Praying for Revival Requires Humility

“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.” II Chronicles 7:14

Humility is not a common character trait today.  In fact, the very opposite seems to be encouraged.  We are urged to build our self-esteem and help others build self-esteem.  All people have worth or self-esteem simply because God loves us and Jesus died for us.

But to have power with God in prayer and to pray for revival, we are urged to humble ourselves.   Humility is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less.  It is lowliness of mind.  Humility does not seek its place at the head of the line or seek to be honored.  Paul instructed that “each esteem other better than themselves.”  (Philippians 2:3)

Notice these three examples of how Paul described himself:

      "I am the least of the apostles”  I Corinthians 15:9

      "I am “less than the least of all saints.”  Ephesians 3:8

      “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”  I Timothy 1:15

Christians often quote the text for this devotional today without considering the meaning.   As a result, we minimize our own sin and certainly do not humble ourselves.

Here is the path to humility, as shown in James 4:7-10.  “SUBMIT yourselves therefore to God.  RESIST the devil, and he will flee from you.  DRAW NIGH to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  CLEANSE your hands ye sinners; and PURIFY your hearts, ye double-minded.  BE AFFLICTED, and MOURN, and WEEP:  let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. HUMBLE YOURSELVES in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”  Note the commands in CAPS.

We cannot expect God to answer our prayer for revival until we meet His conditions.  Humility is absolutely essential.  Are you willing to humble yourself?