THE BUSINESS OF PRAYER

THE REVIVAL OF 1857 - 1858*

The years leading up to 1857 were years of tremendous growth and prosperity for America. Population was booming, people were becoming wealthy. The "cares of the world" captured the minds and hearts of Americans, chocking out their interest in God and His kingdom. Churches were declining in numbers, strength and influence.

Businesses by the thousands all over the country were forced to the wall, banks failed, and railroads went into bankruptcy. In New York alone, 30,000 people lost their jobs. Wall Street was out of control. Adding to the financial crisis, the country was gripped by the tensions of racial issues. The future of the nation was bleak indeed.

DO THESE TIMES SOUND FAMILIAR, DENVER?

Lord, what would you have me do?

At the same time on Fulton street in New York City, (a few blocks from Wall Street and the future site of the World Trade Center) the North Dutch Church, in a state of decline, employed a BUSINESS MAN, Jeremiah Lanphier, as a lay missionary. He began to visit homes, distribute Bibles, and tracts, and advertise church services. Facing a discouraging response, he found comfort in prayer.

One day he prayed, "Lord, what would you have me to do?" He sensed God's leading to begin a weekly prayer service at noon hour for workers and business people to commune with God. The agenda was for salvation and the Holy Spirits' empowerment. With little human planning, a nation-wide revival broke out among the people in "Union Prayer Meetings." 1,000,000 people accepted Christ and became involved in churches in a two year period.

Are you at the end of your rope?

God is still in the business of changing lives. Today, take 5 minutes and ask God for help. Your life will never be the same. That's His promise!

Proverbs 3:6 "In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success."

IN GOD WE TRUST

*Kathryn T. Long: The Revival of 1857-1858 was referenced above