CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 909

“Revive”

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6)

The word ‘revive’ literally means to ‘give back life’. It is derived from two Latin root words, ‘Re’ meaning back, again, or anew and ‘Vive’ meaning to live.

We most often hear the word used in the context of reviving a person through CPR or other means whose heart has stopped . Consider those of us who are physically alive but with a deadness of heart and spirit, without hope for a better future. No amount of CPR or drugs can revive their soul. Only the Spirit of God can bring renewed life and revive the hearts of those who are heavily burdened by the circumstances of day to day living.

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; (Psalm 19:7) God’s Word (His law) is living and active. By His Word we revive our hope. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

… you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. (Psalm 69:32) When we find ourselves deadened inside, going through the motions of life – existing, not thriving – we become easy prey for the temptation to seek solace through drugs, alcohol, food or indulgent spending, seeking happiness through things. God hears the needy. Seek His kingdom and righteousness first and He will revive your heart.

You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again… (Psalm 71:20) For reasons known only to God, He allows us to experience difficult trials in this fallen world. His own Son, Jesus was not shielded from it and neither are we who follow in His footsteps. But in Him we have hope and He promises to revive our hearts again. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15)

May the Spirit of the Lord give life again to your heart and soul. May He revive and renew your hope for the future. May He encourage your heart with the joy of His abiding presence as you abide in His Word. May He comfort your soul and bring you complete peace to sustain you through all your circumstances. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

May your heart and soul be revived in the mighty Name of Jesus our Lord and Savior.