Praying for Revival

Introduction

Title: “Praying for Revival” — a sermon by Dr. Terry LeQuieu. Tonight we examine David’s prayer in Psalm 86 and draw practical, biblical lessons on how God’s people should prepare their hearts for revival. Revival is not merely an event on the church calendar; it is the work of Almighty God in humble, holy, habitually praying, honest, and hopeful hearts. This message will challenge us to examine our lives, confess sin, and yield to God’s will so He can do the work only He can do.

We sang the song a moment ago. Sweet Hour of Prayer. I know some of you, that’s probably the first time you had sang that song. It’s a great hymn of the faith. What a reminder it is that when we spend time alone with God that all the cares of the world just seem to fly away. They fleet from us. And so here we’re going to look at prayer tonight in preparation for the revival that we’re looking to have this week.

Outline

Humble Hearts — Humility before God
1. Bowing in recognition: Bow down thine ear, O Lord; hear me, for I am poor and needy
  Revival begins with humility. David’s opening plea shows a man who knows he has nothing worth offering God except a contrite heart. To pray for revival we must first bow, acknowledge our helplessness, and admit we need God’s intervention.
2. Righteousness is not of self
  “In my flesh dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7 context). Salvation and revival are acts of God’s grace — not human merit. If we come proud, God resists; if we humbly confess, God gives grace (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
3. Respect for God’s ordained positions
  Humility includes honoring God’s order and offices. David respected the anointed even when persecuted. A humble church honors God’s design while still calling for godly accountability
Holy Living — Separation unto God
1. “Preserve my soul, for I am holy” — a child set apart
  David identifies as God’s holy servant. Holiness means separation from the world and consecration to God’s standards. Revival will not come where believers continue to dabble in sin.
2. Practical separation: what to cleanse
  Paul commands, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:14–18). Separation touches entertainment, conversation, friendships, and media — everything that competes with the Lord’s influence.
3. Perfecting holiness in the fear of God
  True revival produces a people striving for holiness, cognizant of God’s presence. The fear of the Lord restrains sin because believers know God sees and will judge. Holiness prepares us to be a temple where God can dwell.
Habitual Prayer — Daily persistence
1. “For I cry unto thee daily” — prayer as practice
  David’s prayer life was habitual, not sporadic. Revival is birthed by consistent, persistent prayer — not last-minute longing. The church that revives is the church that prays regularly.
2. Teach us to pray; pray without ceasing
  The disciples asked to be taught to pray (Luke 11). Revival demands a people trained by God to pray — men and women who pursue God morning, noon, and night (Acts 2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
3. Long-suffering intercession
  Revival frequently follows prolonged prayer. Stories from revival history (Welsh, Great Awakenings) and personal testimonies (praying for years for a loved one) show God answers persistent prayer in His time.
Honest Worship — Openness with God
1. “Rejoice the soul of thy servant; for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul”
  David was candid about his discouragement and his need for God’s joy. Honest prayer confesses brokenness and longs for the joy of the Lord, not a manufactured emotions.
2. Confession and transparency
  If we are to be revived, we must quit pretending. The Laodicean problem was self-deception (“…thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” — Revelation 3:17). God knocks where people think they need nothing.
3. God’s goodness and mercy
  David appeals to God’s character: “Thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 86:5). Honest worship remembers what God has done and appeals to His loving-kindness.
Hopeful Faith — Expectation that God will answer
1. “In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me” (Psalm 86:7)
  David prayed with confidence because he trusted God’s promise to hear according to His will. Revival requires faith that God still acts and answers when His people pray.
2. Ask according to His will; God hears and grants
  “If we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us” (1 John 5:14–15). Revival is God’s will for His people. Our petitions for revival align with Scripture, so we can pray boldly and expect His answer.
3. Surrender of control
  Many resist revival because it threatens personal plans and comfort. Genuine revival often leads to changed lives and callings — surrendering personal agendas to God’s will is part of being ready for what He will do.

Summary

David’s prayer in Psalm 86 models the posture of a people prepared for revival: humble (admitting poverty of spirit), holy (separated to God), habitual (daily in prayer), honest (transparent about need), and hopeful (expecting God to answer). Revival is not manufactured by programs or emotional techniques but comes when God’s people return to these biblical realities and yield to His will. If we desire revival, we must examine our hearts and pursue the steps God requires.

Do you really want revival? Are you really praying for revival? If so, you’re going to have to humble yourself before God.

Application for the Week

Make this week a practical beginning for revival in your own life and in our church. The following steps are actionable, measurable, and rooted in the biblical pattern Dr. LeQuieu set forth from Psalm 86.

Humble Yourself: Daily confession time
Each morning this week spend five minutes confessing pride and asking God to reveal areas where you are self-reliant. Write down one area you need to surrender and pray specifically about it.
Be Holy: One thing to separate from
Choose one habit, one unholy friendship, or one media source to remove for the week. Replace that time with Scripture reading — begin with Psalm 86 and 2 Corinthians 6–7. If God reveals a larger change, bring it to an accountability partner.
Be Habitual: Set a daily prayer appointment
Schedule a fixed 10–15 minute prayer time each day (morning, lunch, or evening). Use a simple pattern: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (ACTS). Keep a prayer journal of requests and answers to cultivate persistent intercession.
Be Honest: Share spiritual needs with someone
Find a trusted believer (small group, prayer partner, elder) and share one honest spiritual struggle and one request for revival in your life. Ask them to pray for you specifically and to follow up next week.
Be Hopeful: Pray for revival daily and surrender control
Each day pray this simple petition: “Lord, revive me; revive our church. Use me according to Your will.” Consciously release one area of control — a plan, a worry, or even a child’s future — to God in prayer and trust Him to act. If God convicts you toward service or ministry, obey promptly.

Practical bonus: Attend (or organize) a midweek prayer gathering focused on revival. Invite others, read Psalm 86 together, and pray through the five points. Revival often begins when a core group begins to pray consistently and sacrificially.