Indicators of Spiritual Awakening in the Church and Culture
Special Thanks to AWAKENING AMERICA ALLIANCE
Indicator of Awakening: "Increasing testimony of the manifest presence of God" (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "Breakdowns in racial, social, and status barriers as Christ's Church celebrates together--Jesus" (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Increased conversions and baptisms" (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "A restoration of morality, ethical foundations, and accountability among leaders of church and government, business and politics" (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Amplified participation in corporate as well as individual prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines, leading to more effective discipleship." (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "A transformation of society through the restoration of Christ's influence in the arts, media, and communications." (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "A decrease in divorces and renewed commitment to marriage between a man and a woman in covenant relationship as God intends." (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "Increased care for the hungry and homeless, the most vulnerable and needy." (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Imparting faith to children and youth, as parents are equipped by the church to become primary disciplers of their children." (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "Young adults, students, and children embracing the claims and lifestyle of Christ through the witness of peers who live and love as Jesus." (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Among churches, a passionate pursuit for the well-being of their cities through the planting of new congregations, benevolent ministries, practical service, and focused evangelism." (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "Community and national leaders seeking out the Church as an answer to society's problems." (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Commitment to radical generosity as evidenced by compassion ministries and global missions" (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "Increased care for children as 'gifts from the Lord' as the gospel addresses abortion, adoption, foster care, and child well-being." (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Improved health among ministers as evidenced by their joy, reduced resignations, healthy, loving relationships within their families, and an increased response among young people called to the ministry." (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "Righteous relations between men and women: decrease in divorce rates, cohabitation, same-sex relations, sexual abuse, sexual trafficking, out-of-wedlock children, and STDs." (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Christians involved in bold witness accompanied by miracles, dramatic conversions, and Holy Spirit-empowered victories over evil." (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "An awakening to the 'fear of the Lord' rather than the approval of people, thus restoring integrity and credibility." (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Heightened expressions of love and unity among all believers, as demonstrated by the unity of pastors and leaders." (Church)
Indicator of Awakening: "Neighborhood transformation and an accompanying decrease of social ills through 'loving your neighbor' in service, compassion, and unity." (Culture)
Indicator of Awakening: "Increasing testimony of the manifest presence of God" (Church)
- Pray that God's presence will be manifested through conviction of sin and salvations.
- Pray that God's presence will be manifested through healings.
- Pray that God's presence will be manifested through deliverance from life-controlling issues.
- Pray that God's presence will be manifested through transformed relationships.
- Pray that God's presence will be manifested through alignment with biblical standards of holiness.
- Pray that God's presence will be manifested through joyful worship.
- Pray that God's presence will be manifested through increased peace, harmony, and unity within the body of Christ.
Indicator of Awakening: "Breakdowns in racial, social, and status barriers as Christ's Church celebrates together--Jesus" (Culture)
- Pray that a spirit of repentance, contrition, and humility will spread throughout the culture, dissolving racial prejudices.
- Pray for unity and cooperation among ethnic groups, evidenced by equality and mutual respect.
- Pray for appreciation of the differences and unique cultural contributions of ethnic and racial groups.
- Pray that people from all racial and ethnic groups will feel welcome in houses of worship.
- Pray that people will be regarded with worth and dignity regardless of socio-economic status.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will break down walls of division based on gender, race, ethnicity, and social groupings, bringing unity to the body of Christ.
- Pray that the Church will be a place where "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28, NIV).
Indicator of Awakening: "Increased conversions and baptisms" (Church)
- Pray that a burden to win people to Jesus Christ will captivate the hearts of all Christ's followers.
- Pray that a powerful move of the Holy Spirit will convict people's hearts of their sin and remind them of their need for Christ.
- Pray that believers will be sensitive to the Spirit's leading when they find opportunities to share their faith.
- Pray for boldness among Christians everywhere to share their faith with others.
- Pray that believers will forge redemptive relationships with non-believers in neighborhoods and in the marketplace.
- Pray that churches will be open and receptive to people seeking to know Christ.
- Pray that new believers will follow Christ's example in water baptism and be discipled in their newfound faith.
Indicator of Awakening: "A restoration of morality, ethical foundations, and accountability among leaders of church and government, business and politics" (Culture)
- Pray that government and church leaders will be awakened to the need to abide by biblical standards of morality and ethics.
- Pray that leaders will be accountable first to God, then to others in authority over them, as well as to those they lead and serve.
- Pray that the moral decline will be reversed as the Holy Spirit convinces the world of sin and righteousness.
- Pray that the hearts and minds of leaders at all levels will be guarded.
- Pray that leaders in the church will exert a strong, positive influence for good and righteousness in the culture.
- Pray for a renewal of righteous standards in our culture.
- Pray that godly leaders in the marketplace will demonstrate adherence to biblical values.
Indicator of Awakening: "Amplified participation in corporate as well as individual prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines, leading to more effective discipleship." (Church)
- Pray that a burden for prayer will grip Christians across our nation.
- Pray that believers will spend time each day in prayer, seeking God's help in their lives and for the world around them.
- Pray for a surge of participation in prayer gatherings at churches, homes, and on prayer teams.
- Pray for renewed commitment to fasting as a means of giving greater intentionality to prayer and intercession.
- Pray that a greater attention be given to both prayer and Bible study throughout the Church.
- Pray that believers will be faithful to participate in the worship and discipleship ministries of their churches.
- Pray that a renewed commitment to spiritual disciplines will result in holy living, loving relationships, and obedience to God's Word.
Indicator of Awakening: "A transformation of society through the restoration of Christ's influence in the arts, media, and communications." (Culture)
- Pray that electronic and print media will be used to proclaim the gospel in increasingly powerful and effective ways.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will infuse godly people with creativity as they seek ways to use current media to minister to the culture.
- Pray that people gifted in the arts and media will devote their lives to Christ and use their gifts to spread the gospel to the culture.
- Pray for God's protection upon creative communicators as they counter the pervasive influence of immorality within the media and throughout the culture.
- Pray that productions upholding biblical values will be done with excellence and spiritual integrity.
- Pray that God will raise up courageous and creative writers, actors, artists, musicians, broadcasters, and Internet technicians who can communicate truth in compelling ways.
- Pray that divine truth will pervade the communication mainstream of our culture and bring millions of people to Christ.
Indicator of Awakening: "A decrease in divorces and renewed commitment to marriage between a man and a woman in covenant relationship as God intends." (Church)
- Pray that the rate of divorce within the Church, now mirroring that of unchurched society, will become vastly lower.
- Pray that Christian husbands and wives will cultivate intimacy with God and with one another.
- Pray that lines of communication will be open and honest between husbands and wives.
- Pray that husbands and wives will spend time individually and together in prayer and Bible study.
- Pray that legislative efforts to define marriage as other than between a man and a woman will be defeated.
- Pray that the ministries of the church will encourage and strengthen marriage relationships.
- Pray that marriage and family relationships will be centered upon the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Indicator of Awakening: "Increased care for the hungry and homeless, the most vulnerable and needy." (Culture)
- Pray that society will demonstrate increasing compassion toward people trapped in poverty and need.
- Pray for generous giving to agencies that supply help to the homeless, hungry, and abused.
- Pray that those looking for jobs will be able to find good employment.
- Pray for God's provision and blessing upon homeless shelters and shelters for the abused, neglected, and abandoned.
- Pray that people trapped in the cycle of poverty will be regarded with worth and dignity.
- Pray for God's protection and care on victims of natural disasters, crime, and terrorism.
- Pray that indifference toward human need will be replaced by genuine compassion.
Indicator of Awakening: "Imparting faith to children and youth, as parents are equipped by the church to become primary disciplers of their children." (Church)
- Pray that parents will acknowledge and act upon their God-given responsibility as primary disciplers of their children.
- Pray that parents will commit to spending time in prayer and Bible study with their children.
- Pray that parents will openly share with and demonstrate their faith to their children.
- Pray that parents will actively intervene to protect their children against the ungodly influences of the media.
- Pray for God's wisdom upon parents as they counsel and guide their children in times of doubt or conflict.
- Pray that the church will provide meaningful instruction and compelling resources for parents to use in shaping their children's lives socially, relationally, and spiritually.
- Pray that churches will acknowledge the need to strategically invest in building strong families.
Indicator of Awakening: "Young adults, students, and children embracing the claims and lifestyle of Christ through the witness of peers who live and love as Jesus." (Culture)
- Pray for God's blessing upon children, youth, and young adults as they share their faith with their peers.
- Pray that they find courage and boldness to stand for goodness and righteousness in the face of opposition and persecution.
- Pray that they will support and encourage one another to grow in their faith in and relationship with Christ.
- Pray that they will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance as He presents them with opportunities to share their faith.
- Pray that their lifestyles will exemplify godly values.
- Pray that non-believing youth and young adults will be presented with authentic witness of the gospel, backed by personal integrity.
- Pray for God's protection upon Christian children, youth, and young adults as they stand for Christ in challenging times.
Indicator of Awakening: "Among churches, a passionate pursuit for the well-being of their cities through the planting of new congregations, benevolent ministries, practical service, and focused evangelism." (Church)
- Pray that churches and church leaders will capture a vision for spiritual change in their communities, developing compassionate hearts for all who are spiritually lost.
- Pray that congregations will open their hearts to helping establish new churches in areas needing a witness of the gospel.
- Pray the newly established churches will receive the financial resources needed, and will effectively reach their communities.
- Pray that congregations will seize a vision for helping to meet the tangible needs of the poor in their communities.
- Pray that Christians will cultivate their unique gifts, stepping out in faith to minister through the Spirit's leading.
- Pray that pastors and leaders would discover new and unique ideas for reaching their neighborhoods and communities.
- Pray that God will invigorate Christians with a passion to sacrifice the time and energy necessary to pray for their communities.
Indicator of Awakening: "Community and national leaders seeking out the Church as an answer to society's problems." (Culture)
- Pray that Christians will reflect an accurate and consistent testimony of Christ through words, actions, and attitudes.
- Pray that pastors, teachers, and other spiritual leaders will present the gospel accurately and without compromise.
- Pray that leaders in society will grasp the folly of ignoring God when seeking to solve complex problems and issues.
- Pray that the Church will shine forth as a spiritual Body rather than a human organization.
- Pray that community leaders will look to churches as a source of help for the poor and hurting.
- Pray that society's leaders will respect and embrace the Christian teachings on which our nation was founded.
- Pray that churches will exhibit qualities of unity, love, and humility that will open the hearts of leaders to hear their message.
Indicator of Awakening: "Commitment to radical generosity as evidenced by compassion ministries and global missions" (Church)
- Pray that Christians will gain greater willingness to reset their priorities regarding time and money, as God directs them.
- Pray that Christians will respect and value the poor and hurting around them, avoiding the temptation to ascribe worth based on temporal values.
- Pray that Christians will remain generous and sacrificial even when their own lives are affected by financial uncertainty.
- Pray that churches will grasp the value to caring for the needy in their communities and around the world.
- Pray that churches will respond to requests for support from new missionaries struggling to meet their budgets.
- Pray that the poor and needy will be greeted with love and compassion when visiting a church for the first time.
- Pray that churches will increase their budgets for compassion ministries and missions around the world.
Indicator of Awakening: "Increased care for children as 'gifts from the Lord' as the gospel addresses abortion, adoption, foster care, and child well-being." (Culture)
- Pray that society will regain a rightful, godly respect for human life, young and old, born and unborn.
- Pray that women grappling with whether or not to abort will find the courage and strength to choose life.
- Pray the Christians will support ministries and programs that help women who choose life over abortion.
- Pray that congregations will respond with godly compassion and love when one of their own faces an unplanned pregnancy.
- Pray that Christians will minister in love, rather than respond with scorn, when confronted with a woman struggling through guilt and pain over a past abortion.
- Pray that churches will offer financial and/or prayer support to ministries and agencies that aid in adoption and foster care.
- Pray that children in foster care, as well as in dysfunctional family situations, will recognize the unique value God has placed on their lives--a value affirmed by Christians who will care for and mentor them.
Indicator of Awakening: "Improved health among ministers as evidenced by their joy, reduced resignations, healthy, loving relationships within their families, and an increased response among young people called to the ministry." (Church)
- Pray that ministers will maintain proper priorities with regard to God, the family, and ministry.
- Pray that a spirit of unity, cooperation, and respect will flourish between pastors, church leaders, and congregations.
- Pray for good health among ministers and their families, particularly those with limited incomes or little health insurance.
- Pray that the children of ministers will develop strong, growing relationships with God and their families.
- Pray that ministers and their families will develop strong friendships with other ministers as they face the challenges and loneliness that can accompany ministry.
- Pray that ministers will cultivate strong, God-centered marriages, maintaining purity in thought, action, and relationship with others.
- Pray that an increasing number of children and youth will hear and respond to God's call to ministry.
Indicator of Awakening: "Righteous relations between men and women: decrease in divorce rates, cohabitation, same-sex relations, sexual abuse, sexual trafficking, out-of-wedlock children, and STDs." (Culture)
- Pray that Christians will model to society a godly view of sexuality through words and actions.
- Pray that society will see the value of sacrificial love and faithfulness in marriage.
- Pray that Christians will seize opportunities to minister to unbelieving friends and coworkers contemplating divorce.
- Pray that children and vulnerable adults will be protected from sexual abuse.
- Pray that the Church will stand strong for biblical teachings regarding sexuality, monogamy, and marriage.
- Pray that those saved out of immoral heterosexual as well as homosexual backgrounds will find godly love, acceptance, and nurturing in their local churches.
- Pray that God protects the young and vulnerable from sexual trafficking, and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
Indicator of Awakening: "Christians involved in bold witness accompanied by miracles, dramatic conversions, and Holy Spirit-empowered victories over evil." (Church)
- Pray that Christians will stand boldly for Christ regardless of ridicule, rejection, or other consequences.
- Pray for a resurgence of the miraculous accompanying the preaching of the gospel.
- Pray that Christians will experience increasing discernment and wisdom when confronted with evil and false teaching.
- Pray that Christians will be both bold and wise as they explore and encounter spiritual warfare.
- Pray that Christians will grow in their reliance on the Holy Spirit, recognizing their need for spiritual power.
- Pray that churches welcome and embrace supernatural manifestations in their ministries and services.
- Pray that God will provide for evangelists and evangelistic ministries, as well as increase their influence and impact on society.
Indicator of Awakening: "An awakening to the 'fear of the Lord' rather than the approval of people, thus restoring integrity and credibility." (Culture)
- Pray that Christians affirm to society their profession of faith by living a consistent, godly life.
- Pray that unbelievers will recognize and embrace the joy and benefits of living for God over self.
- Pray that society will turn to churches and Christians when looking for a sincere depiction of Christianity--and that churches and Christians will deliver such a depiction.
- Pray that believers will model integrity to society in even small, seemingly unseen ways.
- Pray that civil authorities and civic leaders will deal justly and fairly with all people, regardless of social or economic status.
- Pray that political leaders will act honorably and honestly, avoiding the temptation to ignore or exploit any segment of society.
- Pray that society will increasingly look to the Bible as the foundational teaching on ethics and morality.
Indicator of Awakening: "Heightened expressions of love and unity among all believers, as demonstrated by the unity of pastors and leaders." (Church)
- Pray that local churches will work together in unity to win their neighborhoods and communities for Christ.
- Pray that denominational leaders at every level will lay aside nonessential differences to better lead God's people in doing the work of His kingdom.
- Pray that Christians will have the humility and discernment to separate essential and nonessential issues in their relationshps with other believers.
- Pray that Christian leaders from diverse backgrounds will find new and effective ways to work together for God's kingdom.
- Pray that Christians and churches will not be divided by racial, social, or economic issues or attitudes.
- Pray that God will challenge congregations to find new passion for ministries they never before envisioned.
- Pray that Christians will demonstrate their love for one another in increasingly tangible and practical ways.
Indicator of Awakening: "Neighborhood transformation and an accompanying decrease of social ills through 'loving your neighbor' in service, compassion, and unity." (Culture)
- Pray that the communities will increase their efforts at being a proactive force for good throughout society.
- Pray for growth in vision for helping the poor and needy.
- Pray for effective means to help those trapped by drug addiction and alcohol.
- Pray that victims of crime will find help and comfort among Christians.
- Pray that churches and ministries that reach out to the inner city and poverty stricken areas will be sought out by the community.
- Pray for creative and biblically based methods for reaching the troubled youth of our nation.
- Pray that God will send Christians and ministries to areas of the nation currently lacking a strong gospel witness.