In the early 1700s, churches across the American colonies were struggling spiritually. Christianity was common, but genuine spiritual transformation was often rare. Many sermons were intellectual and formal, and faith had become routine for many people… but God was preparing to move.

A pastor in Northampton, Massachusetts, named Jonathan Edwards became deeply burdened for spiritual awakening. Edwards believed revival could not be produced by better sermons or church programs. Revival, he believed, was something God alone could send, but God often moved when His people humbled themselves and prayed.

So, Edwards began urging believers to unite in extraordinary prayer for spiritual awakening. In 1747 he published a call for Christians everywhere to join together in seasons of prayer, asking God to pour out His Spirit and renew His church.

Believers began gathering to pray across the colonies. Small groups met to cry out for God to awaken hearts. And then something remarkable began to happen. People started sensing deep conviction over sin. Churches that had been quiet suddenly filled with people seeking God. Entire communities experienced spiritual renewal.

One of the voices God used during this time was George Whitefield, an evangelist whose preaching spread throughout Britain and the American colonies. Because crowds were so large, Whitefield often preached outdoors. Sometimes tens of thousands gathered to hear him. Eyewitnesses reported people openly weeping under conviction, turning from sin, and committing their lives to Christ.

This movement became known as the First Great Awakening. It spread across the American colonies and touched countless lives. Many historians believe it reshaped the spiritual life of the early nation. But the awakening did not begin with crowds or famous preachers. Long before the preaching stirred the masses, believers were gathering quietly to pray.

That pattern has appeared again and again throughout church history. When God is preparing to do something great, He often first stirs His people to seek Him in prayer.

Edwards once observed:

“When God has something very great to accomplish for His church, it is His will that there should precede it the extraordinary prayers of His people.”

Prayer prepares the ground before the harvest comes. Just as rain softens the soil before seeds can grow, prayer softens hearts so God can work. When believers begin to cry out for God to move, they may be standing on the edge of something far greater than they realize. God still responds to that kind of prayer today.

Today, pray for spiritual awakening in our church, our community, and across the nation, and even to the ends of the earth. Ask God to stir hearts, awaken believers, and draw many people to Jesus. And maybe commit to coming to our prayer times. The Men pray on Mondays at 6, mixed group Tuesday at 9:30a, and of course on the first Wednesday of every month we have a special prayer and praise time. 

Prayer Focus

Lord, awaken Your people again. Stir our hearts to seek You earnestly in prayer. Prepare our churches and communities for a fresh movement of Your Spirit. Let prayer rise among us until hearts are changed and lives are transformed. Use us as people who faithfully seek You. Amen.