The GREAT Morning Revolution: Daily Spiritual Practices for Meaningful Moment with God

by Tara Beth Leach

Genres: Christian Non Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Tara Beth Leach is senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena in Southern California. She is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University (BA, youth ministry) and Northern Theological Seminary (MDiv). She is a regular writer for Missio Alliance and has contributed to other publications such as Christianity Today, Christian Week, The Jesus Creed, The Table Magazine, Reflecting the Image Devotional, Renovating Holiness, and most recently a chapter in The Apostle Paul and the Christian Life. She has two beautiful and rambunctious sons, and has been married to the love of her life, Jeff, since 2006.

Reviews

[Books Just 4 Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the step by step approach to setting up a new morning routine. I think everyone can use a reminder of what God calls us to do in prayer and how we can open our hearts through 5 components of GREAT. I would have liked to see more scripture references throughout but I did appreciate Tara Beth sharing her personal stories. It is really hard to share those moments, take off the mask, and allow yourself to be completely vulnerable. My favorite parts of GREAT were AT as I felt they spoke the most to me. Thankful for the reminder of using Psalms to lead the E portion. Lovely book to start off Lent and frame my prayers in a more reflective nature.

[Erin Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I interviewed the author for my podcast and was so touched by her vulnerability and intentionality. I highly recommend for anyone who wants to start a morning routine but doesn’t consider themselves a morning person.

[Mark Youngkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, an Illinois pastor, lays out a plan for establishing time with God each morning (GREAT is an acronym for Gratitude, Reflection, Evaluation, Asking and Trusting - one of many effective guides for prayer). The book is a little light on establishing the importance of setting this time in the morning vs. any other time of day but is otherwise excellent. I'll be interested to read future books from this author.

[Fidelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book as it offers a simple, practical and flexible structure for setting time aside for devotion and prayer using the G.R.E.A.T ( Gratitude, Reflection, Exaltation, Asking, Trusting) framework.

[Becca Pavlik · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom and I both read through this book together to start off the new year. It offered real, tangible ways to be more intentional in your time with the Lord. I loved it, and have already recommended it to several people!

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Each morning, as you wake up, God is already there, waiting not with judgement but with joy. He delights in your sleepy eyes, your bed head, your groggy prayers. He’s not asking for perfection; he’s asking for you.” Presence over perfection. He wants to know you.

[Julie Carithers Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Be sure and get the workbook that goes along with it!!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The core idea of this book is simple but convicting: wake up early, protect that time, and seek the Lord before the day pulls you in every direction. We all tell ourselves we cannot do it, but the author makes a compelling case that if we truly want that time with God, we will find a way to protect it. That message hit home for me.

What I loved was the practical framework she builds around that morning time. The book walks you through focusing on gratitude, slowing down to reflect, giving exaltation to the Lord, bringing your needs to him honestly, and fully surrendering to trust him. There are so many good quotes and little nuggets of wisdom woven throughout that I found myself stopping often just to sit with what I had read.

I also watched the Faith Gateway videos that go along with the book, and honestly I felt like the book itself gave me everything I needed. The videos pulled so heavily from the book that they did not add much for me, so I was glad I skipped the accompanying Bible study and just took my own notes instead. This is one I want to read again slowly and really let it reshape how I start my days.

[Sherie Eubanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

simple but so good

Truly loved this book! A great reminder of God waiting with grace for us to come to Him. His mercies are new every morning.

[Julie Carithers Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational read

This was a very eye-opening inspirational red. There are so many great points on how to start your mornings with our Lord & Savior.

[Michellel | The Red Fox Mama Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Some parts felt repetitive to me but the meat and potatoes of the book was solid and held lots of tips and tricks that I can carry with me.

[Jimmye Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great partner to the bible study, both really did revolutionize my mornings. I still practice the GREAT principles and practices she laid out in the study.