Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted:

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

—Acts 1:13-14

For seven straight days, the followers of the risen Christ prayed in one accord. Then the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost. Quickly 3,000 people were added to the church. Soon after, as Peter and John headed to pray at the temple, a lame man was healed and 2,000 more souls were saved (Acts 3). It was the beginning of an outpouring that would reach around the globe!

Prayer has always preceded revivals that changed history since the first days of the church, continuing to this day.

One of the great moves of God started September 21, 1857 when Jeremiah Lanphier, a businessman, began a series of prayer meetings in New York. Within months, newspapers reported that over 6,000 people were attending prayer meetings in New York, soon spreading to numerous other cities across the United States.

Charles G. Finney wrote, “This winter of 1857–58 will be remembered as the time when a great revival prevailed. It swept across the land with such power that at the time it was estimated that not less than 50,000 conversions occurred weekly.”

Many of us are meeting together for New Year’s services. Or perhaps you plan to spend the evening alone with God, interceding for others. Regardless, I ask you to join me in praying for a fresh, mighty move of God to sweep over this troubled globe!

A Prayer for Today:

Father God, on this New Year’s Even, I ask You to move mightily across the earth. On a personal level, help me to remember what a difference it makes when I spend time with You every day. Awaken me daily with a deep desire to meet with You and to hear You speak into my life. Prepare me every day with Your words of encouragement, reassurance, and wisdom. I want more of the Holy Spirit in my life. I desire to be more reliant upon You. Help me to see with Your eyes and to be open to You today and always. I pray all this in the Name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Amen!