A Move of the Spirit

“Justice is turned back … truth is fallen in the street … the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor.” – Isaiah 59:14-16

In 1905, a Pentecostal revival broke out in Southern California. In his first-hand account, Frank Bartleman wrote how God had spoken to him through the prophet Isaiah. Sin was in the land, and the church needed to be revived. God was calling His people to a time of intercession.

Sensing God’s call, Bartleman joined others in concentrated prayer, seeking God with intensity. Bartleman wrote, “The Spirit is breathing prayer through us for a mighty, general outpouring.” They prayed for churches and pastors, believing God would “visit those willing to yield to Him.”

Soon a revival broke out in the region around Pasadena, California. But Bartleman felt compelled to pray for more. Knowing that needs were great, they prayed for an outpouring of the Spirit for all of Southern California. God powerfully answered these prayers, culminating in the great Azusa Street Revival.

A move like this could take place today. Do you have faith to believe in God for this outpouring? Are you willing to be an intercessor? Are you willing to pray with passion and intensity and intercede for families and marriages, churches and schools, and political leaders?

Ask God to give you a burden for souls. Ask God to fill you anew with His Spirit, to set you ablaze with spiritual fire. Commit yourself to praying for the lost. Pray for a sweeping move of God in our day.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer for revival, beginning with your own heart and family.