In 1577 Sir Francis Drake wrote:
Disturb us, Lord,
When we are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true,
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely,
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord,
When with the abundance of things we possess,
We have lost our thirst for the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity,
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new heaven to dim.
Everybody seems to want “revival,” thinking it is a pleasant and enjoyable experience. But to be revived is to be shaken out of a state of slumber, to be jolted out of apathetic complacency, to be alarmed, awakened, and startled. Too many churches praying for revival have a “Do not disturb” sign hanging on the door. Revival that fits neatly into a comfortable cradle is not revival at all. Instead of praying for revival, perhaps we should pray with Sir Frances Drake, “Disturb us, Lord!” Powerful prayer begins where complacency ends.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6
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