In the past several weeks, the prayer movement in Colorado Springs has made new steps forward in the form of the launching of two prayer rooms. One is in the World Prayer Center, running from 6 a.m. to midnight, facilitated by the college students of theFurnace. The other--with continual prayer meetings from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.--is located at Every Home for Christ's Watchmen Training Center. Both rooms represent an increased passion for intercession and worship rising in the people of God across our city.
Tonight, we pray for both these prayer rooms and for the prayer movement in general. We ask that we would capture the heart of God in prayer. We ask for strength, revelation, and for more to join in the crying out.
We flow from the prayer for our city into a prayer for the nations, continuing our effort to pray for every country of the world. We lift up our voices on behalf of seven African nations. "Let Your glory be known, God!"
Finally, we turn our thoughts and prayers to China. We are joined by an old friend to New Life, Jodi Hill, who is serving as a missionary to the people of that nation. She prays for us to be moved beyond our areas of comfort for the sake of proclaiming the message of Christ.
We are honoured to be able to pray for this servant of Christ. As we crowd around her at the front of the chapel, we pray for her, for the other missionaries serving in China, for the underground church leaders, for the native believers, and for the many unsaved awaiting the truth of the gospel. As our prayers rise to heaven, we know that they are partnering with the will of God across the globe--this is why we never stop crying out.
I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the LORD,
give yourselves no rest,
and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem
and makes her the praise of the earth.
Isaiah 62:6-7
Showing posts with label recap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recap. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
6 October 2009: He is faithful. (Archive)
Sometimes, the miracles we see at Revival Town are not on a visibly global scale. They may not involve large groups of people or seem very spectacular to our human sensibilities. Sometimes, the miracle is a revelation of God's character.
Tonight, we remember: He is faithful.
He is faithful to provide for those in financial hardship. He is faithful to heal the brokenness of His children's bodies. He is faithful to strengthen and unify our church and the many churches in our city.
He loves us. He is interested in all the inner workings of our daily lives. We are His delight.
We remind each other: He is faithful to you specifically, for your situation, for your family, for your needs. He wants to provide. He wants to heal. He wants to restore.
We lift our eyes to heaven and simply respond, “Please, do.”
This simple revelation is enough to overcome us, and we cry out praise to the God who is with us step-by-step, every moment of every day. We sing of His goodness and celebrate the freedom He brings to us. He is so faithful.
Tonight, we remember: He is faithful.
He is faithful to provide for those in financial hardship. He is faithful to heal the brokenness of His children's bodies. He is faithful to strengthen and unify our church and the many churches in our city.
He loves us. He is interested in all the inner workings of our daily lives. We are His delight.
We remind each other: He is faithful to you specifically, for your situation, for your family, for your needs. He wants to provide. He wants to heal. He wants to restore.
We lift our eyes to heaven and simply respond, “Please, do.”
This simple revelation is enough to overcome us, and we cry out praise to the God who is with us step-by-step, every moment of every day. We sing of His goodness and celebrate the freedom He brings to us. He is so faithful.
29 September 2009 (Archive)
Moses prayed, ""If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?...Now show me your glory."(Exodus 33)
This was the cry of the hundreds who gathered in the Prayer Center chapel and humbled themselves before God: "Send Your glory!"
God swept us off our feet with an awareness of His majesty, and we responded with knees bent, hands raised, and tears streaming. We were overtaken by the wonder of all He is. Holy. Lovely. Majestic. Strong. True. Faithful. Everything. We sat in silence for several moments and allowed the revelation that God was bringing us to sink into our spirits.
David Perkins stepped onto the stage and introduced us to a new move of prayer in which we will be engaging every week. Using a map of the world, we will systematically pray for several countries every week. After thirty-one weeks, we will have prayed on behalf of every nation in the world.
Several members of Revival Town prayed short prayers over the countries for which we were interceding this week. Though they involved few words, the passion for a dying world which could be heard from the hearts of these intercessors was raw and strong. As we had prayed for ourselves, we now prayed for the world: "Send Your glory."
This was the cry of the hundreds who gathered in the Prayer Center chapel and humbled themselves before God: "Send Your glory!"
God swept us off our feet with an awareness of His majesty, and we responded with knees bent, hands raised, and tears streaming. We were overtaken by the wonder of all He is. Holy. Lovely. Majestic. Strong. True. Faithful. Everything. We sat in silence for several moments and allowed the revelation that God was bringing us to sink into our spirits.
David Perkins stepped onto the stage and introduced us to a new move of prayer in which we will be engaging every week. Using a map of the world, we will systematically pray for several countries every week. After thirty-one weeks, we will have prayed on behalf of every nation in the world.
Several members of Revival Town prayed short prayers over the countries for which we were interceding this week. Though they involved few words, the passion for a dying world which could be heard from the hearts of these intercessors was raw and strong. As we had prayed for ourselves, we now prayed for the world: "Send Your glory."
22 September 2009 (Archive)
Missionary Hudson Taylor once said, "God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him."
Tonight, Revival Town is joined by missionary Britt Hancock and his family who are in the United States from the mountains of Mexico. Their ministry has seen countless people delivered and healed and hundreds raised from the dead. Tonight, he prays over us with a burning desire for passion to be awakened in our hearts.
David Perkins requests that everyone in the room who has a calling to pursue ministry overseas come to the front of the chapel to receive prayer. Britt challenges us: Do not simply respond to another altar call, only to return to your seat and your routine once again. That, he tells us, is what cowards do. "Don't be a coward. Cowards go to hell!"
Admittedly, the words are more abrasive than we may be used to hearing, but the heart behind such a confrontation is clear. There are no intentions here to bully or guilt God's beloved. Rather, there is a righteous desire for the people of God to catch the heart of God for the ones He is so passionately pursuing. There is a lost and dying world beyond the doors of our church, and we carry the hope of God for them. At times, we must be challenged with the shouting of rough words that, like sandpaper, shape us more fully into the representation of Christ we are to be in our generation.
As we leave the chapel, we walk with wild grins, with a determination in our steps, and with fire in our eyes. We are ready to follow Him.
Tonight, Revival Town is joined by missionary Britt Hancock and his family who are in the United States from the mountains of Mexico. Their ministry has seen countless people delivered and healed and hundreds raised from the dead. Tonight, he prays over us with a burning desire for passion to be awakened in our hearts.
David Perkins requests that everyone in the room who has a calling to pursue ministry overseas come to the front of the chapel to receive prayer. Britt challenges us: Do not simply respond to another altar call, only to return to your seat and your routine once again. That, he tells us, is what cowards do. "Don't be a coward. Cowards go to hell!"
Admittedly, the words are more abrasive than we may be used to hearing, but the heart behind such a confrontation is clear. There are no intentions here to bully or guilt God's beloved. Rather, there is a righteous desire for the people of God to catch the heart of God for the ones He is so passionately pursuing. There is a lost and dying world beyond the doors of our church, and we carry the hope of God for them. At times, we must be challenged with the shouting of rough words that, like sandpaper, shape us more fully into the representation of Christ we are to be in our generation.
As we leave the chapel, we walk with wild grins, with a determination in our steps, and with fire in our eyes. We are ready to follow Him.
15 September 2009 : He Loves Us (Archive)
Outside, rain is pouring from cloudy grey skies. Inside, the Desperation Band is running through the final stages of their sound check before Revival Town, preparing to play songs from their new album “Light Up the World,” which the R-Town family prayed for the week before. Jeremiah Parks, the upperclassmen pastor for _tag Student Ministries, will be leading the prayer meeting.
As Revival Town begins, Jeremiah invites us to take a few moments to reflect on our lives and repent before God for every way we have lived that does not look like Him. We are humbled by our brokenness before such a flawless Lord; yet we are reminded of His endless love for us in spite of our unfaithfulness, and we are compelled to respond to Him in praise. We begin to sing.
As Jeremiah and the other leaders continue to share Scriptures and prayers throughout the night, the message God is communicating to us becomes very clear: He is saying again and again, “I love you!” He tells us that we are His children, the ones creation eagerly awaits (Romans 8:19). All we are, all we do—everything stems from the revelation of our loving Father.
We must have heard the words “God loves you” a hundred times before this night, and we will surely hear them again hereafter, but the reality of this truth sinks into the spirits of His beloved across the room. Some begin to weep, overwhelmed by the undeserved affection of God. Others jump and dance, overjoyed to know their identity found in Christ. Many stream forward for prayer, seeking revelation and comfort. The Father gives it in abundance.
Our hearts are still craving revival and rejuvenation in our city. We have not deviated from this longing by soaking in the revelation of the Father's love. Rather, as we understand how great our God is and how fully He loves us, we are more prepared than ever to carry His Kingdom to Colorado Springs.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes.
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets Earth like a sloppy wet kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest.
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way He loves us.
- 'How He Loves,' John Mark McMillan
As Revival Town begins, Jeremiah invites us to take a few moments to reflect on our lives and repent before God for every way we have lived that does not look like Him. We are humbled by our brokenness before such a flawless Lord; yet we are reminded of His endless love for us in spite of our unfaithfulness, and we are compelled to respond to Him in praise. We begin to sing.
As Jeremiah and the other leaders continue to share Scriptures and prayers throughout the night, the message God is communicating to us becomes very clear: He is saying again and again, “I love you!” He tells us that we are His children, the ones creation eagerly awaits (Romans 8:19). All we are, all we do—everything stems from the revelation of our loving Father.
We must have heard the words “God loves you” a hundred times before this night, and we will surely hear them again hereafter, but the reality of this truth sinks into the spirits of His beloved across the room. Some begin to weep, overwhelmed by the undeserved affection of God. Others jump and dance, overjoyed to know their identity found in Christ. Many stream forward for prayer, seeking revelation and comfort. The Father gives it in abundance.
Our hearts are still craving revival and rejuvenation in our city. We have not deviated from this longing by soaking in the revelation of the Father's love. Rather, as we understand how great our God is and how fully He loves us, we are more prepared than ever to carry His Kingdom to Colorado Springs.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes.
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets Earth like a sloppy wet kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest.
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way He loves us.
- 'How He Loves,' John Mark McMillan
9 September 2009 (Archive)
The WPC Chapel had been strangely quiet on Tuesday evenings the last several weeks. The aroma of coffee was absent, the hum of conversations silenced, and the sound system notably quieter. It was a sabbatical from Revival Town—and a healthy one—but it was time that we came together in prayer as a church family again. Coffee brewed. Doors open. Songs readied. Let's pray.
Faces streamed in through the doors: some familiar, smiling with recognition at this gathering; others new, anticipating something they had only heard about until this night. The faces were a little more tan than when we last saw them, compliments of the Colorado summer sun, but they are the faces of the Revival Town family. As the first notes of the first song began to play, it was less like a fresh start and more like a pleasant encounter with an old friend.
We were here to worship and pray, and we did. We began as we usually do, dwelling on what we know of God, allowing the reality of Who He is to fill our thoughts and fascinations. Then we began to thank Him for His work in our lives—a new job, a sick friend who has been made well, the awareness of His presence. Our quiet prayers flowed into the passionate cry of a song, and we danced and lifted our hands to our Lord in wonder.
“The whole family praying for the whole world.” We stretched out our hands to plead for revival in our city, claiming the promises of Scripture over the churches, the individual believers, and the city as a whole. We pray such prayers week after week. We believe that His answer every time is, “Yes.”
Tonight is a special night for our family. New Life's Desperation Band is releasing an album in a few days. Jon Egan, leader of the band, tells the story of the album. He speaks very little about music and marketing, instead sharing a passion to provide for orphans and widows in the destitute nations of the world. He asks that we pray, but not for sales. Rather, we ask that youth groups become passionate about caring for the less fortunate, lives be touched by the hope of God, and souls be saved.
We thank God for the message and inspiration for this project, and we recognize that it comes from Him and all good that may come of it is His doing, not ours. Jon prays, “Whether we sell one copy or one million doesn't matter.” All we ask of God is that He take the songs and let His Kingdom be advanced by them. When we run out of words, we just sing the songs themselves.
We sing. We cry out. We celebrate. This is the beginning of a great fall season of prayer and intercession. Tuesday night: we're back.
Faces streamed in through the doors: some familiar, smiling with recognition at this gathering; others new, anticipating something they had only heard about until this night. The faces were a little more tan than when we last saw them, compliments of the Colorado summer sun, but they are the faces of the Revival Town family. As the first notes of the first song began to play, it was less like a fresh start and more like a pleasant encounter with an old friend.
We were here to worship and pray, and we did. We began as we usually do, dwelling on what we know of God, allowing the reality of Who He is to fill our thoughts and fascinations. Then we began to thank Him for His work in our lives—a new job, a sick friend who has been made well, the awareness of His presence. Our quiet prayers flowed into the passionate cry of a song, and we danced and lifted our hands to our Lord in wonder.
“The whole family praying for the whole world.” We stretched out our hands to plead for revival in our city, claiming the promises of Scripture over the churches, the individual believers, and the city as a whole. We pray such prayers week after week. We believe that His answer every time is, “Yes.”
Tonight is a special night for our family. New Life's Desperation Band is releasing an album in a few days. Jon Egan, leader of the band, tells the story of the album. He speaks very little about music and marketing, instead sharing a passion to provide for orphans and widows in the destitute nations of the world. He asks that we pray, but not for sales. Rather, we ask that youth groups become passionate about caring for the less fortunate, lives be touched by the hope of God, and souls be saved.
We thank God for the message and inspiration for this project, and we recognize that it comes from Him and all good that may come of it is His doing, not ours. Jon prays, “Whether we sell one copy or one million doesn't matter.” All we ask of God is that He take the songs and let His Kingdom be advanced by them. When we run out of words, we just sing the songs themselves.
We sing. We cry out. We celebrate. This is the beginning of a great fall season of prayer and intercession. Tuesday night: we're back.
16 June 2009 (Archive)
What does summertime at Revival Town look like? The sun is setting behind the mountains as the giant window shades of the chapel open up. Light is streaming in on the older and the younger, dancing side by side. Praise is lifted- an eruption of spontaneous song. Tonight, our songs are synonymous with our cries and prayers.
“Holy. Awesome. Worthy. No one else like You.”
We began asking, “What moves us?” Throwing down little idols we had enthroned on our hearts. Oh, God, we long to be fascinated with you. Give us a greater marvel for your Word, your personality, and the way your have orchestrated human history.
“Fill our eyes with your beauty.”
God does not see numbers; He doesn’t see a crowd. He sees each face, each soul, and each person. We began praying for the individual cries in this body. We gathered in groups around prayer requests submitted by people from New Life. We contended for peoples’ real stories, authentic desperation, and families in need of healing.
Pastor Ross Parsley led us in intercession for the upcoming conferences. We asked that the Ascent Pastor’s Conference would affect hearts exponentially, and that God would open doors that no man could shut (Revelation 3:8). We prayed for the Desperation conference, that the trajectory of young lives would be changed. “May miracles mark next week.”
“Holy. Awesome. Worthy. No one else like You.”
We began asking, “What moves us?” Throwing down little idols we had enthroned on our hearts. Oh, God, we long to be fascinated with you. Give us a greater marvel for your Word, your personality, and the way your have orchestrated human history.
“Fill our eyes with your beauty.”
God does not see numbers; He doesn’t see a crowd. He sees each face, each soul, and each person. We began praying for the individual cries in this body. We gathered in groups around prayer requests submitted by people from New Life. We contended for peoples’ real stories, authentic desperation, and families in need of healing.
Pastor Ross Parsley led us in intercession for the upcoming conferences. We asked that the Ascent Pastor’s Conference would affect hearts exponentially, and that God would open doors that no man could shut (Revelation 3:8). We prayed for the Desperation conference, that the trajectory of young lives would be changed. “May miracles mark next week.”
Dance
For freedom,
For love,
For healing.
You live in us; with this life
We will dance.
Abandonment---
An outpouring of radiant joy as an offering from your beloved
We trample upon that which you have defeated.
We dance
In the river,
In your Spirit.
It is for freedom that you
Set us free.
When we own no more strength,
When our bodies are weak and devastated,
When darkness presses against us,
We dance.
When your love bursts within our throats,
When your goodness is the only thought we know,
When gratitude is the only expression on our tongues,
We dance.
For freedom,
For love,
For healing.
You live in us; with this life
We will dance.
Abandonment---
An outpouring of radiant joy as an offering from your beloved
We trample upon that which you have defeated.
We dance
In the river,
In your Spirit.
It is for freedom that you
Set us free.
When we own no more strength,
When our bodies are weak and devastated,
When darkness presses against us,
We dance.
When your love bursts within our throats,
When your goodness is the only thought we know,
When gratitude is the only expression on our tongues,
We dance.
10 March 2009 (Archive)
The Revival Town Blog has moved to this address from http://revivaltownblog.blogspot.com. All previous posts will be re-posted and new entries will be added weekly.
Revival Town
Tuesday March 10, 2009
Another Tuesday night has come and gone here at the World Prayer Center, yet not without the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and fervent prayer in the atmosphere. With this being the tenth meeting since the beginning on January 6th, the expectancy for God’s presence has grown as the weeks have piled on. Intercession has moved from a simple utterance to a deep cry and yearning; it, coupled with the force of untamed worship, has driven us to our knees. The time has come for the rain. The time has come for the Kingdom of God to advance on this earth. In the words of author Pete Greig, “God is mobilizing an army, but it is a broken army that advances on their knees.” As we cried out to Jesus, it was as if with one voice our spirits were declaring “Come, Lord Jesus! Come!” O God, how we long for you! How we want You to come!
As the prayer session began, David had about five people come up and share a passage of Scripture that the Lord had laid on their heart, and pray over that passage for about 60 seconds. This particular time was aimed towards the lost and the prodigals in Colorado Springs. From here we catapulted into another time of intercession over the nations, picking out a flag and interceding for them. It was another awesome night with 300 crazies for Jesus.
Revival Town
Tuesday March 10, 2009
Another Tuesday night has come and gone here at the World Prayer Center, yet not without the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and fervent prayer in the atmosphere. With this being the tenth meeting since the beginning on January 6th, the expectancy for God’s presence has grown as the weeks have piled on. Intercession has moved from a simple utterance to a deep cry and yearning; it, coupled with the force of untamed worship, has driven us to our knees. The time has come for the rain. The time has come for the Kingdom of God to advance on this earth. In the words of author Pete Greig, “God is mobilizing an army, but it is a broken army that advances on their knees.” As we cried out to Jesus, it was as if with one voice our spirits were declaring “Come, Lord Jesus! Come!” O God, how we long for you! How we want You to come!
As the prayer session began, David had about five people come up and share a passage of Scripture that the Lord had laid on their heart, and pray over that passage for about 60 seconds. This particular time was aimed towards the lost and the prodigals in Colorado Springs. From here we catapulted into another time of intercession over the nations, picking out a flag and interceding for them. It was another awesome night with 300 crazies for Jesus.
