Charles G. Finney, He Prayed Down Revivals, by Basil Miller, 1941
A tremendous book for multiple reasons. One is Finney's testimony and account of his conversion after a Holy Ghost prayer service in the middle of the woods. It's a powerful testimony. The "new creature" impact it had on Finney became instantly visible to those who knew him and even to strangers who heard him preach. Miller's acknowledgment of the foundation of prayer in Finney's revivals is a powerful reminder, as is our need for a brotherhood to hold each other up in prayer and support, as illustrated by Finney's friendship with Father Nash.Charles G. Finney, He Prayed Down Revivals
I can't remember where I got my copy of the older edition of this book, but it seems like it was in a box of books I purchased at a church's yard sale. Excellent book on revival!
The Works of the Holy Ghost, by Verbal Bean
Transcribed from sermons/lessons Bro. Verbal Bean preached and taught in the 1950s-1960s. There's a renewed interest in Bro. Bean's books and sermons thanks in part to his son, Evangelist Joel Bean, making the materials available online https://www.facebook.com/verbalbean/ and at the UPCI General Conference.The first book I read of Bro. Bean's sermons was The Battlefield, about the revival in Laurel, MS. Also highly recommended!
These sermons and teachings will stir your heart and prompt you to get into the Word of God and prayer.
Crazy Busy, by Kevin DeYoung
Distractions are one of the enemy's tactics to detour us away from revival and the primary calling of God. But our "righteous busyness" is hard to spot because we justify it in multiple ways. After all, "we're busy for God." "We're doing the work(s) of the Lord." Without fail, crazy busyness pulls us away from time in prayer and deeper study of the Bible. Without those, there is no revival.If you're too busy to read another book, get this book and start reading it immediately. I did and it had a great impact on slowing me down and helping me get back in the presence of God.
Why Revival Tarries, Leonard Ravenhill
This is one of those books, and Ravenhill is one of those authors, that you start highlighting quotes and paragraphs from the very first page! With a powerful introduction by A.W. Tozer, this book wastes no time in getting to the hard-hitting message of what it takes for continued revival. What this book has in common with the other 3 titles on this list is the conviction it stirs and the repentance it prompts. Great books on revival call us back to God, and draw us back to the altars of prayer and repentance. Why Revival Tarries excels in this invitation. You probably won't make it through too many pages before you take a break from reading to pray about what you've read! Ravenhill does not mince words and to those who receive them, revival will be the result.
