“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” Isaiah 44:3, ESV
Dear Praying Friends,
Directly preceding the great Hebrides revival, two elderly women prayed for their community day and night with these words from Isaiah 44. Another intercessor during this time – a blacksmith named John – is also famously remembered for claiming this scripture as a promise. As one history book recounted:
“With his cap in his hand, John rose to pray: ‘…[o]h God, You made a promise to pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground, and, Lord, it’s not happening.’ He paused again and then continued: ‘Lord, I don’t know how the others here stand in Your presence; I don’t know how the ministers stand, but, Lord, if I know anything about my own heart I stand before Thee as an empty vessel, thirsting for Thee and for a manifestation of Thy power.’ He halted again and after a moment of tense silence cried: ‘Oh God, Your honor is at stake, and I now challenge You to fulfill your covenant engagement and do what you have promised to do.’ Many who were present witnessed that at that moment the house shook. Dishes rattled in the sideboard, as wave after wave of Divine power swept through the building.” (http://www.evanwiggs.com/revival/history/hebpray.html)
The revival that came in the 1950s to the Hebrides islands was truly remarkable. Within 48 hours, the bars were closed and the routine of business was stopped so the islanders could seek God’s face in prayer. Thousands upon thousands were convicted of their sin and came to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Many individuals reported simply walking along a road and being struck with inner conviction and such awareness of God’s holiness that they would immediately confess their sin and run to a church asking how they could be saved! Some accounts even say that many who came to visit the island became vividly aware of the intense spiritual atmosphere even before they set foot on the island!
Without exception, every movement of God is preceded by a movement of prayer. Our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. As we continue to seek God’s face, let’s ask together for great revival and for an outpouring of God’s Spirit. It cannot be overstated that we are desperate for Him!
When Nehemiah recounted the efforts to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, he noted that half of the leaders worked on construction and the other half “held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail” (Nehemiah 4:16). As an intercessor, you are literally fighting the spiritual battle and the “air war” for rebuilding your community and state. We need you!
Join with us in praying this prayer for Ohio as prompted by Nehemiah:
Nehemiah 1:3 states: “And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”
The walls of Ohio have been broken down. Let us respond as Nehemiah (from Nehemiah 1:4-7):
Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, let your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer Your servant is praying before You day and night for Your servants, the people of Ohio.
I confess the sins we the people of Ohio, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against You. We have acted very wickedly toward You. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws.
Lord, we repent of our sins, and we remit the sins of the people of Ohio. We ask you to loose Your goodness on our state. Unify Your people through Your Spirit.
Rebuild Your ancient walls, Oh, God. Give the leaders of our state strategies for rebuilding the gates (Nehemiah 3). Give your people vision and unveil your strategic plans. Give them favor to complete the work.
We are Your vessels, dry and thirsty for You! We ask You to come and fill us with Your Spirit! Amen
Thank you for your faithful prayers!
As you pray for into this topic, click here for our monthly PDF prayer guide.
