Why Revival Tarries

Ravenhill unsheathes his sword, points it directly at your chest, and critiques Christianity’s preaching, prayer and priorities. More accurately, Ravenhill castigates the motives, apathy and sub-celestial propensities that serve as backdrops to my so-called Christian life.

Really important book. Christian books can sometimes be hit or miss and this was a 'hit'. The main theme of this book is why we lack a Christian revival. Now he was writing this in the 1950s and this question still applies today. There has not been a great Christian revival and my generation is the most ungodly group of people ever I would say. Thus, he argues that this is the fault of the Christians themselves; while he does criticise Catholics and communists (definitely feeling the 1959 vibe!), he reasons that the issue is that Christians are too inactive and apathetic, mainly that they do not pray. He argues that we do not pray enough, we should be praying people, and not just pray, but pray in faith and the Holy Spirit. This was a show more bit of a wake-up call to me as I've only been praying for about two or three minutes every day which is not enough. He notes that a preacher ought to be praying two hours minimum! If the preacher is to pray for two hours minimum, the congregation should not be left behind. The preacher does not bring us to heaven but rather helps us get there.

Really important book in terms of my spiritual development. show less

I wish I could give this book more than 5 lousy stars! It's a "trumpet blast" to wake up the Church. It's is not a book on "how-to pray," rather it is a call to prayer. He writes many hard-hitting phrases such as "God does not want partnership with us, but ownership of us", and "Our eyes are dry because our hearts are dry." This book is a reflection of God's heart on prayer and revival. "Millions can only be moved to God as the Church is moved of God for their lost condition." Amen.

A powerful series of messages given over 50 years ago and still extremely timely for today's world. The focus is on prayer, and the quotes at the beginning of each chapter are worth the price.

A powerful call to serious prayer.

The single book that most dramatically changed my life.

Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill (?)