Spring Up, O Well: Finding Refreshment Through Prayer
"Spring up, O well!" These words from Numbers 21:16-18 invite us to consider how water transforms arid, dry places. In biblical times, revitalization became possible when water struck a barren landscape. A refreshment of new water could establish a place, a home, a community where there wasn't one before. The song stirs my camp days, singing, "I've got a river of life flowing out of me, Spring Up O Well." Phil Wickham put his touch on this old hymn a few years ago. As song stirs, so follows prayers.
It's incredible to consider the transformative power of prayer, akin to the life-giving work of water. Many of us experience dryness in our day-to-day existence, leaving us feeling worn out. Where do you need revitalization today? It's time to ask the Lord to spring up a well in those dry places of your life, bringing hope and expectation for transformation.
I reflected on this scripture, and I was led into prayer time. I gave myself space to let my mind move and wander—perhaps Spirit-led or having open space to consider those I hadn't thought about in a while. I reflected on those I care about and those in my life and began praying for them as scriptures came to mind.
I spoke those scriptures over family, friends, and colleagues. Something remarkable happened: the more I prayed and entered their stories, the more I felt revitalized. As Proverbs 11:25 says, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Taking time to pray around my world refreshed my mind and Spirit, allowing me to see my assignments differently.
As I continued to pray, I imagined walking around my world, thinking about the people I interact with day after day. I prayed for:
Those who shared encouraging conversations in passing
People celebrating successes after hard times
Breakthrough for situations that seemed tied in bondage
Healing in Jesus' name for the sick
Favor for those awaiting projects or business deals
Jobs for the underemployed or unemployed
Restoration for marriages long since dried up
Unity and celebration in divided families
Encouragement for those who have lost hope and purpose
Each of these prayers represents the people I value and love. It's a privilege to take time to partner with the Lord where He is at work and stand with Him on others' behalf. This personal connection in prayer reminds me of His value and love for me and others, stirring something deep within my soul.
This revitalizes me as if things long buried are being dug up again, allowing life-giving water to refresh my Spirit. Perhaps it's the discipline of prayer itself, but I believe it's more about capturing the Spirit's invitation to consider where God is working on behalf of others and then entering into that work through intercession. Intercession is a form of prayer where we pray on behalf of others, standing in the gap for them and seeking God's intervention in their lives.
Years ago, Mark Batterson wrote "Circle Maker," which invites us to think about various circles in our lives—categories and spaces where the Lord is at work—that we could surround in prayer. Whether walking around these circles or entering someone else's world in a private, sacred sense, we partner with God to bless them, keep them, and make His face shine upon them today.
What a privilege to partner in prayer! Though it's a familiar and seemingly simple idea, I often don't give it the fullness of my time. Yet occasionally, space opens up where I can walk around my world in prayer.
I pray for you today that a well would spring up of refreshment, joy, and delight. If you're discouraged, hopeless, or just going through the mundane motions of today, take time to pray and walk around your world. See where the Lord is at work and watch as dry places become springs of living water.