Let's Go Back

James 5:13-16 NASB

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

I was reflecting on my childhood and remembering those special times at the altar. I can remember the alter service lasting sometimes an hour, if not longer. The power of the Holy Spirit moved on all those coming before the Throne of Grace. Lives were being forever changed, and everyone knew that the Lord was present, and no explanation needed to be given. Those who were unsaved ran to the altar and fell before an Almighty God. Invitation to salvation was never offered; the Holy Spirit drew through conviction. People were healed in powerful ways, the baptism of the Holy Spirit fell on those crying out to God, and a weeping echoed through the church. This is the presence of the Lord.

So, I asked myself, “Why not now?” I feel an urgency building from within me; let’s go back!! I need the presence of the Lord now more than ever. My children need the presence of the Lord now more than ever, and our church needs the presence of the Lord now more than ever, so let's go back to the time at the altar. The Lord promises us: draw near to me, and I will draw near to you, Jeremiah 29:13. We cannot create the Lord’s presence, but when we seek Him, He promises that we will find Him.

I pray that we seek the presence of the Lord and return significance to the time at the altar. Lord, forgive me and make my path to you known. Let revival begin in my heart and spill over to my family and all those seeking a move of the Lord. I am calling for the fresh fire of God to burn in my heart. I pray the Lord moves on our church and draws the sinner to repentance like before. I pray Revival would burn in our hearts and throughout our lives. Lord, you told us the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Lord, Revive us once again.

Pastor Benaiah Snider