What is Revival?

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When we hear the word “revival,” we might imagine large gatherings, powerful worship, or a sense of renewal in our spirits. But, what does revival really mean, and why does it matter? 

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The essence of revival can be understood through its very definition: “to live again.” At its core, revival is not a single event or a gathering. Rather, it is a powerful, transformative move of God in our hearts and communities. Revival is about God breathing life back into areas of spiritual drought, filling what was empty, restoring what was broken, and drawing hearts back to Him.

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Throughout history, revivals have sprung up at unexpected times and surprising places. Often, they emerge in seasons of darkness and need; like light piercing through shadows. Whether it was John Wesley on his knees in England or the more recent gatherings at Asbury University, revival often begins in humble places, sparked by people who recognize their need for God and seek Him earnestly. 

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Could that be us? 

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Revival is not confined to a single denomination or a particular way of worshiping. Revival breaks past these boundaries, uniting believers in a common hunger for God’s presence and power. Again, could He do that to us, and in us?

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In Ezekiel 37, God brings the Prophet Ezekiel to a valley filled with dry bones. God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” This would seem beyond possible. But, God commands Ezekiel to speak to the bones. It’s through Ezekiel’s obedience that God breathes life into them. The bones rise and form a vast, living army, a powerful image of God’s ability to bring life where there once was none. This is revival—God, through His Spirit, taking what appears lifeless and hopeless and bringing it back to life.

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Throughout history every Revival starts with a deep awareness of our need for God, often expressed in prayer. Prayer is the heartbeat of revival—it aligns our hearts with God’s and opens the door for His power to flow. We see this in every revival throughout history;  whether in the Welsh Revival, the Great Awakening, or more recent movements across the globe. These revivals didn’t begin with grand events; they started with people on their knees, crying out for God to move in their lives and their communities. In Psalm 85:6, the psalmist prays, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” This simple, honest prayer speaks to the heart of revival: a desire for God to draw near, to refresh our spirits, and to fill us with joy. It reminds us that revival is not just about external signs and wonders; it’s about an internal transformation that brings us closer to God and fills us with His joy and peace.

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Revival also impacts those around us. When God revives us, His love overflows from our hearts, reaching others who may feel distant from Him. It transforms our families, workplaces, and communities as we become living examples of His grace and love. Just as Ezekiel’s dry bones formed a living army, we become a united body of believers, equipped to spread His love and hope in a world that desperately needs it.

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So, what is revival? Revival is God’s invitation to live fully in Him. It’s a time of renewal where dry places in our lives, dead dreams, buried gifts are made alive by His Spirit. It’s a movement that starts with individuals but grows into something that can change the world. It’s also an open invitation—to anyone willing to humble themselves, to seek God, and to pray, “Lord, do it again. Bring revival, and start with me.”

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