In the prayer of Jesus while He was at Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36–39), we learn the following principles for an effective prayer life for revival. First, others should join with you in prayer. Jesus, the Master of the universe, prayed with His disciples when He was faced with the great assignment of saving our world. We must also be ready to pray in groups to sustain the vibrancy needed for our prayer life.
Second, seek a place away from distractions, where your heart can be in tune with God while praying. From the above text, Jesus went to Gethsemane. Revival is delayed when we allow worldly distractions during our time of intimacy with God.
Third, a “burden” must be developed to have an effective prayer life. As soon as Jesus got to Gethsemane, He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him (vv. 37, 38). He began to tell them His overwhelming trouble—a burden for the salvation of the world.
Fourth, there are the words “going a little farther . . . As important as building a prayer life with like minds is, an individual responsibility also arises. Each person should take personal responsibility for his or her prayer life to birth a godly revival.
Fifth, the last part of verse 39 tells us that we need to pray for God’s will to be done. Doing so may lead us into places we never imagined.
Through it all, let us always pray for revival.
—Abioye Oludare David, MA, is University Pastor and head chaplain At Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
