We say we want revival . . . but on our terms. We dont pray this way, but this is what our hearts are saying to God: Come Holy Spirit . . . but only if you promise in advance to do things the way we have always done them in our church. Come Holy Spirit . . . but only if I have some sort of prior guarantee that when you show up you wont embarrass me. Come Holy Spirit . . . but only if your work of revival is one that I can still control, one that preserves intact the traditions with which I am comfortable. Come Holy Spirit . . . but only if your work of revival is neat and tidy and dignified and understandable and above all else socially acceptable. Come Holy Spirit . . . but only if you plan to change others; only if you make them to be like me; only if you convict their hearts so they will live and dress and talk like I do. Come Holy Spirit . . . but only if you let us preserve our distinctives and retain our differences from others whom we find offensive.
