Thirsty Faith

Thirsty Faith

I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Psalm 143:5-6

THE MORAVIANS BEGAN a century-long prayer movement for God’s intervention in world affairs, prompting (by many accounts) the modern missions movement and representing a new era of connecting with God and his purposes in this world. It began with a move of the Holy Spirit that restored unity in a fractured fellowship and continued with intense prayer for God’s intervention in the affairs of human beings. Moravians were acutely aware of God’s works in Scripture, and they called those works into the present with constant petitions. They prayed the days of Acts into the early modern era.

Throughout history, plenty of believers have trusted God casually for their protection, provision, and progress. That isn’t insignificant; it counts as faith. But casual faith is a low level of trust that makes assumptions about God and puts him in the background of our lives. He isn’t opposed to a calm spirit; we are called to rest in him. But when believers pour out their hearts, cry out to him for his presence or wisdom or love, and hunger in the depths of their being for any hints of his kindness, he seems to come rushing in with a ready answer. He responds to those who seek him with hearts desperate for a response.

Search the Scriptures for God’s greatest works and then plead for them earnestly. Lift your hands in prayer in continuation of the prayers that were answered long ago. Do not resist the hunger and thirst that make you uncomfortable; they are signs of the Holy Spirit at work, invitations for the God of miracles and missions to enter into your life now, a recognition that he is inviting you—and everyone who believes—into more. The days of old are not a closed book; they are opening hearts to what God can do. Believe his works then, ask for them now, and receive them in gratitude. Your hunger and thirst will be satisfied, and the rains of glory and grace will come down. God is revisiting and reviving old works as new works today.

Lord, revive your church and begin with me.