p. 3 | The Prophet's Prayer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 23, 1905

The Prophet's Prayer

To the prophet Habakkuk was revealed the impending destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Chaldeans. Of this he said: “Destruction and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention riseth up.” He was distinctly told that this work would be wrought in his days. These were the words of the Lord: “Behold ye among the nations, and look, and wonder marvelously; for I am working a work in your days, which ye will not believe though it be told to you.” In view of this situation the prophet offered that wonderful prayer which is printed on the first page of this issue. The one petition which he urges is this: “O Jehovah, revive thy work in the midst of the years; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”

As a basis for expecting that the Lord would renew in behalf of his people his work of mercy and deliverance, the prophet recites in brief poetical outline the evidences of divine favor shown toward the Israelites, from Sinai to the occupation of the land of Canaan. He “represents Jehovah as appearing in glorious majesty on Sinai, 3, 4; describes the ravages of the plague in the desert, 5; the consternation into which the nations were thrown by the victorious approach of the Hebrews to Canaan, and their wars with the inhabitants, 6-10; specially refers to the celestial phenomenon at Gibeon, 11; and then sets forth the auspicious results of the interposition of God on behalf of his people, 12-15. The prophet concludes by resuming the subject of the introduction, 16; and strongly asserting his unshaken confidence in God in the midst of the anticipated calamity, 17-19.”

The parallel between Habakkuk's time and our own is very clear. The calamity which now impends is the destruction of the world and all sinners in it at the coming of the Lord. Again the scenes of destruction and violence are presented. Again “there is strife, and contention riseth up.” It is therefore most fitting that God's people to-day should pray the prayer of Habakkuk: “O Jehovah, revive thy work in the midst of the years.” There is great need that the Lord should reveal himself in working a mighty work in behalf of his cause and his people. We are suffering from the need of a revival of his working in our own hearts to give us complete victory over besetting sins. His cause is suffering from the need of a reviving power in the proclamation of this message among the nations of the earth. This is a work for which neither intellectual keenness nor human devising can suffice. The Lord must revive his work, and reveal his own omnipotence. In this is our hope of victory. For this let us earnestly pray.

“Revive thy work, O Lord! Exalt thy precious name! And may thy love in every heart Be kindled to a flame! “Revive thy work, O Lord! Give pentecostal showers! Be thine the glory, thine alone! The blessing, Lord, be ours!”