Churches love to pray for revival. We talk about revival that is Pentecost-style, fire-falling, soul-saving revival. Everyone wants to see God move in a way that’s unplanned, unexpected, and certainly undeniable. And absolutely, for sure, that’s possible. That’s well within God’s ability.
But even while we pray, in the real world it looks quite different: hundreds of pastors and churches praying fervently for revival … and then closing their doors. No revival. No renewal.
Not even survival.
Currently, casual faith has become the norm. But the powerful men and women of the Bible all had a strong relationship with God marked by holy fear. This doesn’t mean being afraid of God – it is about living in awe of Him. Holy fear anchors Christ followers when the world trembles. It draws us into deeper intimacy with God and empowers us to live with clarity, courage, and unshakeable faith.
Revival is all about rediscovering this often-overlooked truth and experiencing the freedom, confidence, and closeness to God flowing from it. No one can manufacture a move of God. But
we can prepare for it so that if God chooses to move, we’re ready. The one thing we can say confidently: God tends to bless what is blessable, and preparation is blessable.
What if the reason revival doesn’t come is because we’re not ready for it?
What if we’re praying for God to move without preparing our people, systems, and spaces for Him to actually do it?
When we go back to Acts 1-2, the original revival, we see some clearly definable elements of the revival. Jesus gave clear instructions: “Stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4–5).
The disciples completely obeyed. They stayed together, generally in the upper room.
The timing was strategic. It aligned with a major festival – Pentecost (Shavuot) when Jews from all over the Roman Empire were gathered.
The Holy Spirit moved. They experienced sudden wind, flames like tongues of fire above their heads, and speaking in new languages.
The crowd gathered. All the people gathered from around the known world and heard the message in their own tongue.
Peter stood and preached boldly. He was prepared and empowered and captivated the attention of the crowd.
The result? Amazing! 3,000 people repented and were baptized, and the Church of Jesus Christ was born.
Now, that sounds like revival. Doesn’t it?
But here is something to consider that is remarkably interesting and perhaps even critical. They weren’t praying for revival. They hadn’t produced something they thought needed to happen and asked God to send it.
They were preparing for something God had promised. All along the way, from receiving Jesus’ words to them when He ascended to heaven, all the way to when the Spirit arrived in the Upper Room, they were preparing. Revival is God’s work, God’s responsibility, but He uses prepared people.
The disciples didn’t create revival. They didn’t agree on it and manufacture it. But they DID obey, gather, wait, and prepare.
- They were unified
- They were together
- They were spiritually and practically ready
And then, when God moved and the moment arrived, they were very bold and ready to speak boldly. They weren’t overwhelmed and surprised by God’s movement – they were positioned for it. Preparation didn’t guarantee revival, but it did create the conditions and the environment God could bless.
Revival is not a plan you can work out. It’s not a date you can put on the calendar. You can’t make a to-do list and check off your way into a movement of God. But here’s what you can do. Preparation matters. It REALLY matters. The most vibrant, life-changing churches don’t sit around “waiting” for revival. They build for it.
- Preparation honors God’s promises
- Preparation honors God’s plan and purposes
- Prayer invites His power
If we believe in and desire revival, here’s what we must remember: Prepare like it depends on you. Pray like it depends on God.
Revival Nights: September 7-10
Sunday 6 PM
Monday - Wednesday 6:30 PM
Kids Services are available Sunday & Wednesday (Birth - Grade 5)
Monday & Tuesday kids will join their family in the service with an activity bag.
Sunday Night Food Trucks will be available starting at 4 PM.
Monday - Wednesday food will be available by donation starting at 5 PM, along with specialty food trucks.
More info can be found at Revival Nights | NewPointe