Revival Begins with Intercession

“Revival Begins with Intercession” traces Isaiah’s warning and the prayers that sparked the Azusa Street movement, reminding believers that God still looks for those willing to stand in the gap and pray for renewal today.

“Justice is turned back … for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter … the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was … no one to intercede” (Isaiah 59:14–16).

In 1905, the foundations for the eruption of a modern Pentecost were forming in Southern California. In his firsthand account of the Azusa Street Revival of 1906, Frank Bartleman described how God had spoken to him through the prophet Isaiah. He revealed that there was sin in the land, and the church needed to be revived. “Intercessors were the need,” he wrote.

Bartleman joined others who sought God in times of intense prayer. Soon they began to experience a revival in the Pasadena area. But they sensed that God wanted to do a much greater work. So they began to “pray for an outpouring of the Spirit for Los Angeles and the whole of Southern California.”

They prayed with fervor and intensity. As Bartleman wrote, “The Spirit is breathing prayer through us for a mighty, general outpouring. We are asking largely that our joy may be full. God is moving. We are praying for the churches and their pastors. The Lord will visit those willing to yield to Him.” This dedication to intercession eventually led to a great revival that shook the whole world.

Today, the world needs another mighty revival. Who will intercede?

Right now, ask God to give you a burden for sin in the world. Don’t be content with lukewarm Christianity. Commit yourself to pray for the lost. Pray for revival. Pray for a worldwide move of God in our day.

Reflection Question: How is God calling you to intercede for revival today?