A Revival Prayer

"Oh Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do it for Your name's sake, for our backslidings are many, we have sinned against You"

Jeremiah 14:7

We often arrogantly assume that any orison we offer to the Lord is automatically admitted to His office. And yet, had we the eyes to see it, I suppose there is more rejected mail at the gates of glory than there are envelopes here on earth. Millions upon millions of petitions presented in pointless hope of a hearing in heaven fall short...for their proud postage is no currency in His kingdom.

Jeremiah's request offers a refreshing reversal to the pitiful prayers of which, I must confess, I am far to frequently the father. It is a revival prayer proffered on behalf of a rebellious race and would that God would raise up such a potent petitioner in our period.



Remarkable boldness bordering on violence bursts from the importunate prophet in those imperious words "Do it". Here is no half hearted hemming and hawing before heaven's holy heights. When God's glory is the goal, indecisiveness is virtually incredulity. When a spiritually sleeping society is speeding toward the slaughter for her sin it is no time to tinker and trifle in our talk. "Do it" may sound demanding, but it is a delightful entreaty in the ears of the Eternal I AM. Oh for greater courage when transacting such crucial commerce with our Creator!



Ponder upon how he pleads from a position of penitence in this prayer. "Our iniquities testify against us." He offers no excuses or evasions to escape this indictment of iniquity. He arises as his own accuser and pleads no pretended piety before this Powerful Potentate. They that are not broken before God today shall be surely broken by God tomorrow. True confession is the key to any close conference with Christ. A bended knee and broken heart are the spiritual anatomy of acceptable prayers.



Finally, meditate on this mighty motive upon His Maker's mercy. "For Your name's sake" is the only argument accompanying this appeal. "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to your name give glory" (Psalm 115:1). Oh my soul, why not sue Heaven with this powerful plea? Prayers offered upon nothing but empty promises from lying lips are like whispers in the wind. They are meaningless motions which even angels won't acknowledge nor lift a limb to support with a second. But Paradise cannot pass by that prayer that pleads God's name. "Hallowed be Thy name" is language the Lord loves and a bountiful banquet which the Almighty will always attend.