Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 6:9-10, “Pray … Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Background

Today, the numbers of churches that are declining and/or maintaining the status quo regarding church growth are ever increasing. Yet, many congregations and leaders continue with business as usual. Such was not the case with Jonathan Edwards.

Application

Jonathan Edwards is well known for his important role in North America’s First Great Awakening. Edwards, a Congregationalist pastor/ theologian, is the central figure associated with this awakening that swept the New England colonies in the early 1700s. As a pastor in 1734, Edwards was concerned with the spiritual decadence present in his congregation and in the overall community. What was his remedy? God’s Word and prayer. As Edwards preached and prayed, God visited the congregation with an awakening. People from nearby towns were soon worshipping with his congregation. As they experienced renewal, they carried the revival fires back to their churches. Some 27 towns experienced revival as the result of what God did in Northampton, Massachusetts. Edwards is an example of someone who desired to see God’s Kingdom come in people’s lives. Do you?

Charge

As we seek Him today, pray for spiritual leaders to recognize the great need for spiritual awakening. Pray diligently for believers everywhere to awaken to God’s call to return to Him and pray toward His Kingdom coming and His will being done on earth as it is in heaven.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words