Praying for Revival
Signs of revival are happening all across the country on college campuses—the presence and power of God is transforming students' lives and impacting the university environment. Sometimes dozens, and other times hundreds and even thousands of students and faculty are hearing the call to follow Jesus Christ. In every case, it begins with just a few people gathering to pray—asking God to do a fresh new work in their own lives, and seeking His Kingdom on their college campus. This resource is meant to help you and your friends or colleagues prepare for a mighty work of God on campus.
This movement begins with you!
- What do you believe God wants to do in the lives of students and faculty on your campus?
- What sort of change are you longing to see God bring?
- What do you imagine the impact could be if dozens, or even hundreds, of souls were renewed and revived by the Spirit of God in that place?
Those who study revival movements agree that a mighty work of God always seems to start with personal encounters with the Lord Jesus. A few people begin seeking Him with all their heart, and God "ignites" them with even greater devotion, love and passion to see Jesus glorified. What starts with just a few people keeps expanding as more people are ignited by God's Spirit.
When the early early twentieth century evangelist Rodney "Gypsy" Smith was asked how to start a revival, he replied: "Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk, draw a circle around yourself. There...pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle."
Make your own chalk circle
Prepare
- Buy or borrow some sidewalk chalk
- Invite anyone who shares your desire to see God move to join you on campus
On Campus
- Go to a place on campus that has significance to you: it may be a place where you've already experienced God's presence, or a building/space that represents the culture or values of the campus.
- Once you've found your space to pray, let each person take a turn sharing one thing they sense God wants to do in the lives of students and faculty on your campus.
- Then, use the chalk to draw a circle around yourself. You can decide if you'd like each person to draw their own circle around themselves, or instead, draw one larger circle around everyone praying. Pray for God to start a revival within that chalk circle!
- Begin by praying that God would increase your faith, and your devotion to Him. Ask Him to begin a new season of spiritual renewal in you. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your hearts with courage and boldness. Ask Him to empower you for ministry. Ask God to bring more and more people into this circle of devotion to Him.
Pro-Tip: If people are walking by, you may want to keep your eyes open as you pray, just in case anyone asks what you're doing. If you feel a little self-conscious, you can always move to a spot that's more seculded.
Pray like the early church
Acts 4:23-31 tells how a small but faithful band of believers prayed for the faith, courage and boldness to faithfully witness about Jesus in a culture that had rejected Him. Their prayer has been used by Christians through the ages to pray for God to move in powerful ways.
As you pray together, you can use these four lines based on the prayer in Acts 4. You may want to simply read them out loud, or use each line as a prompt for more of your own prayers.
"Sovereign Lord, you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them."
God, you are in control and were here before us. You have the power to enact your will here. Nothing is beyond you. Every person and department and program here belongs to you.
"Consider their threats."
We ask you to remove any obstacles to your Word going out. You know our limitations, fears, stressors, threats, and challenges. We ask you to help us overcome them by the same power that brought Jesus back from the dead.
"Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness."
Use us to reveal the truth about Jesus to the students and faculty on this campus.
"Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
God, move on this campus. Heal students mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Do miracles here in Jesus' name.
Share about your experience
After you finish prayer, gather together and reflect on what you learned. Use the following questions to help you debrief and share about your experience
- What was this experience like for you?
- Was there anything you were sensing from God as you prayed?
- Is there a promise or reassurance for us as we move forward with this ministry?
- Why do you think it is important for us to consecrate ourselves personally for ministry? What is that doing for us? For our faith?
- How might this experience shape the whole ministry in the future? How does praying like this affect our outreach on campus?
Pro-Tip: Prayers like this can increase everyone's faith in what God can do! While your faith is high, write down the names of 2 friends God is putting on your hearts to pray for. Ask for the opportunity to be bold with them.
