Spurgeon, "One Antidote for Many Ills" 2:742).