O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. –
Habakkuk 3:2
In this prayer, Habakkuk knew God was going to discipline the people of Judah, and though not a pleasant experience, it would be to bring them back in line with God’s spiritual expectation. He prayed to God not so that they will escape the discipline of God, but for mercy to restore and renew and revive the nation. Revival does not only mean to bring back to life, but to refresh, renew, or give new strength to a nation, a church, a group of people or individual.Habakkuk 3:2
During the early days of the Civil War a Union soldier was arrested on charges of desertion. Unable to prove his innocence, he was condemned and sentenced to die a deserter’s death. His appeal found its way to the desk of Abraham Lincoln. The president felt mercy for the soldier and signed a pardon. The soldier was restored and returned to service, fought the entirety of the war, and was killed in the last battle. Found within his breast pocket was the signed letter of the president. Close to the soldier’s heart were his leader’s words of restoration and mercy.
Habakkuk simply prayed for revival. He knew how God once worked and how His people once responded, and he wanted to see that again, back to the season when God’s blessings were upon the land. His prayer shows that revival is a work of God, not the achievement of man. Yes, there is something man can and must do for revival – simply cry to God and plead for His reviving work.
Pray that the Lord will revive His work in the nations to accomplish His purpose. Pray for personal revival and renewal to finish the year triumphantly. The Lord will release His Spirit and power on you.
Prayer:
Lord, revive me once again.Scriptural Reading:
Habakkuk 3:1-6
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