Christine Stride is Executive Assistant to the Baptist National Leader and works at the Baptist National Support Centre in Auckland. She is a member of Titirangi Baptist Church in Auckland.
Together In Prayer is a call for people in Baptist churches across Aotearoa New Zealand to pray. Every September as one family of churches, we will pray for God’s transforming work in our communities, nation and world.
Below are some prayer points and scripture you may find helpful as you pray on the theme of this week - locally, nationally, and globally. Perhaps use one section a day for three days this week or come back several times repeating this prayer focus. You could also use these prayer guides in your small group or in your prayer group.
Revival
Revival could be described as a reawakening; an event that brings dormant believers back to life, converts non-believers and transforms communities. The best example from scripture would be the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. When revival occurs, we see radical generosity, spectacular growth of the church, signs and wonders, and selfless devotion to Christian community.
For more information about Revival and prayer, watch the 3-minute video by Denise Tims below.
Pray
Local
- For personal revival
Lord, revive our hearts and draw us closer to You. Renew our passion for prayer, Your Word, and Your presence. Fill us with fresh joy, unwavering faith, and a steadfast desire to follow You wholeheartedly.
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6
- For revival among mature believers
Father, revive those who have walked with you for many years. Where faith has become routine or spiritual enthusiasm has faded, rekindle a fresh love for Christ, a hunger for truth, and renewed joy in serving you. May mature believers remain steadfast and become powerful examples to the next generation.
Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Psalm 51:12
- For revival in our local church
Lord, bring revival to our church. Unite us around Your truth, deepen our love for one another, and fill us with courage to share the gospel. May our church be a place where people encounter Your presence and lives are changed. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19
- For revival among young people
Father, awaken a generation of young people who courageously live for Christ. Fill them with joy, conviction, and a passion for truth. May they be steadfast in faith and bold in their witness.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
- For revival in our community
Lord, let revival overflow into our neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, and homes. May people experience your love, discover your truth, and find lasting hope through Jesus Christ.
You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others. Matthew 5:14-16
National
- For a national hunger for God
Lord, stir hearts across our nation to seek You. May people turn to Your truth and discover the hope, joy, and peace found in Christ. Let revival begin with a genuine desire to know you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
- For revival in the church
Father, revive your Church throughout our nation. Fill believers with courage to stand firm in faith, steadfast love for your word, and fresh joy in serving your kingdom.
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31
- For revival among leaders
Lord, raise up leaders marked by wisdom, integrity, humility, and truth. May they lead with courage and seek the welfare of all people, creating a culture that values justice and righteousness.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12
- For revival among those who serve others
Father, refresh and strengthen healthcare workers, teachers, caregivers, social workers, and all who serve our communities. Fill them with renewed joy, steadfast endurance, and the courage to continue making a difference in the lives of others.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
- For revival across future generations
Lord, bring revival across every generation in our nation. May children, youth, adults, and seniors be united in faith and purpose. Raise up people who are courageous in sharing your truth, steadfast in their commitment to you, and filled with joy as they live for your kingdom. Let revival spread from one generation to the next, creating a lasting legacy of faith.
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4
Pour out your Spirit on your offspring, and your blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3
- For a global hunger for God and his truth
Lord, bring revival across the nations by stirring hearts to seek you. May people from every culture and background develop a deep hunger for your truth, a growing belief in your promises, and a willingness to follow Jesus with courage and conviction.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17
Global
- For revival through the global Church and the spread of the gospel
Lord, thank you for the way you are using believers from every nation to advance your kingdom. We especially thank you for Christians who have come from places of hardship, persecution, and poverty, whose deep faith, courage, and dependence on you have become a powerful witness in many Western nations. Let revival spread through diverse communities; may their steadfastness, joy, and commitment to your truth inspire many to follow Christ wholeheartedly
- For revival among young people and future generations
Lord, awaken children, youth, and young adults around the world to know and love You. Fill them with courage to stand for truth, steadfastness in the face of pressure, and joy in living for your kingdom.
Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
- For revival in places of hardship and persecution
Father, pour out Your Spirit in regions facing conflict, persecution, poverty, and suffering. Strengthen believers with courage, deepen their belief in Your faithfulness, and help them remain steadfast as lights for Christ in difficult circumstances.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
- For revival through the spread of the gospel
Lord, let revival spread throughout the world as people encounter the good news of Jesus. Give believers courage to share their faith, steadfastness to remain faithful to your calling, belief that you are still at work, joy in serving your kingdom, and confidence in the truth of your word. May many come to know Christ and experience the hope found in him.
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. Acts 1:8
Young People Living boldly for God
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example...1 Timothy 4:12
Share what you feel God is saying
There is an online form here to share what you think God might be saying to the Baptist churches of New Zealand at this time.
