Book

Why Revival Tarries

📖 Overview

Why Revival Tarries is a seminal text on Christian revival and spiritual awakening written by evangelist Leonard Ravenhill in 1959. The book presents a case for the urgent need for genuine revival in the modern church. Through 11 focused chapters, Ravenhill examines the role of prayer, repentance, and spiritual hunger in catalyzing authentic revival movements. He contrasts the state of the contemporary church with historical periods of widespread spiritual renewal. The text interweaves scriptural analysis with accounts of past revivals and Ravenhill's firsthand ministry experiences. His message centers on the prerequisites for revival: fervent prayer, holiness, and complete surrender to God's will. At its core, Why Revival Tarries is a call to action that challenges complacency in Christian practice and ministry. The book's enduring influence stems from its uncompromising focus on spiritual authenticity and transformation.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe Why Revival Tarries as a convicting call to prayer and spiritual awakening. Many say it challenged their complacency and pushed them to examine their prayer lives. Readers appreciated: - Raw, direct writing style - Biblical emphasis on prayer - Clear examples from revival history - Focus on personal holiness Common criticisms: - Repetitive content - Harsh, condemning tone - Dated references and language - Limited practical application steps Specific reader comments: "Feels like getting punched in the gut spiritually" - Goodreads review "Made me uncomfortable but in a necessary way" - Amazon review "Too focused on guilt rather than grace" - Goodreads review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,100+ ratings) ChristianBook.com: 4.8/5 (90+ ratings) The book resonates most with readers seeking spiritual intensity and revival, while others find the confrontational approach off-putting.

📚 Similar books

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer This work examines the price of authentic faith and the rejection of cheap grace in the Christian life.

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala The book documents the transformation of a struggling congregation through persistent prayer and spiritual hunger.

Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds This text presents prayer as the essential foundation for spiritual awakening and ministerial effectiveness.

Revival Praying by Leonard Ravenhill The book builds upon themes from Why Revival Tarries with specific focus on prayer's role in spiritual renewal.

In Light of Eternity by A.W. Tozer The book challenges believers to live with eternal perspective and spiritual urgency in their faith walk.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔥 Leonard Ravenhill wrote this influential book in 1959 after spending more than 30 years as a Christian revival evangelist in both Britain and America 📖 The book became a spiritual catalyst for many prominent Christian leaders, including Keith Green, who considered it life-changing and distributed thousands of copies through his ministry ⚡ The manuscript was initially rejected by several publishers who thought its message was too intense and confrontational for mainstream Christian audiences 🙏 Ravenhill composed much of the book's content while spending 8-10 hours daily in prayer, a practice he maintained throughout his ministry career 📚 The book's enduring impact led to it being translated into over 15 languages and remains in print over 60 years later, selling hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide