By John Abiola
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:9 (KJV).
There are times when God places a burden upon a believer or intercessor that goes beyond ordinary prayer. Such burdens are often connected to revival, repentance, salvation of souls, awakening, restoration, and the advancement of the gospel.
In Scripture, we see that whenever God opens doors for His work, there is often resistance, opposition, delay, discouragement, or spiritual conflict.
The apostle Paul himself said that a great and effective door had been opened to him, yet there were many adversaries. This teaches us that open doors and opposition can exist at the same time.
During seasons of prayer and intercession, believers may become more aware of the spiritual condition of families, churches, cities, and nations. This awareness is not to produce fear, but to draw us into deeper prayer, dependence on God, repentance, and faith.
As I continued in prayer concerning revival, mission, intercession, and the spread of the gospel, a strong burden came into my heart concerning nations, especially the need for spiritual awakening, repentance, and restoration of biblical truth in the Church.
The United States of America was also strongly laid upon my heart in prayer, especially concerning revival, prayer, and the salvation of souls across different communities and churches.
In history, we can see that God has moved mightily in past revival seasons in different parts of the world, including the United States and cities like Chicago.
For example:
The 18th-century Great Awakening was associated with ministers such as Jonathan Edwards, who preached repentance and the urgency of turning back to God.
The frontier revivals in America were also influenced by evangelists like Charles Finney, who emphasized repentance, prayer, and personal conversion.
The Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles was used powerfully through William J. Seymour, bringing a global Pentecostal movement focused on prayer, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual renewal.
In Chicago, revival and evangelism movements were also strongly influenced in earlier generations by ministries such as those connected with Dwight L. Moody, who carried a burden for souls, evangelism, and mass outreach.
These historical revivals remind us that God has not finished His work. He is still able to awaken cities, churches, and nations when His people return to Him in prayer, humility, repentance, and obedience.
As I prayed further, the burden in my heart became centered on revival: that churches would awaken again, that prayer altars would be restored, that many souls would come to Christ, that believers would return to holiness and biblical truth, and that God would raise intercessors and laborers for the harvest.
The Scriptures that came strongly during prayer were connected to repentance and returning to God, reminding us that revival is always linked to humility and obedience.
We are living in a generation where many people are searching for hope, truth, peace, and purpose. Yet God is still calling people back to Himself through prayer, repentance, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
God still raises intercessors who will stand in the gap for families, churches, cities, and nations. He still burdens believers for revival and awakening. He still calls laborers into His harvest field.
Sometimes the assignment God gives may involve another city or nation according to His purpose. These seasons require prayer, patience, humility, and trust in God’s timing.
The important thing is not personal ambition, but obedience to God and faithfulness to His purpose…If God opens a door, no one can shut it. And if God assigns a work, He is also able to provide grace, direction, provision, relationships, partnerships, and every help needed according to His will.
Concluding Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness.
We ask that You awaken Your Church again to prayer, repentance, holiness, and obedience.
Lord, let revival break forth in our generation in churches, cities, and nations.
Restore the fire of prayer and the burden for souls among Your people.
Raise intercessors who will stand in the gap faithfully for families, churches, and nations.
Let every spiritual barrier hindering the gospel and revival be broken in the name of Jesus Christ.
Open doors for Your servants according to Your perfect will, and give grace, wisdom, and strength to walk in obedience.
Let many souls be saved, and let Jesus Christ alone be glorified in all the nations of the earth in mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
For further reflection and deeper understanding of this burden, you may also read:
America’s Moral Descent and Hope for a New Awakening.https://churchtimesnigeria.net/americas-moral-descent-and-hope-for-a-new-awakening-by-john-abiola/
Stirring an Awakening in John Abiola’s Revive Us Again book:https://churchtimesnigeria.net/stirring-an-awakening-in-john-abiolas-revive-us-again
(Available as free online reading materials)
Revive Us Again series 135.
Revive Us Again — A Global Prayer Movement for Worldwide Revival
By John Abiola
Intercessor | Revival Voice
Nigeria Global Intercessors.
For collaboration, publication, prayer alignment, or partnership, and if the Lord lays it on your heart to partner with this work in any way, please respond as He leads you:
globalintercessors7@gmail.com
nigeriaglobalintercessorsngi@gmail.com
prophetjohnabiola97@gmail.com.
