Charles Grandison Finney was probably the greatest revival preacher there ever was. He was born in Connecticut in 1792 and studied to become a lawyer. After his conversion, he gave up his legal practice to become an evangelist, pastor, professor of theology, and author. He dedicated his whole life as an instrument for new revivals, and wrote an article entitled, “No Revival Without the Spirit of Prayer”.
He wrote: “Prayer is in a chain of causes which lead to a revival, and is a cause which is as important as the proclamation of the truth. Many zealously preached the gospel to cause people to turn around but have laid too little weight on prayer. They preached eagerly, talked to individuals, and handed out leaflets but, to their surprise, with little success. The reason why they could not achieve more was because they neglected the other form of support, which is fervent prayer. They forgot that the truth itself has no effect without the Spirit of God.”
Charles Finney recognised the importance of prayer. In fact, he remarked that revival can only be expected when Christians come together with a spirit of prayer. So, in these 40 Days of Solemn Assembly, let’s cry out to God for revival in Singapore and for a great harvest of souls at 2019’s Celebration of Hope.
- Senior Pastor Lawrence Khong