The Finney-Nash Effect (part 3) – Richy Clark
Revival and Prayer Movements Taking Cities Together!
Recently, I was leading worship for a small prayer gathering in California. 40 or so people gathered in an old Baptist church, that was apparently no longer Baptist. When worship ended, a friend of mine got up to share his burden for California, and then we opened the mic for others to pray as the rest of the room joined in agreement. After about 3 prayers, a young man took the mic and, as if to do us all a favor, declared enthusiastically, “We don’t need to pray for revival, revival is already here!” From the worship leader position, I had a front row seat to watch the response in the room. About a third of the congregants nodded their heads in agreement; the rest of the room was either deflated or slightly irritated. I had a sudden “opportunity” to say a few things.
1. Prayers for “revival” are for the advancement and enforcement of what Christ has done. The kingdom has landed, and we get to pray it forth with authority because Christ has “disarmed principalities.” Is there still injustice? Yes. We pray this “revival” into the injustices of our time. (Is 9:7, Col 2:15)
2. Our “completeness” in Christ does not mean we stop praying for the salvation of others or for our own fresh “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” The reality of our positional perfection before God is not in conflict with these kind of prayers, it empowers them. We are sanctified and “being sanctified.” The earth has been redeemed and is being redeemed. ( 2 Pet 1:3, Acts 4:31 )
3. A burden of prayer, or travailing prayer is not based in someone looking for acceptance from God, or for the ear of God. Instead, it is someone who has been marked with the heart of Jesus, who, having “joy above His companions,” wept over the death of Lazarus. The miracles of Jesus were done as He was “moved with compassion.” He invites us to share His burdens. ( This can also be likened to what Paul described as spiritual groanings.) ( John 11:35, Rom 12:15, Rom 8:26)
4. The blood of Jesus has disarmed principalities, having not yet displaced them; we get to do that! Father Nash operated in this principle, praying in advance for Finney-led revival meetings. The “breakthrough” that Nash would testify of after laboring for days in prayer, could very likely have been the rushing in of angelic assistance (as in Daniel 10), the binding of the demonic “strong man” in the lives of individuals, or the displacement of regional principalities. ( Mark 3:27,Col 2:15, Eph 6:12 )
The young man in our prayer meeting probably had a history of God responding to his faith! That is, if we go out and share Christ and pray for the sick, we will see results, regardless of the oppression or the sin of a city! Jesus likes people and moves in response to our faith. There is something to be said for just “going for it” in a city!
More intercessors could use a dose of faith and works mixed with their prayers. More revivalists could use a dose of a prayer burden mixed with compassion. This will all mature together in the coming days!
So, while “possessing all things”, we wrestle (disarmed) principalities by operating in faith for the advancement of a Kingdom that has already landed. Amen.
May the Finney/Nash testimony inspire you to deeper levels of Holy Spirit-burdened prayer and faith in His power to transform cities through an overcoming, faith-filled Church. - Richy Clark
