Do you believe God would answer if we asked Him to forgive us and invited Him back into our schools? If we openly repented of our arrogance as a nation and humbled ourselves before Him, would God heal the dysfunction of our nation? Would an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a city as broken as Chicago make a profound difference in the world?

If your answer is yes, then what are you doing to intercede for your city and our country? Are you actively praying and believing for God to bring revival and healing? If no, then why not?

Now, before we go any further, I want to make it clear I am not trying to fix blame of chaos on cities, churches, schools, government or the believers in those places. This is not about Democrat or Republican politics, and this is not speaking against anybody except for the devil and the schemes of darkness. There are many great churches in Chicago. There are extraordinary schools across America. But we live in a nation that has the favor of the living God upon us—a favor that we are not seeing manifested all over—so I feel that this needs to be said: Our country still needs God's help. Last weekend in Chicago is being called the bloodiest and most violent of the year. It is obvious to me that there are many people in this nation who are hurting, lost, confused and manipulated by the enemy's lies. And I believe the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit can transform any person and any place. Because I believe that, I am determined to take action.

Are we as ministers encouraging our congregations to give time and room on a daily basis for the Holy Spirit of God to reveal Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, in order to revive us, renew us and restore God's supernatural grace to every one we touch? Are we doing it ourselves? How many people will die before believers will begin to unite and pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in every part of our great nation?

Our homes need God.

Our schools need a visitation of God.

Our churches need revival.

For this to happen, radical, crazy, old-school, new-school—or whatever term you wish to use for those who want to see God and His enemies to be scattered—believers need to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to see the changes we are believing for.

It is easy to fall into the temptation of assuming new programs are the answer. It is easy to think, "If I just had a better PowerPoint ..." or to become focused on our own success and personal accomplishments instead of relying on the Holy Spirit. This is a subtle, gradual shift, and one that happens without our noticing. But it makes a significant and immediate difference in our effectiveness for the kingdom of God. If we are not careful, this reasoning is a slippery slope that can lead to using God's grace as an excuse for our sins, our ungodly jealousy or using people for our personal gain in name of prosperity. Instead of making a positive difference in the people, churches and cities we are called to steward, we become part of the problem.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace to the listeners. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts, and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you" (Eph. 4:29-32).

When we are careful to align our speech, actions and attitudes with the Word of God, and when we begin to intercede for our flock, communities and nations, we will see profound change. Holy Spirit change. A change so significant that people will have to recognize it as coming from God.

This week I am not only encouraging you, but I am asking you to pray and ask what the Holy Spirit would have you to do.

Will you pray for our schools?

Will you pray for our churches?

Will you pray for our cities?

Will you pray for our country?

As always, you're beautiful. I see Jesus in you!

Have an awesome week!

For any comments or questions please email me at [email protected].

Mikel French has challenged spiritual awakening all across America, where many celebrations extended into multiple weeks, and has conducted celebrations in France, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Germany, South Africa, Malawi, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Haiti, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. He conducted an outreach celebration in Manila, Philippines, reaching 200,000 teenagers with the Book of Hope. Through the generous support of partners, he has presented the message of Jesus Christ to millions of people in the nation of Russia through televised citywide soul-winning celebrations. Mikel considers it an honor to assist in conducting the annual pastor's conference, where thousands of pastors from Russia's 11 time zones come for training, teaching and equipping. Mikel and his wife, Marsha, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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