What is revival praying?

Answered by Tom Adger

Revival praying, as described by Leonard Ravenhill in his book, is a specific kind of prayer that is centered around the desperate cry for revival in the church. It is a plea to God for a supernatural outpouring of His Spirit, a spiritual awakening that brings about a renewed passion for God and a revival of true, authentic Christianity.

Revival praying is not just a casual, passive kind of prayer. It is not about reciting well-rehearsed words or going through the motions. Instead, it is a deep, fervent, and earnest cry from the depths of the soul. It is a prayer that comes from a heart burdened by the spiritual condition of the church and a longing for a fresh move of God’s power.

Ravenhill emphasizes that revival praying is not a formula or a technique, but rather a genuine, Spirit-inspired expression of dependence on God. It is a prayer that is fueled by a deep sense of desperation, recognizing the need for God’s intervention and revival in the midst of spiritual apathy and decline.

Revival praying is characterized by a sense of urgency. It is not a passive waiting for God to act, but an active pursuit of His presence and power. It is a prayer that seeks God with all one’s heart, mind, and soul, acknowledging that without His intervention, true revival cannot be experienced.

In his book, Ravenhill shares stories and examples of individuals who engaged in revival praying and witnessed remarkable transformations in their lives and in the church. He highlights the importance of personal holiness and surrender to God in prayer, recognizing that revival begins with individual hearts being fully surrendered to God’s will.

Revival praying is not just about asking for blessings or personal needs, but about seeking God’s face, His glory, and His purposes. It is a prayer that aligns with God’s heart and desires, seeking His kingdom above all else. It is a prayer that acknowledges the need for repentance, both individually and corporately, and a genuine turning back to God.

Ravenhill’s book serves as a powerful reminder that revival praying is not just a concept or theory, but a call to action for the church. It is a plea for believers to return to the foundational practice of prayer, to seek God’s face with fervency and persistence, and to cry out for a revival that can only come from His hand.

Revival praying is not limited to a specific time or place. It can happen in the quietness of a personal prayer closet or in the corporate gathering of believers. It is a prayer that transcends denominational boundaries and unites believers in a common pursuit of God’s presence and power.

Revival praying is a passionate, urgent, and Spirit-infused cry for revival in the church. It is a prayer that stems from a deep longing for God’s intervention and a genuine desire to see His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It is a call to return to the foundational practice of prayer, to seek God with all our hearts, and to earnestly contend for revival in our lives, our churches, and our world.