Day 11: The Sound of Revival
Week 2: Intercession & Warfare
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Before the crowd saw anything on the day of Pentecost, they heard something. There was "a sound like the blowing of a violent wind" from heaven. That sound drew people together and signalled that God was doing something new. The disciples were all together in one place, in obedience and unity, and heaven responded with wind, fire, and languages that reached the nations.
The Pattern of Revival
This is the birth of the Church, but it is also a pattern for revival. Wherever God moves in power, there is a sound. Sometimes it is the literal sound of people crying out in prayer or worship. Sometimes it is the sound of repentance, people calling on the name of the Lord for salvation. Sometimes it is the sound of testimony, stories of deliverance and healing spreading through a community.
In his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Jim Cymbala describes how the midweek prayer meeting became the engine of their church. The "sound" was not fancy music, but desperate people crying out to God. As they did, God sent His own wind and fire in changed lives. In Holy Ghost Fire, Ray McCauley speaks about the dynamic power of the Spirit at work in believers who yield themselves fully. The point is the same: when God sends His Spirit, something is heard and seen.
A Runway for the Spirit
As ANCC gathers in these 21 days, and especially when we gather with Pastor James Aladiran today, I am praying for the sound of revival. We do not want hype, but hungry hearts. We do not want performance, but presence. My prayer is that our worship, prayers, and unity would create a welcoming runway for the Holy Spirit to come in wind and fire.
Remember, at Pentecost the Spirit filled "each of them." Revival is corporate, but it is made up of individual fillings. Do not just come as a spectator. Come as someone saying, "Fill me, Lord. Use me. Make me part of the sound."
Let Us Pray
Holy Spirit, thank You for Pentecost. Thank You that You still fill believers today. I ask You to fill me afresh with Your presence and power. Let the sound of revival rise in my life, in my home, and in ANCC.
As we gather in these 21 days, and as we host James Aladiran, let our unity and hunger welcome Your wind and fire. May the sound that goes out from this house carry the gospel to Britain and the nations. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.