Leonard Ravenhill

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) was an English Christian evangelist and author who became widely known for his books on Christian revival and spiritual awakening. His most influential work, "Why Revival Tarries" (1959), has remained in print for over six decades and has been translated into multiple languages. Ravenhill began his ministry in England before relocating to the United States in the 1950s. His teachings and writings focused heavily on prayer, holiness, and the call for spiritual reformation within the Christian church. Throughout his career, he influenced numerous religious leaders including Keith Green, Ravi Zacharias, and David Wilkerson. Ravenhill authored several other books including "Meat for Men" (1961), "Sodom Had No Bible" (1971), and "Revival God's Way" (1983). The central themes of his work consistently addressed what he viewed as the decline of genuine spiritual devotion in modern Christianity. His sermons and writings were marked by direct, often challenging messages that called for deepened spiritual commitment and rejected what he considered superficial religious practice.

Readers describe Ravenhill's works as intense, convicting calls to prayer and revival, particularly his book "Why Revival Tarries." Many note his bold, confrontational writing style that challenges comfortable Christianity. Positive reviews highlight: - Direct challenges to lukewarm faith - Focus on prayer and holiness - Raw, uncompromising message - Biblical foundation for arguments Common criticisms: - Harsh, condemning tone - Repetitive content across books - Limited practical application - Dated cultural references From 15,000+ Goodreads ratings: "Why Revival Tarries" - 4.3/5.0 "Revival Praying" - 4.4/5.0 "Revival God's Way" - 4.4/5.0 Amazon reviews average 4.7/5.0 across his titles. One reader noted: "Ravenhill writes like a prophet - not concerned with your feelings but with truth." Another commented: "His intensity can be overwhelming, but that's the point. He means to disturb the comfortable."

Why Revival Tarries A critique of modern Christianity that examines the differences between historical and contemporary church practices.

Sodom Had No Bible An analysis of modern moral decay and its relationship to biblical teachings.

Meat for Men A collection of sermons focusing on spiritual maturity and Christian leadership.

Revival Praying An examination of the role of prayer in historical religious revivals.

America is Too Young to Die A study of America's spiritual condition and its departure from religious foundations.

Revival God's Way A detailed look at the characteristics and conditions of spiritual revivals throughout history.

Treasury of Prayer A compilation of historical prayers and devotional writings from various Christian leaders.

Try and Stop Us An account of early church persecution and its parallels to modern Christian challenges.

Heart Breathings A collection of personal devotional thoughts and spiritual reflections.

Living Faith An exploration of practical faith application in daily Christian life.