By Dave and Kim Butts

“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.” (Isaiah 60:1-3)

Prayer Focus: Revival in the Church

Isaiah gives us a wonderful picture of revival among the people of God, with the result being an amazing influx of people into the kingdom. Three powerful words: light, glory, and darkness, burn lasting images onto our minds. The scenario presented by Isaiah is of a world in darkness . . . cut off from the light of the Presence of God.

Then suddenly, a light begins to shine upon a group of God’s people. Then another light. Many lights begin to shine in the night. The contrast to the darkness around them is astonishing!

The prophet makes it clear that the light is God’s glory! The simplest way to understand the word glory is God’s Presence. God is showing up in the midst of His people. The light and glory of His Presence is beginning to be manifest as His people wake up to His Presence right where they are. This is revival!

Look at the response of those who are in darkness. Light in the midst of darkness becomes a summons to those who are perishing. Nations begin to flock to the light. There is coming a great harvest! It comes not because of our excellent evangelistic programs, but because the Church has humbled itself before the Lord in repentance and prayer, crying out for His Presence to be made manifest in our lives.

Ask the Almighty

Father, how I long for Your Presence in my life! For too long, I’ve been content with little commitment, little faith, and little joy. No longer! Lord, I want You! I can never be content with anything other than Your Presence.

I want to be like Moses who said he wasn’t going anywhere unless You went with him. Forgive me, Lord, for going places in my own strength and for my own purposes.

Lord, I ask for Your light and Your glory to come upon Your people. May we shine like stars in the universe because of Your Presence! I long to see Your Light shine through believers in a way that will attract those living in darkness. Awaken Your people, O Lord, that the nations may see You, living in us.

Prayer Points

• Ask God to pour out a spirit of revival upon the Church.
• Ask God to bring a spirit of repentance into your life, so that you might walk in humility before Him.
• Ask God to create in your life and in the life of your congregation a sense of desperation for God’s Presence.
• Ask God to begin a work of holiness in the lives of believers that creates a dramatic contrast to the darkness that surrounds us.

Dave and Kim Butts were the founders of Harvest Prayer Ministries (Now OneCry). Between them they have written 16 books on prayer and revival. This excerpt is taken from their prayer initiative Revolution on Your Knees: 30 Days of Prayer for Neighbors and Nations (PrayerShop Publishing)