Why Revival Tarries: A Classic on Revival

by Leonard Ravenhill

Leonard Ravenhill's call to revival is as timely now as it was when rst published over forty years ago. The message is fearless and often radical as he expounds on the disparity between the New Testament church and the church today. Why Revival Tarries contains the heart of his message. A.W. Tozer called Ravenhill "a man sent from God" who "appeared at [a] critical moment in history," just as the Old Testament prophets did. Included are questions for group and individual study. Ravi Zacharias refers to this as "the book that shaped me...more dramatically than any other..."

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Prayer, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, as a conscientious Catholic, revival NEVER tarries. God is always present in our hearts - so teaches the church.

The real problem is that the world, especially now, goes against the grain of faith. But since the crucifixion, in a less sophisticated way, it always has.

Now, with widespread sophisticated misinformation, we are on the brink of Dystopia. New ballgame. Why?

Well, now if we don't believe we must sift through all the poisonous media solutions around us we're up crap creek without a paddle...

Unless we Read Books. And especially, Read the Classics. Turn aside from the Glitz and Glam!

I'm serious.

Why?

Well, if you should go skating
On the thin ice of Modern Life,
Don't be surprised if a Crack in the Ice
Appears under your feet:

You fall Out of your Depth -
And Out of your Mind -
With your Fear Flowing Out
Behind you!

And Pink Floyd was right. Animal Instinct teaches evil minds the Smell of Fear.

And THEN they pounce.
***

Why does Revival Tarry?

Because it has Walked Out in Disgust!

This is a good book - but it's out of date.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would probably give this more of a 4.5, but that isn't an option on Goodreads. This book wasn't what I expected simply due to the fact of who recommended it to me. I have been quite frustrated with organized religion based on the lack of passion that I see in the pews and the fact that so much seems fake. I want a more authentic experience where I'm not simply confined to being a passive bystander in many areas. I believe in the priesthood of all believers, and I'm not very good about being "obedient" to manmade authorities (especially those that like to point out their seminary training over and over) that I don't believe are following the New Testament Church and/or those that are adding a lot of unncessary tradition to the faith. Therefore, I was expecting this recommendation to be a book that would show me the "error of my ways" and glorify structured religion because it was recommended by a current clergy member. So, I was pleasantly surprised when Ravenhill reprimands the current structure (well, the "current" structure of 1959, but not much has changed). He pleads for more fervent prayer, more meat and less entertainment in preaching, and ministers that are less concerned with having their heads filled with formal training and more concerned with having their hearts on fire. One quote that he included from another person (and these quotes from others are included at the end of each chapter) was from Samuel Chadwick and stated, "The Church that is man-managed instead of God-governed is doomed to failure. A ministry that is college-trained but not Spirit-filled works no miracles." We need the Spirit to be in control again. If you like the viewpoints of Frank Viola and the rest of the more "organic" church folks, you'll like this one.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say about Ravenhill? The man is intense! Every page of this book is a hard core challenge to comfortable Christians. He puts his finger on some of the biggest issues of the church, and then presses down hard. Do Christians really care about doing God's work? Are they actually concerned for the lost? Are they willing to do the work of prayer, suffering, and dying to themselves to see revival? As a Christian leader I feel well reprimanded for my lack of prayer, earnestness, and commitment to God's call. Reading Ravenhill is like listening to a prophet. For me it was a much needed kick in the pants.

There are some significant negatives, though. For one, Ravenhill's insights seem true, but his applications can feel legalistic. Yes, it's true that there is an appalling lack of prayer among Christian leaders (myself included). There is far too much emphasis on academic knowledge in church leadership, and not nearly enough on spiritual work. But Ravenhill goes on to say that "ministers who do not spend two hours a day in prayer are not worth a dime a dozen". Really? Two hours? Where is that number coming from? It's a vivid way of making his point, but it also feels legalistic and based on a human attempt to quantify how much time a person needs to pray. The overall point is true, but the specific wording is un-Biblical and unhelpful. Similarly, there's very little sense in his writing of God's grace, or that people go through a process of growth. His method is an in-your-face why-won't-you-pray-more-don't-you-love-the-lost? mentality. I should also mention that he has some strong anti-Catholic sentiments.

So I would say that this book is not for everyone. Even so, and with all its flaws, I found the book to contain some great insights, and helpful in identifying areas where I am deeply in need of spiritual growth. After reading it, I am motivated to pray more, and surrender more of my life and lifestyle to God. The church (especially including myself) really needs the prodding that Ravenhill is attempting to give.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

You gotta love Ravenhill's intensity but it is almost exhausting. Reminds me of the drill Sargent gym teacher that was never satisfied with how hard you worked out, even though you were puking. And if it's any consultation, I was a hardcore athlete growing up. So thats the way I picture the comparison but in a spiritual sense.

But truthfully, generally speaking, I feel we are pretty wimpy in our prayer lives. We all could use a kick in the butt to pursue God "harder" or enjoy His presence longer. I would LOVE to see revival hit the states and Europe, but we all know the simple theological truth, let God be God and let His Holy Spirit do the work. So, this book was definitely challenging and at the same time very encouraging. It will probably spark you to make more effort to be on your knees, that's for sure.

[Jaime T · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everyone wants to have my mantle but nobody wants my sackcloth and ashes.”

This book is FIRE! I never knew about Ravenhill, but now I can't imagine a life lived without knowing about Ravenhill! He stands armed against the modern church and its preachers that have fallen away to many worldly desires and pressures. He argues for us to get back in the prayer closet, getting unction and the fire of the Spirit, and a tear-filled heart for God's mission. Just super encouraged and on fire after reading this book - I just want to be with God and pray and weep. I would recommend this book for Christian leaders who want to take it to the next level - some will find it offensive and mean, but for the warriors of God and nemeses of the devil, this is it.

P.S.: His array of alliterations is absolutely astounding.

“The prayer meeting is dead or dying. By our attitude to prayer we tell God that what was begun in the Spirit we can finish in the flesh… Yet ministers who do not spend two hours a day in prayer are not worth a dime a dozen, degrees or no degrees.”

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago I read this book and was stirred, yet some 30 years later I must confess that I am even more deeply moved by this second reading.

Ravenhill has always been viewed as a prophetic voice and the pages of this book confirm this description. His writing is passionate, unconcerned about the audience's comfort and totally fixed on lifting up Jesus (not his own ministry). This is what makes the book so prescient to me at this juncture in life. I'm no longer enamored with achievement; I want authenticity in my journey with Christ.

If you have that same hunger then ponder these 20 chapters. They are short, sermonic, cutting in their voice and provocative. I stopped several times to repent and felt my spirit lifting to a higher level with each chapter.

I began each morning abiding in the Scriptures and then reading Why Revival Tarries. I appreciate how it underscored my need to be a man of the Word and the Spirit.

[John Dobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book slowly. Not because it wasn't interesting, but because there is much to digest and think about. What Ravenhill lacks in orthodoxy he more than makes up for with passion. His call to the 'American Church' is to wake up and be about the business of loving and proclaiming Christ to the world. Far too often distracted by meaningless debates and discussions, we need to re-center ourselves in the Gospel. Plainspoken and often accusatory, Ravenhill rubs a little salt in the wound to call attention to it ... then anoints with the healing salve of Jesus. I wish I had read this when I was younger. I hope to acquire a hardback copy, as I intend to revisit this book regularly.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Leonard Ravenill really hits hard with this book and it's so powerful. He brings a much needed word to the people of God about what it means to really pray and to live for Jesus with a fervor that today's church seems to be missing. Deeply challenging but also encouraging to know that God does show up when His people look to Him. I'd reccommend this to anyone who wants to be challenged to grow with Jesus in prayer.

[Brice Karickhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third or fourth time reading this, but first in like 7-8 years. An all-time book. Probably no good for anyone who doesn’t agree with Ravenhill’s starting point (belief in and desire to follow scripture). But if you’re willing to start there with him, buckle up.

[Alex Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remember that one quote that pops up while Goodreads is loading?

“Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled ‘This could change your life’”

This is one of those books. I haven’t read many books, but this one is my favorite. If God’s Spirit is in you, you can’t read this book without being stirred to pray.

"One of these days some simple soul will pick up the Book of God, read it, and believe it. Then the rest of us will be embarrassed. We have adopted the convenient theory that the Bible is a book to be explained, whereas first and foremost it is a book to be believed (and after that to be obeyed)." - Leonard Ravenhill

"Most preachers are only echoes, for if you listen hard, you will be able to tell what latest book they have read and how little of the Book they quote. To reach the masses we need a Voice, a heaven-sent prophet to preach to preachers! It takes broken men to break men. Brethren, we have equipment but not enduement; commotion but not creation; action but not unction; rattle but not revival. We are dogmatic but not dynamic!" - Leonard Ravenhill

Leonard Ravenhill was not theologically airtight. But I think the Reformed/Calvinistic Church, for all our theological excellence, needs to wrestle with an Ephesus disease within its ranks: we are bubbling over with discernment, calling out false prophets left and right, easily dividing truth from error, but do we love Jesus? Do we really, really love Jesus? For such wrestling, Ravenhill is a great sparring partner.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a time in my life when I felt personally responsible for bringing about a spiritual revival in the US. I was convinced that if I just managed my time well enough, and had enough intensity in my prayer life, and agonized enough for the lost and blah blah blah, that revival would visit the US. I wore myself out, and gave up. Ironically, I look upon those years of my life as my "wilderness" years. Perhaps these present years are the years when I have relied on the Holy Spirit to convict me of sin and righteousness. Mr. Ravenhill's passion exhausts me...it may be spiritual apathy on my part, or it might just be how God made me. In either case, I am thankful for the grace of God that carries both of us.

[Penny -Thecatladybooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run, don't walk, and order a copy of this book (or try it out from the library)!! I wasn't very far in before I knew I NEEDED to own this book and annotate/highlight and tab. I tabbed the library copy and will be transferring those over to my copy tonight.

This was a recommendation from my Pastor and now I can see why! While a little dated (written in 1959; not too long after WWII and the Korean War; and the threat of Communism rampant), the meat of this book is what is most important.

If you want the TL;DR version, PRAY! Pray with a fire in your soul....that is the most powerful tool a Christian has; it's our direct communication with God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit and forms our relationship!

Let us pray for sight - upward, inward and outward. Like Isaiah, as we look upward, we will see the Lord in all His holiness; as we look inward, we will see ourselves and our need for cleansing and power; and as we look outward, we will see a world that is perishing and in need of a Saviour!

[Mwansa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would almost be an injustice to call what I felt in reading this book enjoyment. My personal faithfulness as well as the desire to see the Lord's name, greatness and message spread far and wide were called into question and for good reason. It is very important for us as individuals to take stock of our priorities in life. God's glory must be primary in our lives otherwise, what was all this about.

One thing that stood out is the central place of prayer as we wait for and seek revival. Come lord Jesus, come should be the theme of my song day and night. It should be my greatest desire. The entire time I was going through the section that brought this to light I kept thinking of Keith Green's song, Your Love broke Through. It's opening lines say, 'Make my life a prayer to you, I want to do what you want me to..' My desire must be the same.

[Kristin Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTENSE.
CHALLENGING.
INSIGHTFUL.
NO SUGAR COATING.
YOU WILL BE C O N V I C T E D.

Very FIRE & BRIMSTONE way of writing. It was written in 1959 tho. Prepare your heart. He is biblical. Everything is supported by scripture and he does NOT twist it. This book is for those wanting and seeking MORE.

If you’re spiritually plateaued. If you’ve gotten comfortable. If your heart doesn’t ACHE for those dying without knowing God. If your spiritual disciplines lack, you’ll be convicted or offended.

BEST spiritually pushing read I’ve ever read. 🔥⛪️💥🙌⚔️🤯🤯🤯

[Willie Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is good when it quickens you to prayer. I literally threw this book across the room and got on my face in conviction and a desire to meet the God Ravenhill talks about.

[Levi Izvernar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nu am să uit ce am citit din această carte, Doamne, fi cu robul Tău, Amin.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It only gets 4 stars because half the book Ravenhill is yelling at you.

Challenged tremendously through this book that “God is the one who provides the growth”, Ravenhill writes with clarity and conviction on the lines of how our desire for people to know the Lord and prayer intersect.

“For this sin-hungry age we need a prayer-hungry Church. We need to explore again the "exceeding great and precious promises of God." In "that great day," the fire of judgment is going to test the sort, not the size of the work we have done. That which is born in prayer will survive the test. Prayer does business with God. Prayer creates hunger for souls; hunger for souls creates prayer. The understanding soul prays; the praying soul gets understanding. To the soul who prays in self-owned weakness, the Lord gives His strength.”

[Garrett Bollenbacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provoking! My desire to pray, and to simply experience more of God certainly increased after reading this.

I imagine you either read this book and let it fuel your fire, or take offense and throw it out. It was the former for me!

🔥 “By our attitude to prayer we tell God that what was begun in the Spirit we can finish in the flesh”🔥

💥 “Prayer is to the believer what capital is to the business man”💥

🍻 “A sober church never does any good. At this hour we need men drunk with the Holy Ghost” 🍻

🧑🏼‍🌾“The law of prayer is the law of harvest: sow sparingly in prayer, reap sparingly; sow bountifully in prayer, reap bountifully”🧑🏼‍🌾

✝️“The modern church has stopped somewhere between Calvary and Pentecost”🔥

[Jay Miklovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This classic book on revival was one that I truly enjoyed and was stirred by the first time I read it. Yet now in my second reading it leaves me scratching my head.

This book has so many great one liners, and Ravenhill's style was fantastic, there is something almost poetic about each of the essays in this book. I enjoyed his word play.

The down side of this book is that it leaves God's hands utterly tied. God is waiting on you to pray, you to preach, you to weep... everything in Ravenhill's theology is contingent on your action as a believer. The cross, the life of Christ, the resurrection all get mentioned plenty of times, but in this book the work that Christ has done FOR YOU gets consumed by all that you should be doing for Him. This book is stirring and I am glad I read it, and Ravenhill certainly called out some of my failings in this book, but this book unfortunately makes it seem that Christ's work itself accomplished nothing more than a mere opportunity for heaven.

I cannot bring myself to give this book less than 3 stars because there were just too many good one liners, at the same time I will not be rushing out to get this book into the hands of others. If you know what you believe and are looking to be stirred give this book a read, yet if you are looking to gain insight and deeper knowledge and love for your Lord, this book is not the place to start.

[Stan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill is a collection of sermons and articles. The great thing about them is they call us to prayer and the pursuit of holiness. There are two things I didn't care for. 1. He seems to place all the responsibility on the shoulders of preachers, rather than on each and every believer. This seems to be a product of his time and Fundamentalism. 2. The sermons and articles are different, but the same drum is pounded in every one of them. This leaves little variation in the overall message of the book. Still, the message is vital and should be read by all Christians with the understanding that each one needs to pursue holiness and pray intensely. And, if you're a fan of alliteration Ravenhill is masterful. Grab a copy and enjoy!

[Dave Rench · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book focused on pastors, but beneficial for all believers. He doesn't pull punches, but aims to give a vision of what he believes the church should be: full of humility, praying hard, and repentance. Lots of good quotes from this book.

[Manuell La]

the most dramatic book on revival ever

[Steve Hadfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I have ever read, but it isn't for those Christians that do not want to be challenged in the complacency in their faith.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece!!!! This book is so convicting. Ravenhill's love for revival can't be overstated, he was a giant of the faith that relayed ultimately on God.

[George]

Magnificent.

[Daniel Izzo]

Very powerful, very profound. A man on fire for God speaking into our present need for revival today.

[BJ Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember first reading this book when I was in high school. At that time, I can say that this book had a huge impact on my life. Some 25+ (we won't say how big of a plus) years later I can say that there still are parts of this book that are timeless. But there are some other parts that don't seem to have aged well.

Ravenhill's primary message seems to be, "We need more passion, more zeal, more purity, more prayer, more... more... more..." Yes, this is true, but after a while, the book seems to feel like a fire and brimstone preacher who has been barreling on preaching full steam... for four hours nonstop. I am all for a bit of fire and brimstone preaching when it is appropriate. But after a while, it stops being motivating and instead leaves you feeling exhausted... and also feeling guilty for feeling exhausted.

So this is a good book. No. It is a great book. But I would give two recommendations to anyone choosing to read it. First, just smile along and nod whenever he is talking about the imminent danger of communism. Second, and much more important, read this book in small doses. Read a chapter. Pray about it. Mull it over. Let it sink in. Then about a week later, read one more and so on.

[Onisim Pînzariu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not have enough words to say how much this book has challenged me. Will I accept the challenge and become a man of prayer, sharing the Gospel and yearning for revival to come?

[Emilio Abiusi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is like reading a time capsule giving a glimpse back into how mid century christians viewed the world around them; and oh boy its is a mixed bag.

Firstly there are some good things about this book:
- the passionate call to revival in the church
- the higher calling for pastors
- the opportunity to reflect on my job as a pastor, am I doing a good enough job? am I engaging with God enough etc

But there are a lot of problematic parts that really can't be ignored:
- Arguing that communism & catholicism are the 'twin evils' of the world (this is definitely a product of the 50s)
- Lots of theological inaccuracies (this book isn't trying to be academic, its trying to be dramatic)
- A general sense of contempt for the book's audience & the world at large
- on Page 136 he praises hitler and implies that Christians should be like hitler in following their convictions. What the heck is this?

Ultimately my problems with this book is the author's lack of humility I perceived as a reader.
Ravenhill has a low view of his audience, and I also think a narrow view of God. He suggests that all pastor/preachers/Christians are sluggish lacking in holy fervour because they aren’t as passionate or extreme as he is. And he leaves no room for the God’s expansive mercy. If one has been a minister for any length of time one will know that humility and peace actually grows overtime as you interact and listen to the people you are serving. Fervour is great when you are a revival preacher who doesn’t actually need to care for an individual’s humanity over a long period of time. I wonder if it is writers like Ravenhill who influenced the angry aggressive ministers of the 80-90s which drove legions of people away from the church?

The pastor doesn’t has that luxury. The truth that Ravenhill misses is that most people are genuinely trying their best to follow God. The apparent “apathy” isn’t because of laziness or heathenism but because life is a journey and there are ups and downs to it. Ravenhill leaves no room for the presence of God to meet people where they are at and loving walk with them.

There was a time In my life where I would have parroted Ravenhill’s ideas to everyone I know, decrying the lack of holiness around me. But as I have grown—I believe more spiritually mature but only God knows that—I have come to realize that such fervour was actually a manifestation of my own subconscious pride. That religious zeal (which is not inherently bad) was more often than not in my life a form of sin, a lacking of humility and mercy in me. I have come to see myself and others as human, totally flawed but journeying forward together. And I have come to see the presence of God in others—from all walks of life—on the same journey. Growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control together. Fruit that is not evident in this book. For that reason I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone besides a person in ministry.

[Tim Baumgartner · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw an endorsement for this book by one of my favorite writers and thinkers, Ravi Zacharias, saying, "The book that shaped me probably more dramatically than any other book that I have read...," I KNEW I had to read it. So, mission accomplished--this book certainly challenged me as well to get in my prayer closet a la Matthew 6:6. One of the main challenges of the book is that there aren't enough "Paul's" or "Jeremiah's" or "Moses'". Ravenhill wonders, "Where have all the prophets gone?" Too many preachers are using their seminary degrees and material we've learned from dead theologians, but WHERE IS THE CONNECTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT??? He uses physical illustrations to draw out his points in the spiritual. For example, just as women going through the 9 month struggle and suffering of pregnancy, so us prayer-ers should be struggling and sacrificing ourselves in our prayer closets. We have lost our unction in the Spirit. What's unction in the Spirit, you say? You will KNOW it IF you have it. So again, there are a bunch of challenges and nuggets by which Christ-followers can dwell on to launch themselves onto and into God so He will launch His Spirit upon His creation. Why does revival tarry (delay)? Leonard Ravenhill says the answer is easy...we should ask ourselves, "Why we are not being all God created us to be when we claim we believe Galatians 2:20 to be true?" OUCH! Let's make sure Ravenhill isn't describing us!