Movement Inspires Believers Nationwide to Seek the Lord
by tom campisi, managing editor
In May, Christian Union Day and Night hosted The Great Experiment for over 2,000 Christians across the nation. This experiment was built on a hypothesis proven in revivals and awakenings past—that when Christians seek God in extraordinary ways, sweeping transformation is possible.
Matt Bennett, founder and CEO of Christian Union, was encouraged to see a great response and hear testimonies of how believers went deeper in their prayer lives, were strengthened spiritually, and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ.
One participant said, “Thank you for encouraging us to pray for our community, region, and country during this month. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit giving courage to speak out, pray with greater faith, and witness God’s supernatural interventions.”
This kind of spiritual vitality is what Bennett had in mind when Christian Union Day and Night was launched two years ago.
“There are many Christians across the United States who desire to be strengthened in a group or community and encouraged to seek the Lord wholeheartedly,” he said. “Christian Union Day and Night is a means to help challenge people, take them to a greater level with the Lord, and lay out possibilities for them. We put forth revivals in American history and the current spiritual fervor of the international church as models and as inspiration for us.”
“We desire, by God’s grace, to see many more Christians walk with Jesus Christ, love Him, and serve Him.”
Christian Union Day and Night consists of two parallel initiatives. First, it mobilizes Christians to pray fervently for sweeping spiritual transformation in America. Second, every 8-12 weeks, Day and Night coordinates a movement to mobilize believers and promote revival.
For the Great Experiment, held during the 31 days of May, individual participants and small groups committed to:
Spend 30 minutes every morning and every evening reading the Bible and praying (Luke 18:1-8).
Consciously repent of all known sin and put away everything that may hinder devotion to Christ (Hebrews 12:1,2).
Seek God in the morning for the thing the Holy Spirit most desires to do, write it down, and follow up that day (Psalm 143:10).
Share Christ every day and speak about Christ publicly (Acts 1:8).
(For groups) Meet once a week for encouragement and accountability (in-person, Skype, or conference call) and stay in touch during the week (Hebrews 10:24-27).
{tweetme}Christian Union Day and Night also reinforced these practices with daily video devotions and blog posts that inspired participants to be steadfast in their pursuit of Christ.{/tweet}Bennett said seeking the Lord in this manner helps participants receive a blessing from the Lord that could include fillings of the Spirit, encouragement, and boldness to witness.
The power that comes from regular fasting is also emphasized as crucial by Christian Union Day and Night.
“In the first century church, Christians fasted Wednesdays and Fridays, and many throughout history have committed to regular fasting—but it’s nearly forgotten in the Western church. It’s part of the reason why we don’t have spiritual power.”
Christian Union Day and Night’s next initiative is its 21-Day Fast for Cultural Revolution on August 13 through September 2. Christians across America will pray that God will transform seven important sectors of society for His glory: Arts & Entertainment, Business, Education, Family, Government, Media, and the Church.
The movement’s Web site includes fasting resources, and videos from the Welsh Revival of 1904/05 and the Asbury College Revival of 1970, in addition to a Theology of Revival based on the writings of Jonathan Edwards. Of course, there are plenty of Scriptures that talk about prayer and seeking God. Bennett said Psalm 105:4 is one of his favorites: “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
“Continually,” as in day and night.
For more information on Christian Union Day and Night or to sign up for the 21-Day Fast for Cultural Revolution, visit www.dayandnight.org.
