The heart of revival

by Helen Gardiner

IN the church all over the world today there is a heart cry for revival. Around the world, there are pockets of revival such as recorded in the book of Acts, and in past church history.

And for the rest, we can honestly report: yes, the Holy Spirit is being poured out and is being allowed to move more freely in manifestations and signs and wonders; prayer and intercession is gaining momentum; and by His grace, various forms of outreach are having increasing impact.

But most of us know that this is still not IT. We are looking for the Big One. The latter rain. We are hearing the sound of the abundance of rain.

As I have looked at past revivals I have discovered that there have always been revivalists: a man, a woman, a group of people, whose heart cries God has seemed to respond to. A people who live solely for God and not themselves.

God has totally transformed them. They have been crucified with Christ. They no longer live, but He lives in them and through them. The life they now live they live by the faith of the Son of God who loves them and gave His life for them.

They have received fully His love and they reciprocate that love by laying down their lives for Him and others, likewise. He, in turn, knows that He can trust them with His supernatural power, and they will remain true to Him unto the end.

In recent years, we have been so thrilled as God has been pouring out his Spirit bringing refreshing. But refreshing alone has not been the main purpose of His outpouring. He has wanted to woo us and call us ever deeper into His river so that we can be totally renewed and revived and transformed. With the water has come the fire to purge and thresh. One discovers one cannot have more of the river, without embracing equally more of the fire.

I believe that as His people become totally refashioned, He is able to impart the spirit of revival, in all its fullness and perfection, and thereby bring true multiplication which will bring forth converts who can stand testing and trials and temptations.

What does a true revivalist look like? You will find such a heart recorded in the Word of God...

Recently I came across a Word-based prayer in Germaine Copeland's Prayers That Avail Much (probably the most anointed book I own, apart from the Bible). Her prayer, a composite of the Word of God, goes thus:

"Father, in the name of Jesus, You have revived us again that Your people may rejoice in You.

"Thank You for showing us Your mercy and loving kindness, O Lord, and for granting us Your salvation.

"You have created in us a clean heart, O God, and renewed a right, persevering and steadfast spirit within us. You have restored unto us the joy of Your salvation, and You are upholding us with a willing spirit. Now we will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted and return to You.

"We therefore cleanse our ways by taking heed and keeping watch (on ourselves) according to Your Word (conforming our lives to it). Since Your (great) promises are ours, we cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles our bodies and spirits, and bring (our) consecration to completeness in the (reverential) fear of God.

"With our whole hearts have we sought You, inquiring for You and of You, and yearning for You; O let us not wander or step aside (either in ignorance or willfully) from Your commandments. Your Word have we laid up in our hearts, that we might not sin against You.

"Jesus, thank You for cleansing us through the Word -- the teachings -- which You have given us. We delightt ourselves in Your statutes; we will not forget Your Word. Deal bountifully with Your servants, that we may live; and we will observe Your Word (hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it).

"Father, in the name of Jesus, we are doers of the Word, and not merely listeners to it. It is You, O Most High, Who has revived and stimulated us according to Your Word! Thank You for turning away our eyes from beholding vanity (idols and idolatry); and restoring us to vigorous life and health in Your ways. Behold, we long for Your precepts; in Your righteousness give us renewed life. This is our comfort and consolation in our affliction, that Your Word has revived us and given us life.

"We strip ourselves of our former natures -- put off and discard our old unrenewed selves -- which characterised our previous manner of life. We are constantly renewed in the spirit of our minds -- having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude -- and we put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, (Godlike) in true righteousness and holiness. Though our outer man is (progressively) decaying and wasting away, our inner self is being (progressively) renewed day after day. Hallelujah. Amen."

When such a heart and mind has been fully outworked in us, we shall have the heart and spirit of revival. In these times, God needs very many with such hearts, so that true revival can be unleashed across the earth with almost unbelievable magnitude.

Even now, such men and women are beginning to come forth.

All glory to Him.