The Circle in Which I Kneel

English revivalist Gypsy Smith used to challenge those who desired to see revival to draw a three-foot circle, kneel in the middle of that circle, and ask God to revive everyone in the circle.  In other words, revival must begin in me. I am taking his challenge; I want to see revival.  

When I speak of revival, I am not speaking of a series of meetings to attend to hear uplifting music and inspiring preaching, though often revival occurs during such a time.  I am not speaking of an emotional experience brought on by a special event, though emotion often accompanies true revival.  When I speak of revival, I am not speaking of a grand declaration of my own intention to change my ways, though true revival always results in altered behavior.

As I pray for revival, I am asking God to perform deep surgery on my soul.  I want Him to make sure every ambition of my life is centered firmly in Christ.  I want Him to make sure every thought is brought into obedience to Christ.  I want Him to make sure every fiber of my being is surrendered to His Lordship.  I pray that God will do a work in my life that goes far beyond scheduled meetings and emotional displays; I am praying that He will CHANGE me, that He will make me more like Jesus.

I want to love who and how He loves.  I want to see what He sees, painful as it may be.  I want to go where He sends, and do what He says.  I desire a life totally immersed in Jesus.  I want my sinful attitudes, actions, and affections crucified in my fleshly existence.  I want His priorities to become my priorities, and for my will to be lost in His.  I want to set my affections on Him and seek His Kingdom first and foremost.

I want Him to remove any negativity and pessimism from my spirit.  I am asking Him to give me strength to stand firm and favor with those in front of whom I must stand.  I pray that He will make me wise as a serpent but as innocent as a dove.

This is where I am.  I am sorry, but there is no room for you in my circle; but there is plenty of room for other circles.  Will you pick up a piece of chalk and draw one for yourself?

Matthew 6:33
Matthew 10:16
Romans 8:29
2 Corinthians 10:5
Philippians 2:9-11
Colossians 1:18
Colossians 3:1-4

If you would like to join me in this prayer for revival, you can join our prayer group by clicking on this link.

You can also access revival resources at One Cry and Life Action Ministries