We often treat prayer like a last resort, but what if it's the key to a true and deep revival? Revival isn’t just a short, two-minute prayer; it's a wrestling that changes you forever.

Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at ⁠FRBC.com/Revival⁠

Revival Prayer and Seeking God

by Joel Norris

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Prayer is often a lost art in our Christian lives. We've become so independent and self-absorbed that we treat it like a lucky rabbit’s foot—a last-ditch effort to get us out of a crisis.

But what if prayer isn’t just about asking? What if it’s more?

I'm convinced that two universal truths apply to everyone: we don't realize how much we need a savior, and we need to become better prayer warriors.

I used to think of prayer as a conversation, a simple act of talking to God. But the scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “Pray and seek my face,” opened my eyes to something deeper.

The words “pray” and “seek my face” are not the same. Prayer is asking and petitioning, a word we all understand. Seeking God’s face, however, is a different thing entirely.

The book of Genesis recounts the story of Jacob at Penuel. He brought his questions and needs to God, and God met him in a fierce, all-night battle. Jacob left with a limp as a continued reminder of his genuine encounter with God.

We need more Penuel moments in our lives. We need to stop fearing the limp and embrace the battle.

Jacob could have been concerned with how others viewed him, but he was willing to get a little uncomfortable. He knew he needed the presence of his God more than he needed a healthy leg.

When we are willing to wrestle with God, we leave changed. The questions we bring to God may not have easy answers, and the process may be uncomfortable. But we get up from our Penuel moments knowing what God has done in our hearts.

A life-changing prayer isn't a quick, two-minute prayer. It's a wrestling with God that changes us and causes us to rely on Him more. Your walk may be different after, but the story that comes with it is so much sweeter.

So, don't just pray. Get to Penuel. Seek and wrestle with God for your child, your spouse, or your life. You will leave differently than when you walked in.

As we pursue revival, let's remember that it's more than just a short prayer. It's about getting to a place where we are willing to have an encounter that leaves us changed forever.