Charles Finney is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in church history, particularly for his role in leading a supernatural move of God and waves of salvation. His preaching in New York City resulted in an unprecedented number of conversions, prompting pastors from the countryside to send their own pastors to care for the thousands of new believers.
The Power of Charles Finney’s Preaching
During his time in New York City, Charles Finney witnessed an astonishing number of conversions. In just a few months, approximately 50,000 people were saved through his preaching. This led to a congregation in Rochester, New York, demanding that Finney preach at their church in return for sending their pastor to care for his converts. Over the course of six months, Finney preached 96 sermons, resulting in over 100,000 people coming to Christ. The entire city of Rochester was swept up into the kingdom, and no racial or socio-economic group was left unaffected by the power of Finney’s preaching.
The Role of Intercessors
While Finney’s sermons were impactful, they alone did not account for the magnitude of the revival. One key factor was the presence of intercessors, particularly a man named Daniel Nash, also known as Father Nash. Nash would arrive in an area a month before Finney’s preaching engagements and fervently pray for a move of God. He would seek out the most notorious sinners in the city and pray fervently for their salvation, often using intense and passionate prayers. Nash’s intercession played a significant role in preparing the spiritual atmosphere for Finney’s ministry.
The Legacy of Father Nash
The power in Charles Finney’s ministry seemed to wane after the death of Father Nash. Nash’s dedication to prayer and his fervent intercession were instrumental in the success of Finney’s preaching. His tombstone bears the inscription, “Labor with Finney, mighty in prayer,” emphasizing the legacy of powerful intercession that he left behind. Finney himself acknowledged Nash’s extraordinary commitment to prayer, stating that he had witnessed Nash praying until blood started from his nose and praying for hours until he was physically exhausted. Nash’s example serves as a reminder of the intensity and persistence required in prayer.
The intensity of our PRAYERS needs to match the intensity of the SITUATION.
The Intensity of Prayer
The intensity of Nash’s prayers may seem extreme, but it reflects the seriousness of the spiritual battles we face. The enemy seeks to blind unbelievers and oppose the gospel, leading to the rise of godlessness and the undermining of faith. Additionally, many individuals struggle with personal challenges such as wayward loved ones or suicidal thoughts. These intense situations call for prayers that match the intensity of the circumstances. Nash’s dedication to prayer serves as an inspiration for believers to earnestly seek God’s intervention in the midst of challenging times.