GREAT AWAKENING

The term Great Awakening is used to refer to several periods of religious revival in American religious history. Historians and theologians identify three or four waves of increased religious enthusiasm occurring between the early 18th century and the late 19th century. Each of these “Great Awakenings” was characterized by widespread revivals led by evangelical Protestant ministers, a sharp increase of interest in religion, a profound sense of conviction and redemption on the part of those affected, an increase in evangelical church membership, and the formation of new religious movements and denominations. The idea of an “awakening” implies a slumber or passivity during secular or less religious times. Awakening is a term which originates from and is embraced often and primarily by evangelical Christians. (Wikipedia)

An awakening is to awaken us to the Presence of God. It is a new and lively participation in prayer, silence, serving others, the Lord’s Supper, giving, evangelism, missions and worship. It is to awaken and arise from sleep, to respond to a new day, to live awake and not asleep, to come out of slumber and be cognizant of the days we are in. It is awakening to our neighbor. It is to awaken to our own inner intuitiveness. All of this is true and important, but if we do not awaken to the Voice of the Lord and obey what we hear, little else can be awakened.

“And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” Jesus