Thirsting for the Lord in Dry Ground

Many are sensing a deep dryness, a hunger for God to move with fresh power in our hearts, homes, and churches. Scripture speaks of such seasons and calls us to respond with humble dependence and obedient faith.

The Word uses the picture of rain for the blessing of God and the working of the Spirit in the midst of His people. The call is simple and bold. We ask for rain in its season and we seek the Lord with expectation (Zechariah 10:1; Psalm 63:1; Joel 2:12–29).

God’s Promise of Rain and Renewal

God pledges to pour out what we cannot manufacture. “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring” (Isaiah 44:3). His Word never returns empty. “For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and bread to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it” (Isaiah 55:10–11).

These promises anchor us as we labor for the harvest. He appoints the seasons of early and latter rains for fruitfulness in the land and among His people (Deuteronomy 11:14; Joel 2:23; James 5:7–8).

Preparing the Soil with Repentance

Scripture joins God’s rain with repentance and righteousness. “Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and showers righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12). The pathway is not complicated, but it is costly. We humble ourselves, confess our sin, and return to the Lord.

The Lord speaks with clarity. “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Praying in the Spirit with Open Bibles

The Lord commands persistent, Spirit-led prayer. “Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). We pray Scripture back to God, aligning our desires with His revealed will.

A simple pattern helps:

- Pray for open doors and clear proclamation of the gospel (Colossians 4:2–4).

- Pray for boldness and confirming power for the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:29–31).

- Pray for conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8–11).

- Pray for laborers for every field, near and far (Matthew 9:37–38).

- Pray for unity in truth and love among churches (John 13:34–35; Ephesians 4:1–6).

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). “And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13–14).

Word and Spirit for Gospel Witness

Renewal is not a private experience only. The Spirit empowers witness. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The Lord rains down life and sets His people ablaze for the lost.

Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ, and the Spirit confirms that word in power for salvation and sanctification (Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 2:4–5; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). Word and Spirit never compete, and together they advance the mission of Christ.

Persevering Through the Seasons

Scripture portrays the farmer who waits for the early and late rains with patience and confidence in God’s appointed times (James 5:7–8). The same Lord who ordains the season commands steadfast prayer and steady obedience.

God promised covenant rain in season as His people walked in His ways (Deuteronomy 11:14). He calls us to perseverance in sowing, serving, and speaking, knowing we will reap in due time if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:36).

Everyday Rhythms of Petition

We cultivate regular habits that keep us asking for the rain of renewal.

- Daily praise, confession, Scripture-fed intercession, and thanksgiving in personal prayer (Psalm 103; Psalm 32; Philippians 4:6–7).

- Family worship at the table with brief readings, singing, and prayer for neighbors and nations (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Psalm 78:1–8).

- Weekly fasting, even a meal, to seek the Lord with greater focus (Matthew 6:16–18; Ezra 8:23).

- Churchwide prayer meetings that prioritize the gospel, the nations, and holiness (Acts 1:14; 2:42; 4:24–31).

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

What Renewal Produces Among Us

The fruit of renewal shows up in ordinary, measurable ways.

- A growing hunger for Scripture and sound doctrine (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 4:2).

- Repentance, reconciliation, and practical holiness (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 4:25–32).

- Bold evangelism, baptisms, and discipling relationships (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 8:4).

- Sacrificial generosity and care for the vulnerable (Acts 2:44–45; James 1:27).

- Christ-exalting unity, courage, and joy in trials (Philippians 1:27–30; 1 Peter 1:6–9).

Lifted Eyes and Ready Hands

The Lord delights to refresh His people and to extend His mercy through them to a weary world. We lift our eyes to the One who sends rain in its season and set our hands to the plow He has assigned, confident in His Word, faithful in prayer, eager for His glory among all peoples.

We read promises in their covenant context with plain, grammatical-historical sense. Deuteronomy and Kings link rain to Israel’s obedience in the land under the Mosaic covenant, while the Prophets anticipate Spirit-outpouring with the new covenant fullness in Christ (Deuteronomy 11:13–17; 1 Kings 8:35–36; Joel 2:28–32; Acts 2:16–21).

Application for the church stands on principles that abide across covenants, now centered in Christ. God still honors humility, repentance, prayer, and obedience, and He still pours out His Spirit for mission and holiness among His new covenant people (2 Chron 7:14; Acts 3:19; 1 Peter 2:9–10).

Testing the Spirits in a Season of Fervor

Discernment protects the church when fervor rises.

- Fidelity to Scripture in teaching and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 17:11).

- Christ exalted above personalities and experiences (John 16:14; Colossians 1:18).

- Clear gospel, repentance, and cross-centered hope (1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Galatians 1:8–9).

- Evident holiness, love, and the fruit of the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; Galatians 5:22–23).

- Orderly, edifying gatherings under qualified oversight (1 Corinthians 14:26–40; Titus 1:5–9).

Fasting, Authority, and Being Filled

Fasting does not twist God’s arm; it humbles ours. It joins prayer with earnest dependence as churches seek clarity, unity, and sending power (Ezra 8:23; Acts 13:2–3; 14:23).

The fullness of the Spirit is not a one-time event but a continual command. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). We submit to Christ’s authority, cling to His promises, and expect His presence for witness and holiness (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 4:31).

Renewal and the Ordinary Means of Grace

True renewal deepens commitment to the Word, prayer, fellowship, and the ordinances. The Lord revives His church by the ordinary means He appointed, not by novelty or gimmick (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:23–32; 2 Timothy 4:2).

A renewed church will often look more steady than spectacular, with sustained fruit over time rather than flashes of excitement. Stability in truth and love is covenant mercy on display (Ephesians 4:11–16; Colossians 3:12–17).

Households That Welcome the Rain

God’s pattern reaches generations. Parents and grandparents catechize, read the Word, pray, and sing, sowing seeds that the Lord waters in His time (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Psalm 78:1–8; 2 Timothy 1:5).

The promise of the Spirit includes descendants. “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring” (Isaiah 44:3). Households become springs in neighborhoods as the gospel bears fruit in everyday life.

Public Witness and Civil Peace

Renewal fuels quiet faithfulness in the public square. “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

As we pray and do good, the word runs and is honored. We show gentleness and respect, courage and clarity, living as salt and light while we await the blessed hope (2 Thessalonians 3:1; Titus 3:1–8; 1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 5:13–16).

Shepherding Renewal with Wisdom

Leaders labor to keep the church anchored and edified.

- Lead with humble repentance and corporate lament where needed (Joel 2:12–17; James 4:8–10).

- Guard doctrine and refute error with patience (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:24–26).

- Equip every saint for ministry and multiply disciple-makers (Ephesians 4:11–16; 2 Timothy 2:2).

- Practice loving discipline and restorative care (Matthew 18:15–20; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1–2).

- Keep gatherings decently and in order for the building up of all (1 Corinthians 14:26–40).

A Simple, Reproducible Prayer Plan

Healthy cultures of prayer spread through simple, clear practices.

- Daily: 15 minutes in Word and prayer using a psalm for praise, a gospel text for hope, and a list of five lost friends.

- Weekly: one mealtime fast for the church and the city.

- Monthly: a half-night concert of prayer shaped by Scripture promises and mission priorities.

- Quarterly: a day of prayer and fasting with elders, staff, and ministry leaders for discernment and sending.

Common Hindrances to Renewal

Certain patterns can quench the Spirit and harden the ground.

- Cherished sin and unconfessed patterns (Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 28:13).

- Bitterness and unforgiveness in relationships (Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:31–32).

- Marital discord that hinders prayers (1 Peter 3:7).

- Prayerlessness and functional unbelief (Hebrews 3:12–13; Luke 18:1).

- Doctrinal drift and neglect of the Word (Hebrews 2:1–4; 2 Timothy 4:3–4).

Hope rises as we walk in the light. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Hope on the Horizon

The rains point beyond themselves to the coming of the Lord. The early and latter rains remind us of seasons and harvest, and they steady our hearts as we labor until He comes (James 5:7–8; Matthew 24:14).

We set our hearts to seek the Lord until He showers righteousness, remembering that He alone gives rain in season for His glory among the nations and for the joy of His people. “then I will provide rain for your land in season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil” (Deuteronomy 11:14).