What are effective prayer points for church revival?

Revival within the church is a profound and deeply spiritual event, often characterized by a renewed sense of God's presence, an increase in spiritual fervor, and a transformation in the lives of believers. Intercessory prayer plays a crucial role in ushering in such revival. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I would like to offer several prayer points that can be effective as we seek God's face for church revival. These prayer points are rooted in Scripture and are aimed at aligning our hearts with God's will.

1. Pray for Humility and Repentance

Revival often begins with a deep sense of humility and repentance. The Bible emphasizes the importance of humbling ourselves before God and turning away from sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14 states, "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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." This verse highlights the need for the church to come before God in humility, seeking His forgiveness and turning away from sin.

Pray that God would grant the church a spirit of humility and a willingness to repent. Ask God to reveal areas of sin and complacency within the church, and pray for a genuine desire to turn away from these and seek His righteousness.

2. Pray for a Fresh Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is central to revival. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that believers are convicted of sin, empowered for service, and drawn closer to God. Acts 2:17-18 speaks of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy."

Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the church. Ask God to fill believers with His Spirit, empowering them for ministry and drawing them into deeper intimacy with Him. Pray for spiritual gifts to be awakened and for the church to move in the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Pray for Unity Among Believers

Unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a crucial element for revival. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers in John 17:21, saying, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." When the church is united, it reflects the love and unity of the Trinity, and it becomes a powerful witness to the world.

Pray for unity within the church. Ask God to heal divisions and bring reconciliation where there is conflict. Pray that believers would be united in love, purpose, and mission, and that this unity would be a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and grace.

4. Pray for a Hunger for God's Word

Revival is often marked by a renewed hunger for God's Word. The Bible is the foundation of our faith, and it is through Scripture that we come to know God and His will for our lives. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." When believers are deeply rooted in God's Word, they are equipped to live out their faith and to share the gospel with others.

Pray that God would create a deep hunger for His Word within the church. Ask God to open the eyes of believers to the truths of Scripture and to give them a desire to study and meditate on His Word. Pray that the preaching and teaching of God's Word would be powerful and transformative, leading to changed lives and a renewed commitment to following Christ.

5. Pray for Boldness in Evangelism

Revival often leads to a renewed passion for evangelism. When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and deeply rooted in God's Word, they are compelled to share the gospel with others. Acts 4:31 describes the boldness of the early church: "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

Pray for boldness in evangelism. Ask God to give believers a heart for the lost and a willingness to step out in faith to share the gospel. Pray for opportunities to witness and for the Holy Spirit to guide and empower believers as they share their faith. Pray that the church would be a light in the community, drawing people to Christ through their words and actions.

6. Pray for Spiritual Awakening in the Community

Revival within the church often leads to a broader spiritual awakening in the community. When believers are on fire for God, it has a ripple effect, impacting those around them. Isaiah 60:1-3 speaks of this awakening: "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."

Pray for a spiritual awakening in the community. Ask God to move powerfully in the hearts of those who do not know Him, drawing them to Himself. Pray for the church to be a beacon of hope and light in the community, and for many to come to faith in Christ as a result of the church's witness.

7. Pray for a Renewed Focus on Prayer

Prayer is the foundation of revival. It is through prayer that we seek God's face, align our hearts with His will, and intercede for others. James 5:16b says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." When the church is committed to prayer, it creates an environment where revival can flourish.

Pray for a renewed focus on prayer within the church. Ask God to stir the hearts of believers to seek Him diligently in prayer. Pray for corporate prayer meetings to be well-attended and Spirit-led, and for individuals to develop a strong personal prayer life. Pray that prayer would be central to the life of the church, and that it would lead to a deeper dependence on God and a greater openness to His leading.

8. Pray for Godly Leadership

Leadership plays a crucial role in guiding the church toward revival. Godly leaders who are committed to prayer, the Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit can help to create an environment where revival can take place. Hebrews 13:7 encourages us to remember and follow the example of our leaders: "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."

Pray for godly leadership within the church. Ask God to raise up leaders who are passionate about revival and committed to seeking His face. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and courage for leaders as they guide the church. Pray that leaders would be examples of godliness and faith, inspiring others to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

9. Pray for Healing and Restoration

Revival often brings healing and restoration, both spiritually and physically. Psalm 103:2-3 reminds us of God's power to heal: "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases." When God moves in revival, He brings wholeness and restoration to broken lives.

Pray for healing and restoration within the church. Ask God to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to those who are hurting. Pray for broken relationships to be restored and for individuals to experience the healing power of God's love and grace. Pray that the church would be a place of refuge and healing for those in need.

10. Pray for a Heart of Worship

Worship is a vital component of revival. When believers come together to worship God in spirit and truth, it creates an atmosphere where God's presence is felt, and hearts are transformed. John 4:23-24 says, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

Pray for a heart of worship within the church. Ask God to draw believers into deeper, more authentic worship. Pray that worship services would be filled with the presence of God and that hearts would be touched and changed. Pray for worship leaders to be anointed and for the congregation to engage wholeheartedly in worship.

11. Pray for a Spirit of Generosity

Generosity is a reflection of God's heart and a key aspect of revival. When believers are generous with their time, talents, and resources, it demonstrates the love of Christ and meets the needs of others. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 encourages us to give generously: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Pray for a spirit of generosity within the church. Ask God to move in the hearts of believers to give generously and sacrificially. Pray for the church to be a place where needs are met and where the love of Christ is demonstrated through acts of generosity. Pray that this spirit of generosity would extend beyond the church and impact the broader community.

12. Pray for Perseverance and Faithfulness

Revival is often a process that requires perseverance and faithfulness. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to give up: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." It is important to remain steadfast in prayer and faithful in our commitment to seeking God for revival.

Pray for perseverance and faithfulness within the church. Ask God to strengthen believers to continue seeking Him, even when it is difficult. Pray for endurance in prayer and for a steadfast commitment to living out the gospel. Pray that the church would not grow weary but would remain faithful, trusting that God will bring about revival in His perfect timing.

In conclusion, as we seek God for church revival through intercessory prayer, it is important to align our hearts with His will and to pray with faith and expectancy. These prayer points, rooted in Scripture, can guide us as we intercede for a powerful move of God within the church and beyond. May God hear our prayers and bring about a revival that transforms lives and glorifies His name.