Episode Overview
Mike concludes the series on Leonard Ravenhill's "Revival Praying," covering the final chapter titled "Sow in Prayer, Reap in Power." This episode emphasizes the discipline of prayer, the passion for lost souls, and the need for church leaders to model a life of intercession.
Key Themes
The Purpose of Prayer: Prayer isn't about personal gain or treating God as an ATM. The aim is for God's glory to be manifested among nations, His will to be done, and revival to come. Remember the JOY acronym - Jesus, Others, Yourself.
Discipline Over Feelings: We can't wait until we feel like praying. Like a lifeboat operator responding to distress signals, we must pray regardless of our emotions. Discipline, not motivation, carries us through the long distance.
Degrees of Christian Life: There are different maturity levels among believers - new Christians, long-time believers who act immature, and those filled with the Spirit who are zealous and being used by God. Prayer life directly impacts spiritual maturity.
John Smyth - A Model Intercessor: The episode highlights John Smyth of Cudworth, England, who spent hours in prayer and had an overwhelming burden for lost souls. His eyes would be swollen from weeping in prayer, and he would say "Give me souls or else I die." His passion came from time alone with God.
Leading by Example: Ministers and believers alike set the pattern others follow. As Thomas Manton said, "Like priest, like people." If the first sheet from the King's press is set well, thousands follow. Our example either leads people toward Christ or to ruin.
True Spirit-Filled Life: Those who claim baptism of the Spirit but have no extended prayer life are questionable. True prayer is Spirit-born - those filled with the Spirit are filled with prayer.
The Church That Prays Prevails: Praying in secret means prevailing in public. Churches should invest in prayer meetings and instruction in prayer. The crowds may not come, but the Lord will come.
Featured Quote
"One poor soul entered the school of prayer after his arrival in hell. He asked for relief from his agony. It was refused... Prayerless on earth, unanswered in hell, he suffers on as the man who tried to learn to pray too late."
Closing Thoughts
Mike reflects on current events and the intersection of Christianity and politics, noting that while revival may not be happening yet, people are curious and interested. This presents an opportunity for believers to reach massive crowds through prayer and example. Revival can be brought to this generation through prayer, faith, cleansing, and obedience to God's will.
What's Next
The series on Revival Praying concludes. Future episodes will explore new books, theology topics, evangelism, and potentially move to a talk show format with other brothers joining the conversation.
