When God Listens to the Voice of Man

“All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers” (Acts 1:14). The followers of Jesus who prayed together just before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost surely had God’s ear because they loved His Son, Jesus, and were all interceding as one.

What does it mean to be devoted to prayer like the early believers were? Such singular and amazing revival intercessors share characteristics that we need to take to heart and emulate. Here are eight qualities that revival intercessors have in common:

Eight Qualities of Godly Intercessors

1. They love and trust God supremely above all.

2. They have a deep heart response to the urgent need of the moment.

3. They are self-sacrificing and ready to give their all to God.

4. They often sense the need for a genuine, very personal, and corporate response with repentance.

5. They identify with the sins and needs of an entire generation, nation, or people group. Or, they address a specific injustice, such as abortion, rights for the first nations and indigenous peoples, and so forth.

6. They exhibit thorough, contrite, humble prayer that often includes the sacrifice of fasting.

7. They often rally other believers to participate because they know that this type of prayer is better engaged in jointly.

8. They have a determined, strong expectation that God will answer their earnest pleas. This is what it means to seek revival breakthrough—to prepare earnestly for the great harvest.

Revival intercessors often invite others to this task of miraculous intervention by requesting prayers for protection, provision, deliverance, and transformation.

How Does Breakthrough Come?

Fundamentally, we must realize that God’s nature is always the same and that Jesus is an exact representation of the Father. Thus, what moved God’s heart yesterday will move God’s heart again today.

What will it take to change the mind (note: not the character) of God in this generation to avert judgment for its rebellion and sin? To change the mind of God, we must change our own character and mindset to align with His. In this regard, let us review two vital Scriptures:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13)

If you want mercy, you must give mercy. There is always a higher spiritual dimension in which to walk. Look up into the Father’s heart. Deep in the center of His bosom is the heart of mercy, and mercy always triumphs over judgment. Therefore, align yourself with the nature of God’s heart, and you will receive the nature of God’s heart; align yourself with a cry for God’s mercy to be poured out on others.

Yes, even today, God wants to bend His heart and ear earthward and release His mercy. Perhaps He’s waiting for you. When He hears His heart beating in an earthen vessel or within a remnant in the body of Christ, we will see the same results once again. The Father will listen to the voice of people whose pleas echo what is in agreement with His heart. Therefore, let mercy triumph over judgment again, again, and again. Let the cry for mercy arise!

Psalm 107:28 says, “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.” The world's nations are in great distress, but our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I believe that this temporary darkness is but the great backdrop that will allow His light to shine and rulers to come into the brightness of its shining. (See Isaiah 60:1–3.)

Seven Steps to Becoming an Effective Intercessor

Now that we have identified the primary characteristics of revival intercessors let’s look at how you can become an effective intercessor who is preparing for revival breakthrough that will impact your world for God’s glory!

·Passionately pursue God Himself through prayer, often with fasting, as God leads you. (Before fasting from food and/or liquids, consider your health needs and conditions; always consult your doctor first.) Walk out a total, heartfelt commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, His church, and His purposes.

·Carry a heart full of compassion and love for His people and His plans to be fulfilled in your generation.

·Regularly take time for worship and praise and schedule periods of solitude to hear God’s voice.

·Actively read and meditate on the Bible, asking God to enable you to experience everything in His Word that declares your inheri­tance in Christ Jesus.

·Read inspiring autobiographies and biographies of dedicated believers, including books that recount missionary journeys.

·Develop tools to help others cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and intercession. Teach others what you have learned about prayer.

·Love doing it! Revival intercessors are hearers of the Word of God and doers of the Word. (See James 1:22–25.)

What identifies us as children of God the Father is His abiding presence! That, my fellow believer, is what revival breakthrough is all about: experiencing the manifestation of God’s presence—both among us and within us—and living in its ongoing reality. Are you a carrier of His presence?