PETITION

from Revival Praying by Dr Scott Pauley

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Charles Spurgeon suggested that the prayers God answers are the ones that begin in His heart. The Lord prompts us to pray and wants us to pray “according to his will”. A good prayer list contains more than names; it has definite needs. And revival praying asks for more than physical, material, and temporal blessings—it seeks spiritual and eternal help. What are you asking God to do?

In Ezra 9:8, we read,

And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

The second word of that verse demonstrates the urgency of Ezra. He didn’t want to wait any longer; he concentrated on “now.” Wouldn’t you love to see God do something right now? We have read about it in the history books long enough. We need to see it with our own eyes.

What we believe about revival should be rooted in what we believe about God. Some are saying, “We’re just waiting for Jesus to come back.” I, too, am watching for His return, and all of us should love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). But it would be so glorious if we didn’t have to wait until Heaven to see a mighty move of the power of God! He is still “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). His name is not “I Was” or “I Will Be.” His name is “I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

What we believe about revival should be rooted in what we believe about God. The Lord wants to do something now in our world. He is the eternal, ever-present God who can work in our day. Because He is present, we have a future. It is time for His people to believe Him and begin to seek His face. Use Ezra 9:8 as a pattern for your petition.

First, thank God for present grace. He said, “…for a little space grace hath been shewed from the Lord our God…” Praise God for grace! The Lord has graciously given us a window of opportunity to seek the Lord and to seek others for Him.”

Second, we should pray for the remnant. Ezra continued, “to leave us a remnant to escape.” God always has a people. They may be unknown to men, but God knows them. They may be in the minority but vital to God’s work. Romans 11:5 declares, 

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 

Sin is rampant. Satan is ravaging. The world is reeling. But there is a remnant!

Third, we should pray that God will give us the start of something that will make an eternal difference. Observe that Ezra asked the Lord “to give us a nail in his holy place.” What is that nail? It is a starting point like a sharp nail is used to start a hole in an object. Ezra wanted God to start something in him and in His people.

Nails penetrate hard objects. They hold things together. In Ecclesiastes 12:11, God’s truth is described as a nail, “The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.” We need the Word of God!”

Fourth, we must pray for spiritual light. At the end of verse 8, Ezra asked the Lord to “lighten our eyes.” This is the work of the Holy Spirit. He sheds light on our need and on God’s Word. God is light, and only He can illuminate the darkest places.”

Finally, we may pray in the words of Ezra that God would “give us a little reviving in our bondage.” Verse 8 begins and ends with “a little.” A little grace. A little reviving. But why “a little”? At first glance, it seems that Ezra should have prayed for “a lot!” This may, however, be the greatest statement of faith in the entire chapter. Ezra did not have low expectations. He was saying, Lord, we are in terrible shape. But if You will just give us a little bit of Your life, it will be enough to raise us from the dead. Lord, just a little of Your grace will be more than enough! This is faith in God’s sufficiency. A little of God’s resources will be all we need. We just need God.