As a Southern Baptist pastor in Florida, I have been asked to help gather pastors and leaders together in our region (northeastern Florida) for the purpose of prayer and renewal. This is foundational for what God has led our state convention to do regarding our mission to be salt and light in this dark, dying world.
As I have gathered with numerous pastors and leaders over the past few months, with more gatherings to come, we have talked,, shared and laughed together. Then, we have taken the time to intentionally and strategically pray for each other, our churches and our state.
These prayer gatherings have been powerful. These are not orchestrated "days of prayer" that we often see done with fanfare, graphic designs, posters and T-shirts, but organic, natural times of gathering together and praying.
For the next few days, I will highlight some of the specifics we, as pastors and leader, are praying for and share with you what we believe must happen for renewal and revival to come to Florida.
The prayer "points" were given to Dr. Clayton Cloer as God revealed them to him, and he has shared them with us.
Prayer Point 1: Brokennes over the "Lostness" of our state and need for revival
Problem: Sometimes we as believers and churches have a lack of concern for the unsaved.
Symptoms: No salvations or baptisms in many of our churches. Stagnant or declined growth and community impact.
Scripture:
- Psalm 51:17(ESV)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. - Psalm 34:18(ESV)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Our Prayer: Let us see the multitude moved with compassion. Burden our hearts for the desperate need of salvation for the people of our state and need for revival in our churches, and then use us to implement a dramatic repentance.
Please join me and other pastors throughout Florida as we pray for a new brokenness over the spiritual state of Florida. Let us be willing tools of God to see His Kingdom grow.
For more on this grass-roots movement to revive and renew our churches, go to www.revisionflorida.org.