This book of revival sermons is Ravenhill's sequel to the classic book, Why Revival Tarries. The book has been out of print for decades and is available only through Christian Life Books Ravenhill series. Pulpit Magazine said, Every page is stimulating. Christianity Today said the book was a hard-hitting attack upon sin, carnality, and easy undisciplined Christian living.
Very little biographical information is available for Leonard Ravenhill. He rarely spoke of himself which is likely a reflection of his belief in exalting Christ and not self. Most of what we know about Ravenhill is from sources that knew him and the details he provided in sermons. He was an evangelist born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England in 1907 and was used by God in revivals in Great Brittan before moving to American in 1950. Leonard Ravenhill was known for his focus on revival and his writing on the subject including the popular title, Why Revival Tarries. Ravenhill preached in churches of many denominations, but was not ordained by any. His preaching is marked by calling sinners to repentance, insisting Christians live lives marked by holiness, and encouraging deeper prayer lives. Ravenhill claims to have been saved at age 14, but says he was baptized by the Holy Spirit at age 18 indicating belief in a Pentecostal system. However, Ravenhill also said he never spoke in tongues and said that baptism of the Holy Spirit is the same thing Wesley called sanctification and also said the only evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is holy living. He rejected Christian Perfection, but preached a Wesleyan-Holiness higher Christian life theology. Ravenhill speaks of John Wesley frequently and wrote a biographical sketch of him. Wesley’s influence on Ravenhill is apparent. Leonard Ravenhill was a mentor to Keith Green of Last Days Ministries based in Texas. Later in his life, Leonard moved to Texas close to Last Day Ministries where he led a weekly prayer meeting and taught classes before dying in November of 1994.
It is Ravenhill’s assertion that, “Every church needs a prayer meeting every night of the week.” And he laments the lack of supplication from the saints by saying, “O, that we could raise a battalion of wet-eyed intercessors for this hour of unprecedented spiritual peril!” The house of prayer in America is built upon the prayer shoulders of men like him and I am thankful for this book of twenty-four, soul-stirring sermons, which have ushered me into the closet for prayer.
Another excellent book from Leonard Ravenhill, this book may have been written in 1961 but is just as applicable to our situation today in modern America. In propheticly inspired fashion, Ravenhill again pulls down the facade of a dead and lifeless spirituality and stirrs the reader into passionately pursuing Christ through prayer and dedication to spiritual growth. This book is an excellent follow-up to Why Revival Tarries and will challenge any sincere believer to draw near to God.
This is my first exposure to Ravenhill. I was really stirred up by these messages. Many "5 star messages," but the book was a little too hit-or-miss to deserve an all-out 5 star rating. Really touched by his call to prayer especially.
inspiring and thought provoking. And unfortunately still apropos--the mentions of communist Russia kind of date it, but the essence is still true and relevant to today. Definitely worth the read.
I bought this book for my husband, and I read it too. It is a bold and uncompromising call to spiritual maturity. Ravenhill challenges believers to move beyond shallow faith and seek a deep, committed walk with God. His words are convicting, stirring, and filled with passion for holiness, revival, and uncompromised devotion. This book isn’t a casual read—it’s for anyone ready to confront complacency, embrace the cost of discipleship, and grow into a faith that truly matters. Ravenhill’s sharp insights and fervent exhortations make it a timeless resource for serious Christians.
Ravenhill always challenges one's walk with the Lord. Meat for Men does the same. If you're not looking to be challenged to knowing God in a deeper personal relationship nor do you want to be challenged to Godly living and reaching the lost than this book is not for you. Tons of thought provoking words. Read it in one sitting.