New methodologies, contemporary worship services, cell groups  all are instruments God has used and may continue to use in the years ahead. But they are only methodologies. Something far deeper and more significant is taking place today.
Leonard Sweet notes that in "the deterministic world of modern science, prayer didn't make sense." However, he continues, "The postmodern world, where ultimate reality is spirit, has virtually returned us to a more biblical outlook on the world."
Citing Ken Briggs of the New York Times Magazine, Sweet notes, "A prayer revival is the most powerful, least documented development within modern American religion today." Briggs is one of the few voices of understanding in a wilderness of spiritual misunderstanding.
According to Sweet, the "new paradigm churches" will reclaim the tradition of prayer. In reality, the new paradigm churches are a return to an old paradigm, i.e. traditional churches. Consider Sweet's plea for a return to the basics: "It is time for some hermeneutical retrievals of the old-fashioned ‘prayer meeting,' the ‘concerts of prayer,' and ‘prayer breakfasts.' It is also important to celebrate ‘answered prayers' publicly, something already being called by some as ‘thank you notes to God.'"
King Solomon led ancient Israel in the building of a new and magnificent temple to be the home for the presence of God. Great times of celebration, sacrifice and consecration marked the completion of the temple. Crowds gathered for celebration from all parts of Israel.
Finally the celebration ended. The people returned to their homes and Solomon returned to the royal palace. That very night the Lord appeared to King Solomon and told him what really mattered. Temples and palaces were okay, but a people turned to God in prayer was the sacrifice of service God required.
The Lord spoke these words to the king: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14).
God's people are praying. Many churches are being renewed. The prayer movement is touching many places in America.
Over the past several years I have accumulated many books and articles about possible spiritual awakenings in America. Most of them predict that an awakening is near. It is my belief, however, that the abundant evidence of a great prayer movement means that the awakening is even closer than we think. Many churches are being renewed. Look for even more fruit-bearing among these churches in the 21st century. And keep alert and awake or you could miss one of God's greatest movements in our land.
Read the rest of this series:
An American prayer movement: Intercessors and repentance
An American prayer movement: Stories and stats show growth
An American prayer movement: Learning from church history
An American prayer movement: Looking at the Korean model
An American prayer movement
