Bible Prep: Habakkuk 3
THE FIRST GREAT AWAKENING
The Great Awakening was a period (1734-1745) in our history when revival spread throughout the colonies, and people were drawn to prayer and a greater spiritual experience. This was a time when American colonies were questioning the role of the individual in their Christian walk and their role in society. This was a time of enlightenment, which emphasized the power of each individual to understand the approach to salvation and the power of prayer.
Great men such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were key figures who preached for nearly ten years in the New England colonies, emphasizing the personal approach to religion. These men played a crucial role in unifying the American colonies and in spreading the Great Awakening through the work of numerous preachers and revivals. This movement met people's need for reassurance, direction, and religious purpose, fostering a sense of unity in understanding their Christian faith and life. (pg. 56-57)
Do you long for another Great Awakening in our country? Like Habakkuk, are you crying out to the Lord on behalf of our nation, trusting that God is in control and has a plan? The Lord is calling His people to band together and pray united as one voice, trusting Him as He says, "Look among the nations and watch - Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days, which you would not believe though it were told you."
Encouragement flows when reading through Habakkuk 3. Why? Even though, in chapter 2, God lays out the destruction that will come to the nation because of their rebellion and disobedience, Habakkuk kept his eyes on WHO God was as the Creator, His greatness, and His salvation. He acknowledged God's power over creation and all humanity. He truly feared the Lord with an ultimate respect for his power and greatness, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Hab. 3:18
Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit how to pray for our nation. Like Habakkuk, listen and respond. "O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy." (Hab. 3:1)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7
In the Bible, when the words prayer and supplication are used together in the same sentence, it is given greater importance to "Pray earnestly with ALL your being, everything you have—your mind, heart, soul, strength—trusting and knowing God is hearing your requests." If you are willing, please share how the Lord is leading you specifically to pray for our nation. For those reading, please take the time to pray with each request. As we band together in prayer, God moves.
Father God,
The worries of each day are ever around us. Conflict, both within and without, threatens the peace we desperately seek. Father God, we come to You with open hearts, seeking Your guidance and being content with all that You have given us as a nation. Guard our hearts, O Lord, so that we will be faithful to You, and let the peace of Your presence surround us each and every day. In Jesus name, Amen.(Pg. 12)
From My Heart to Yours,
Carla McDougal