Revival begins in the heart and happens on at least two levels: First, revival springs from quality time spent with God—time each day alone with Him in prayer and His Word. That “quiet place” is where we sense our needs, the needs of others, and the wisdom and power God provides to meet them. Revival also happens
as we live in an attitude of constant prayer. “Pray always” (Luke 21:36). “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). So prayer time includes a definite time and place, but it can also be anywhere, everywhere, and at all times. Both are essential for a healthy heart.
In spite of the countless alluring temptations of Babylon, Daniel kept himself pure because he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Dan. 1:8). That purposeful approach continued throughout the day: “Amid the corruptions that surrounded him in the courts of Babylon he kept himself free from those sights and sounds which would allure him and draw him into temptation. When his duties required that he be present at scenes of revelry, intemperance, and basest idolatry, he cultivated the habit of silent prayer, and thus he was kept by the power of God. To have the mind uplifted to God will be a benefit in all times and in all places.”* In short, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23, NKJV).
—Clinton Wahlen, PhD, is an associate Director, Biblical research institute, Silver spring, Maryland, United States.
* Ellen G. White, That I May Know Him (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1964), 247.
