Throughout history, God has breathed fresh life into His people through extraordinary movements of revival. Seasons of decline, coldness, or compromise have again and again been interrupted by the Spirit’s fire, calling the church back to holiness, prayer, and mission. A repeated thought at the recent BBFI National Meeting was, “Lord, send one more revival before Your return.”
The Longing for Revival
Revival, in its simplest form, is a work of God among His people. It is not merely a series of scheduled meetings or a temporary surge of emotion. True revival is when God restores His people to spiritual vitality, when hearts are humbled, sin is confessed, and obedience is renewed. It is when the church awakens from lethargy and burns brightly for Christ in such a way that the world cannot ignore.
The psalmist prayed, “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6). That prayer has echoed through the centuries, voiced by generations who longed for God to intervene in their own times of decline. Today, with moral confusion, declining church attendance, and global upheaval, that same prayer rises again: “Lord, send one more revival before Your return.”
“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6). Click To TweetA Brief History of Revivals
To pray wisely for revival today, it helps to remember how God has acted in the past. Though each movement was unique, certain patterns emerge: earnest prayer, courageous preaching, widespread repentance, and lasting fruit.
The Early Church
The very first revival broke out on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). As Peter preached, the Spirit fell, and three thousand souls were added to the church. This pattern of bold witness and supernatural growth continued as “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). The early church’s vitality came from prayer, unity, and Spirit-empowered proclamation.
The Reformation
In the 16th century, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and others ignited a spiritual renewal that reshaped Europe. The Reformation was not only a theological correction, it was a revival of biblical preaching, a rediscovery of salvation by grace through faith, and a renewal of personal devotion. The Scriptures in the common language became the fuel of widespread transformation.
The First Great Awakening
In the 18th century, America and England experienced what became known as the First Great Awakening. Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley preached with passion, calling people to repentance and personal faith. Churches were filled, societies were impacted, and missionaries were sent out. This awakening instilled in the American colonies a moral seriousness that prepared the ground for the development of a national identity.
The Second Great Awakening
The early 19th century saw another sweeping revival in America, led by men like Charles Finney. Camp meetings spread across the frontier, and thousands came to faith. The revival emphasized personal conversion, holiness, and social reform, fueling movements such as the abolition of slavery and the establishment of educational institutions, many of which were focused on training ministers.
19th and 20th Century Revivals
Other revivals punctuated the modern era. The Welsh Revival of 1904 saw more than 100,000 people converted in a few months through fervent prayer meetings. Evangelists like Dwight L. Moody and later Billy Graham carried revival fervor across continents through crusades and personal evangelism.
Modern Examples
Even in recent decades, God has stirred renewal among His people. The Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 70s brought thousands of young people to Christ. More recently, in the time immediately following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, countless believers gathered spontaneously across the nation for prayer, worship, and repentance. Churches filled with late-night vigils, young people organized outdoor prayer meetings, and social media became a channel for testimonies of renewed faith and courage. In the shadow of tragedy, the Spirit moved, reminding God’s people that He still brings light out of darkness and that He has not withdrawn His power to revive.
Why We Need One More Revival
Every generation of believers has needed revival, but today the need for it feels even greater. Western culture is rapidly drifting from biblical truth. Churches in many places are shrinking, and spiritual apathy often replaces passion. Technology brings unprecedented connectivity but also unprecedented distraction. Families are fractured, morality is confused, and many churches are growing weary.
Yet history shows that God’s people often experience revival in times of greatest darkness. Just when the church seems weakest, God has a way of displaying His strength. Revival is not about restoring cultural dominance but about awakening hearts to holiness, compassion, and mission.
Now it is high time to awake out of sleep! (Romans 13:11) Click To TweetThe apostle Paul wrote, “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). If the early church believed Christ’s return was near, how much more should we? What if the Lord’s return is soon? Should we not be praying for one more revival, a final outpouring that brings multitudes into His kingdom before the trumpet sounds?
How Revival Comes
If revival is a work of God, what can we do? History and Scripture show that God’s people play a role in preparing the way.
- Prayer – Every revival has been born in prayer. Before Pentecost, the disciples were united in prayer (Acts 1:14). Before the Welsh Revival, believers prayed for months. Prayer bends our will to God’s and calls down His power. No significant work for God ever happens apart from prayer.
- Preaching – Revival spreads when the Word of God is proclaimed with boldness and clarity. Jonathan Edwards read his sermons quietly, but the Spirit pierced hearts. Billy Graham preached simply, but with conviction. Revival comes when preaching is biblical, Christ-centered, and Spirit-empowered.
- Repentance – Revival starts with us. When God’s people confess sin and pursue holiness, the world takes notice. The Lord told Solomon, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
- Renewed Mission – Every revival has led to increased evangelism and missions. Revived believers cannot keep the gospel to themselves. Revival fuels compassion for the lost and courage to go. This is why we are to pray the “938 prayer” based on Matthew 9:38.
Lord, Do It Again
Looking back at history, we see a God who delights to restore His people and reach the lost through revival. Looking at our present, we see a desperate need. Looking to the future, we know Christ is coming soon. That is why our prayer must be urgent: “Lord, before You return, would You send one more revival?”
Imagine churches filled with prayer meetings, families healed, prodigals returning, and missionaries sent to the ends of the earth. Imagine a generation rising up with holy boldness, standing firm in truth and love. Imagine Christ’s bride made radiant, ready for His appearing.God has done it before. He can do it again. May we be the ones on our knees, asking Him to send one more revival before His return.
