“When they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.”—Acts 4:31 NASB

The ministry of Charles Finney brought revival throughout the United States in the 19th century. Why was his ministry so powerful? So effective? He pointed to the impact of prayer.

As soon as he arrived in a town, he looked for people who could pray for his ministry, people committed to prayer. He knew there could be no breakthroughs without prayer. Describing the impact, Finney once said, “Nothing tends more to cement the hearts of Christians than praying together.”

In one town, he told of one woman in feeble health who “kept praying more and more” until she experienced a breakthrough. A revival broke out throughout that region, and many were saved.

In Antwerp, New York, few people had an interest in the things of God. Looking for people who would join him in prayer, Finney found only two or three women who were praying people. This might have seemed insignificant, but Finney knew that this was all he needed. They started praying, and revival broke out.

These experiences parallel the experience of the early church. When they gathered for prayer, “the place where they had gathered together was shaken.” Believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with boldness.

The Bible reminds us that God rewards people who seek Him through dedicated prayer. Truly powerful things can happen when we pray. Today, dedicate yourself to prayer—persistent, dedicated prayer.

Reflection Question: Write out your prayer for today.