The Burning Altar - 14 Days of Calling the Church to PraySample

Calling Down Heaven’s Fire Through Prayer

“Revival is not the work of men; it is the fire of God falling upon a people prepared in prayer.”- Charles Finney

When Moses and Aaron had finished presenting the offerings and blessing the people, something supernatural happened: fire fell from the presence of the Lord. The fire was not man-made; it was heaven-sent. It was God’s response to sacrifice, obedience, and prayer.

This fire is a symbol of God’s glory, His approval, and His power made manifest among His people. In the Old Testament, fire consumed the offering on the altar. In the New Testament, fire fell in the upper room and consumed the disciples with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3). Today, God still sends His fire—but it comes in response to surrendered lives and fervent prayer.

To call down heaven’s fire through prayer is to cry out for God’s manifest presence to fall upon us, our churches, and our city. It is to ask Him to ignite what is dead, purify what is unclean, and empower what is weak. His fire refines, revives, and releases His glory!

When heaven’s fire falls:

• Hearts are purified- The dross of sin and compromise is burned away.
• Lives are empowered- Believers are filled with holy boldness and strength.
• God is glorified- Just as Israel fell on their faces in awe, the fire draws people to worship.

The fire of God does not fall on empty altars. It falls where there is prayer, surrender, and sacrifice. If we want to see a stirring of God’s Holy Spirit among us, if we long for heaven’s fire to consume us, we must build the altar of prayer and cry out until He answers with fire.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, I ask for Your glory to fill my life, my family, and my church. Consume everything in me that does not glorify You. Burn away lukewarmness and ignite a passion for Your presence. Let Your Spirit empower us to be bold witnesses, holy vessels, and burning lights in a dark world. Father, we cry out—send Your fire, and let Your glory be revealed in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. Is there an “altar” in my life—surrender and prayer—where God’s fire can fall?
2. What areas of my heart need the refining fire of God?
3. Am I willing to pray persistently until heaven’s fire falls on my life and church?