By Reverend Phil Parker, Ministry Director
There has been much talk of a ‘quiet revival’ following the Bible Society’s significant report by that name in 2025. Despite the report being recently retracted and some voices claiming it fails to reflect reality, there does seem to be a renewed interest in spiritual issues among some in the UK.
The notion of revival arises from a dual reality: firstly, that God is the decisive source of all spiritual life and secondly, that humans can still drift into states of spiritual indifference. This pattern shows the ongoing need for revival: the hope of a renewed outpouring of God’s life-giving Spirit to restore and invigorate His people.
At a recent Bible study with a group of serving soldiers in their 20’s and 30’s, it was impressed upon me by one, that his generation are dissatisfied with the superficial and crave authenticity. They are open to traditional answers to their questions and wisdom from the past. There is good evidence that this is what is providing a platform for the gospel to be heard by the younger generations, making them a more willing audience.
Many of our Scripture Readers are witnessing this openness with those they work with. Gospel conversations are better received, Bible study groups better supported, chapel services see larger numbers attending, professions of faith are more frequent, and backslidden Christians are showing signs of renewed commitment. This is by no means universal and growth remains modest. But there are signs that some people’s search for authenticity is leading them in the right direction.
Scripture is replete with prayers for such renewal. Psalm 85:6 asks, ‘Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?’ Similarly, Habakkuk 3:2 records, ‘O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.’
The prayers of Paul also reflect this need for spiritual awakening. Few prayers in the Bible have such a reviving, challenging and renewing effect as Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3, where he prays that believers might be ‘strengthened with power through God’s Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith’ (Eph. 3:16-17). This prayer reflects a deep desire for a renewed spiritual vitality among believers – a heart’s cry prompted by the recognition of how far one may fall short of being filled with all the fullness of God.
Let’s echo the prayers of the Bible, that God would bring renewal to His church and draw many who remain outside of Christ to know and serve Him. And let’s pray that God would continue to use our Scripture Readers to hold out the Word of Life, that all might hear and by God’s grace respond.
PRAY WITH US
- Pray that Scripture Readers would have continued opportunities to speak into the questions that people are asking with the truth of Christ.
- Pray for true and lasting spiritual revival among those serving in the Armed Forces.
