The famous line of a poem that dates back to 1610 says, “April showers bring May flowers.” Tomorrow we begin the month of April. While many are expecting April showers associated with this spring season, I am asking God to give us His showers of blessing on the ministry of the Word. Would you help us pray for a season of special fruitfulness?
Major Daniel Whittle saw the Lord’s blessing and spiritual revival during his ministry. He was an associate of D.L. Moody and a man who emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit and our great need of Him. Whittle wrote a song that I love to sing…
There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above. Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
Recently a friend in New Zealand reported to me on the work of God there by using the last words of this chorus: “Mercy-drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.” I have come back to them again and again. We have indeed witnessed mercy-drops, but long to see the showers come! The next verse expresses this expectation…
There shall be showers of blessing—
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
As we approach the new month I am praying for “April Showers!” Would you join me in that prayer? For so many of you who partner with us as intercessors here is our schedule for the coming weeks:
Sunday, April 4, Evening Meeting, Faith Baptist Church, Brown City, MI, Pastor Paul Gaymon
Sunday-Tuesday, April 11-13, Revival, Liberty Baptist Church, Lyons, GA, Pastor Michael Plowman
Friday, April 16, Youth Banquet, Cashmere Baptist Church, Ballard, WV, Pastor Walter Bonnell
Sunday-Tuesday, April 18-20, Revival, Oakwood Baptist Church, Anderson, SC, Pastor Michael Jones
Thursday, April 22, God Bless America Prayer Rally, Crow Baptist Church, Beaver, WV, Pastor Rod Baker
Sunday-Tuesday, April 25-27, Revival, Harvest Baptist Church, Watertown, SD, Pastor Lamar Whittemore
Tuesday, April 27, Pastor’s Fellowship, Harvest Baptist Church, Watertown, SD, Pastor Lamar Whittemore
Wednesday-Friday, April 28-30, Big Sandy Family Conference, Big Sandy, TX
The final stanzas of Major Whittle’s hymn are both a challenge and an encouragement:
There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord!
Grant to us now a refreshing;
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing;
O that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.
May God give all of us showers of blessing this April.
