Came across this thought about the connection between prayer and the church’s alleged desires for revival. Could it be that revival tarries because the church does not really desire what it petitions God for?
“Many a church is praying for a revival that does not really desire a revival. They think they do, for to their minds a revival means an increase of membership, an increase of income, an increase of reputation among the churches; but if they knew what a real revival meant, what a searching of hearts on the part of professed Christians would be involved, what a radical transformation of individual, domestic and social life would be brought about, and many other things that would come to pass if the Spirit of God was poured out in reality and power; if all this were known, the real cry of the church would be: “O God, keep us from having a revival.” (emphasis not in original).
R. A. Torrey, How to Pray (Chicago; New York: Fleming H. Revell company, 1900), 45–46.
I would like to hear your reaction to this notion. I look forward to your thoughts.
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