Revival
What Is Revival? A Biblical Look At Spiritual Awakening
What revival is, what it isn't, what Scripture and history show about it, the marks of a genuine move of God, and how ordinary believers can pray and prepare for revival in their own city.
·3 min read·Jesus Festival Movement
Few words stir Christians like revival. We pray for it, sing about it and long for it. But what actually is it — and how would we know if it came?
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
A simple definition
Revival is a season when God renews the spiritual life of His people by His Spirit. Believers who had grown cold are brought back to life: convicted of sin, filled with fresh love for Jesus, hungry for His Word and burdened to pray. And very often that renewal overflows, so that many outside the Church come to faith too — what is sometimes called an awakening.
Notice who revival starts with. It isn't first about "them" out there. It is about God's people, and it is God's work, not ours.
What revival is not
- Not an event on a calendar. A series of meetings can be a blessing, but you can't schedule a move of God.
- Not hype or emotion. Feelings may run high, but the test is lasting fruit, not excitement.
- Not a technique. No method, worship style or programme produces it.
- Not only for the past. God has revived His people again and again, and He has not changed.
What Scripture shows
The Bible is full of revival: the reforms under Hezekiah and Josiah, the people weeping as Ezra read the Law, and above all Pentecost, when the Spirit fell and thousands turned to Jesus in a day. Again and again the pattern is the same: God's people humble themselves, pray and turn from sin, and God answers.
“If my people who are called by my name 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.”
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
What history shows
Church history is marked by seasons that bear the same fingerprints. A few of the best known:
The First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)
Across Britain and the American colonies, through preachers such as Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield and John Wesley — often in open fields.
The Welsh Revival (1904–1905)
Associated with Evan Roberts, marked by fervent prayer meetings and widespread repentance across Wales.
Azusa Street (1906)
In Los Angeles, under the leadership of William J. Seymour, with a deep impact on the worldwide Pentecostal movement.
The Hebrides Revival (1949–1952)
In Scotland's Outer Hebrides, associated with Duncan Campbell and years of persistent prayer beforehand.
Different places, different centuries, the same thread: they were preceded by prayer, marked by repentance, and spilled out into evangelism.
The marks of genuine revival
- Conviction of sin and honest repentance
- A fresh love for Jesus and hunger for Scripture
- Earnest, persistent prayer
- Holy, changed lives that last beyond the meetings
- Unity among believers across old dividing lines
- A burden for the lost, and many coming to faith
How to pray and prepare
Start with yourself
Ask God to search your own heart first (Psalm 139:23–24). Revival in a city usually begins with repentance in the Church.
Pray for your city by name
Use Scripture when your words run out — see how to pray for your city.
Pray with other churches
Unity in prayer is one of the most consistent threads in revival history.
Keep going
Many revivals were preceded by years of faithful, unspectacular prayer. Don't stop when the novelty wears off.
Share the Gospel now
Don't wait for revival to start evangelism. Faithful witness is part of preparing the ground.
Practical starting points: our guide to praying for your city, the free prayer walk guide, and why city-wide unity is worth the effort.
“O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Questions people ask
What is revival in Christianity?
Revival is a season when God renews the spiritual life of His people by His Spirit: deep repentance, fresh love for Jesus and Scripture, earnest prayer and holy living. It often overflows into many unbelievers coming to faith, which is sometimes called awakening.
What is the difference between revival and awakening?
The words are often used interchangeably. Strictly, revival describes the renewal of believers and the Church, while awakening describes the wider effect on a community or nation as many people outside the Church come to faith. Historically, one has often led to the other.
What are the signs of a genuine revival?
Conviction of sin and repentance, a fresh love for Jesus and His Word, earnest prayer, changed lives that last, unity among believers, and a burden to share the Gospel. Emotion may be present, but lasting fruit — not excitement — is the test.
How do you pray for revival?
Begin with yourself and your church, as 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Psalm 139:23–24 model: humble yourselves, confess sin and ask God to search your heart. Then pray Scripture over your city by name, pray with other churches, and keep praying long after the novelty wears off.