Prayer: The Foundation of Spiritual Revival and Power
Summary
Prayer is the seedbed of revival, the foundation upon which every move of God is built. Throughout history, every outpouring of the Spirit, every manifestation of God’s power, can be traced back to earnest, purposeful prayer. When we step out in faith, trusting God to provide, we see His hand move in miraculous ways—healings, deliverances, and transformed lives. But none of this happens without prayer. It is not just a spiritual activity; it is the greatest power God has given us, coupled with His Word and directed by the Holy Spirit.
There are many kinds of prayer outlined in Scripture, each with its own purpose, timing, and function. The prayer of faith, the prayer of consecration, the prayer of commitment, praise and worship, agreement, praying in the Spirit, corporate prayer, supplication, and intercession—all are tools God has given us to approach Him and partner with His will. Understanding these different types allows us to pray effectively and in alignment with God’s heart.
Supplication, in particular, is a heartfelt, earnest request before the Lord. It arises in moments of urgency and is marked by humility and complete dependence on God. Supplication can be made for ourselves, for other believers, and for all people—including those in authority. It is distinct from the prayer of faith or petition, which is often more declarative and focused on receiving by faith. Supplication often leads into intercession, where we stand in the gap for others, moved by the Spirit to pray beyond our own needs.
God calls us not to worry or live in anxiety, but to bring everything to Him by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. As we do, the peace of God guards our hearts and minds. After we pray, we are to meditate on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, keeping our minds fixed on God’s promises rather than our circumstances.
The power of prayer is not in the miracles themselves, but in the relationship with God it cultivates. Great men and women of faith, like Kathryn Kuhlman, understood that prayer is the true source of power, not the public ministry or the visible miracles. Every believer is called to this ministry of prayer—whether seen or unseen, public or private. Before any outward ministry, God calls us first to be people of prayer, to seek Him, to intercede, and to release His purposes on the earth.
Key Takeaways
- Prayer is the foundation of every move of God. Revival, miracles, and spiritual breakthroughs are always preceded by earnest, purposeful prayer. Without prayer, nothing of eternal significance happens, and history testifies that every outpouring of God’s Spirit is rooted in a praying people. [03:39]
- There are diverse kinds of prayer, each with a unique function and timing. Understanding the distinctions—such as the prayer of faith, supplication, intercession, and agreement—enables us to pray with greater effectiveness and alignment with God’s will. This spiritual discernment is essential for mature believers who desire to partner with God’s purposes. [07:27]
- Supplication is more than a casual request; it is a humble, fervent, and heartfelt plea before God. It arises from a place of deep dependence and urgency, often leading us into intercession for others. True supplication is marked by spiritual intensity and a willingness to carry the burdens of others before the Lord. [15:12]
- The peace of God is released when we bring everything to Him in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. After praying, we are called to guard our minds by meditating on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, refusing to let doubt or anxiety undermine our faith. This discipline transforms our inner life and sustains us through trials. [33:48]
- The true power of prayer is found in relationship with God, not in outward results or public recognition. Even the most hidden intercessor, unknown to the world, is honored by God for their faithfulness. Before any public ministry, God calls us to be people of prayer, cultivating intimacy with Him and releasing His purposes through intercession. [42:52]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - The Power and Purpose of God’s Word
[01:46] - Stepping Out in Faith: Early Ministry Stories
[03:39] - Prayer: The Seedbed of Revival
[04:16] - Testimonies of Miracles Through Prayer
[06:09] - The Necessity of Action and Faith
[07:27] - Different Kinds of Prayer in Scripture
[10:03] - Being Led by the Spirit in Prayer
[11:58] - Overview of Biblical Prayers
[13:58] - The Prayer of Supplication Explained
[15:12] - The Heart of Supplication
[17:06] - Supplication for All People and Authorities
[18:25] - Supplication vs. Petition
[20:18] - Faith, Confession, and Seeing Differently
[22:53] - Supplication Leading to Intercession
[24:51] - Praying for All People: 1 Timothy 2
[33:48] - The Peace of God and the Life of the Mind
[38:53] - The Holy Spirit: Our Comforter in Troubled Times
[40:07] - Kathryn Kuhlman and the Power of Prayer
[42:52] - The Hidden Ministry of Intercession
[44:12] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Every Prayer Has Purpose
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### Bible Reading
Philippians 4:6-8 (ESV)
> Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
> First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
> Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 4:6, what are we supposed to do instead of being anxious? What is the result of bringing everything to God in prayer and supplication?
2. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, who are we instructed to pray and make supplication for? What is the intended outcome of these prayers?
3. The sermon mentioned that there are different kinds of prayer in the Bible. Can you name some of the types of prayer listed in the sermon? ([11:58])
4. What is the difference between supplication and the prayer of faith or petition, as explained in the sermon? ([18:25])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul connects prayer and supplication with thanksgiving in Philippians 4:6? How does thanksgiving change the way we pray and the peace we receive? ([09:22])
2. The sermon says that supplication is a “heartfelt, earnest request” and is marked by humility and dependence on God. Why is it important that supplication comes from a place of humility and urgency? ([15:12])
3. The passage in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 says to pray for “all people, for kings and all who are in high positions.” What might be some reasons God wants us to pray for those in authority, even if we don’t agree with them? ([17:06])
4. The sermon teaches that after we pray, we are to meditate on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Why is it important to guard our minds after we pray? ([33:48])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “Prayer is the seedbed of revival. If you trace back in history any revivals, any outpourings, any manifestation of the Spirit and the power of God moving, it always goes back to prayer.” ([03:39])
- Do you believe prayer is the foundation for God moving in your life or in the church? Why or why not?
- What is one area in your life or in our church where you want to see God move, and how can you commit to praying for it this week?
2. The sermon lists different kinds of prayer: faith, consecration, commitment, praise and worship, agreement, praying in the Spirit, corporate prayer, supplication, and intercession. ([11:58])
- Which type of prayer do you use most often?
- Is there a type you feel less comfortable with or rarely practice? What would it look like to try a new kind of prayer this week?
3. Supplication is described as a “humble, earnest, and heartfelt plea before God,” often for urgent needs. ([15:12])
- Can you think of a time when you prayed with this kind of intensity?
- Is there a need in your life or someone else’s that you feel led to bring to God in supplication right now?
4. The sermon says, “God calls us not to worry or live in anxiety, but to bring everything to Him by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.” ([09:22])
- What is something you are anxious about right now?
- How can you bring it to God in prayer and supplication, and what would it look like to add thanksgiving to your prayers?
5. After praying, we are told to meditate on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. ([33:48])
- What thoughts tend to fill your mind after you pray?
- Are there negative or anxious thoughts you need to replace with God’s truth?
- What is one practical way you can “guard your mind” this week after you pray?
6. The sermon highlights that the true power of prayer is found in relationship with God, not in outward results or public recognition. ([42:52])
- Do you ever feel like your prayers don’t matter if you don’t see immediate results?
- How can you focus more on your relationship with God in prayer, rather than just the outcomes?
7. The pastor shared that before any public ministry, God calls us to be people of prayer, cultivating intimacy with Him. ([43:31])
- Is there a step you can take this week to deepen your personal prayer life?
- What might be holding you back from spending more time in prayer, and how can you overcome it?
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person grow in understanding and practice of prayer, and to experience His peace and presence in a deeper way.
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