By: Mark and Kandy Persall
“Pour out Your Spirit, O God.” This prayer went up repeatedly as cities set aside time for revival prayer. “Come in power, Lord. By the mighty Name of Jesus, we stand against evil’s desire to steal, kill, and destroy.”
How thrilling when people awaken to pray. Every day I hear of another prayer group across my city, state, nation, and world. Established groups intermingle and call for joint intercession—interdenominational praise and prayer meetings become common. I love hearing the stories and finding ways to be involved.
As we pray for wisdom, we ask that Kingdom principles impact our local government officials and that more Christians rise to places of influence. We pray that God moves voters to place Christian men and women in congress and the senate and protect the integrity of the election process.
People are praying for students, educators, and the education process – praying that Truth replaces wokeism. We pray that students have discerning spirits to see gender identity as being appointed by God rather than assigned by man. We pray that Christian educators use their voices and that Christian parents get involved.
We blanket the ramifications of the open southern border with prayer and ask for protection against violence and illicit drugs flowing into our country. We ask God to intervene in the trafficking of people for release from their captors. And we thank Him for protecting the lives of the unborn, asking that He would not allow a return to abortion.
During the 10 Days of prayer, intercessors stood in the gap passionately for the concerns of our world. God’s people agreed that nothing is accomplished in human power and that we need divine signs and wonders. Themes of fresh power, fresh fire, and fresh wind surfaced in every heart.
Following the Apostle Paul’s example, intercessors often prayed Colossians 1:9-12. We asked that God fill us with the knowledge of His will and grant us spiritual wisdom and understanding. We sought His help to please Him in every respect and be fruitful in every work. And for this, we would need to be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might” (Colossians 1:11).
It was here that He challenged us personally. “Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience.” The power and the might, the fresh wind and fire, have a sacred purpose: “for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience.”
Valuing endurance, as God does, is the demonstration of His miraculous power. Walking steadfastly through the valley without grumbling or complaining would be inexplicable in natural reasoning. But when we rejoice that His mighty power results in persistence, we know He has accomplished a mysterious sign and wonder in our midst.
Becoming men and women who persevere is as essential as knowing His will, wisdom, and understanding. In this world, we will continue to have sorrow as the devil continues to prowl (1 Peter 5:7). Perseverance isn’t for celebrating victories. Endurance is essential for living amid apparent defeat. Patience isn’t as necessary for prolonged worship as for crying, “how long, oh Lord.”
Let’s continue praying for revival and change. Let’s remain passionately desirous for the outpouring of His Spirit upon our land. But as He works all things for our good, let’s ask for perseverance to see Him even in the darkness.