Leonard Ravenhill Quotes

Leonard Ravenhill was a renowned British evangelist. Leonard Ravenhill quotes are known for their powerful messages on prayer, revival, and spiritual awakening. His words inspire believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God and challenge the church to live with greater passion and holiness.

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Leonard Ravenhill quotes often highlight the limitations of human effort in achieving spiritual transformation. Let us discuss Leonard Ravenhill Quotes:

“When the hammer of logic and the fire of human zeal fail to open the stony heart, unction will succeed.”

This quote emphasizes that human effort and logic cannot bring about spiritual change, but only the Holy Spirit’s power (unction) can soften hardened hearts.

“Oh! my ministering brethren! Much of our praying is but giving God advice! Our praying is discolored with ambition, either for ourselves or for our denomination. Perish the thought! Our goal must be God alone.”

Ravenhill critiques the self-centered nature of many prayers, reminding ministers that prayer should focus solely on God’s will, not personal or denominational agendas.

“The tragedy of this late hour is that we have too many dead men in the pulpits giving out too many dead sermons to too many dead people.”

This statement calls attention to the lifeless, ineffective preaching in churches and the spiritual apathy that prevails among both leaders and congregations.

“For this sin-hungry age we need a prayer-hungry Church.”

Ravenhill stresses that in a world desperate for salvation, the Church must be fervently committed to prayer to address the spiritual needs of society.

“The ugly fact is that altar fires are either out or burning very low. The prayer meeting is dead or dying. By our attitude to prayer we tell God that what was begun in the Spirit we can finish in the flesh.”

This quote critiques the decline of prayer and spiritual fervor within the Church, pointing out that many rely more on human efforts than on the Spirit’s power.

“God never intended His Church to be a refrigerator in which to preserve perishable piety. He intended it to be an incubator in which to hatch out converts.”

Ravenhill challenges the Church to stop being a place of stagnant faith and become a place where new believers are nurtured and converted to Christ.

“Prayer makes the soul tender.”

Ravenhill highlights the transformative power of prayer in softening the heart and drawing individuals closer to God.

“How many Christians there are who cannot pray, and who seek by effort, resolve, joining prayer circles, etc., to cultivate in themselves the ‘holy art of intercession,’ and all to no purpose. Here for them and for all is the only secret of a real prayer life—‘Be filled with the Spirit,’ who is ‘the Spirit of grace and supplication.’”

This quote emphasizes that true prayer comes through the Holy Spirit, not through mere human effort or techniques.

“(A man escaped from his cell is not free who still drags his chain.)”

Ravenhill uses this metaphor to explain that true freedom in Christ comes only when believers completely release themselves from the chains of sin and self.

“Broken Hearts, Mourning, and Sin. First, ‘a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise’; in fact, God only uses broken things.”

This quote reflects the biblical principle that God uses those who are humble and broken-hearted over their sin, just as Jesus was broken for us.

“No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. The pulpit can be a shopwindow to display one’s talents; the prayer closet allows no showing off.”

Ravenhill emphasizes that a person’s spiritual depth is measured by their prayer life, warning against superficial ministry and urging deep, sincere prayer.

“He who fears God fears no man.”

This powerful quote speaks to the courage and boldness that comes from a deep reverence for God, encouraging believers to prioritize God’s will over the fear of people

“There can be no revival when Mr. Amen and Mr. Wet-Eyes are not found in the audience.” —CHARLES G. FINNEY

Ravenhill quotes Charles Finney to emphasize that revival cannot happen when people are emotionally indifferent or uninterested in responding to God.

“Do not we rest in our day too much on the arm of flesh? Cannot the same wonders be done now as of old? Do not the eyes of the Lord still run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those who put their trust in Him?”

Ravenhill calls Christians to rely on God’s power, not human strength, and to have faith that God still works miracles for those who trust Him.

“One of these days some simple soul will pick up the Book of God, read it, and believe it. Then the rest of us will be embarrassed.”

Ravenhill challenges believers to have the kind of simple, childlike faith that is willing to take God’s Word at face value, which will convict those who have become complacent in their faith.

“There is something very questionable and unbiblical about those who claim a baptism of the Spirit and yet know nothing of extended periods in prayer.”

Ravenhill critiques those who claim to be filled with the Holy Spirit but fail to engage in deep, persistent prayer, pointing to the connection between the Spirit’s work and a prayerful life.

“Such a sinning, repenting ‘easy believeism’ dishonors the blood and prostitutes the altar.

This harsh critique targets shallow conversions and superficial repentance, urging believers to approach faith with sincerity and seriousness.

“True preaching is the sweating of blood.” —DR. JOSEPH PARKER

This quote underscores the weight of genuine preaching, which involves deep sacrifice, heartache, and passion for the lost.

“Was exceptional in suffering, which was often by the choice of others, but exceptional in prayer, too, which was by his own choice.”

Ravenhill reflects on the role of prayer in a believer’s life, noting that true spiritual strength is developed through intentional, voluntary devotion to God in prayer.

“Is life’s span so dear and are home comforts so engrossing as to be purchased with my unfaithfulness and dry-eyed prayerlessness?”

Ravenhill challenges believers to examine whether they are sacrificing their spiritual commitment for worldly comforts and convenience.

“The Spirit-filled believer will hate iniquity, injustice, and impurity; and he will militate against all of them.”

Ravenhill calls for a strong, uncompromising stand against sin and injustice, which is characteristic of a believer filled with the Holy Spirit.

“An experience of God that cost nothing, does nothing, and is worth nothing.”

This statement emphasizes that true experiences with God involve sacrifice and transformation, warning against shallow, cost-free spiritual experiences.

“At this grim hour, the world sleeps in the darkness, and the Church sleeps in the light.”

Ravenhill poignantly critiques the church for being spiritually complacent while the world suffers in darkness, urging believers to wake up and engage in the mission of God.

“If the fires go out in the boiler room of the church, the place will still look smart and clean… but it will be cold. The prayer room of the church is the boiler room for the spiritual life.”

Ravenhill uses this metaphor to describe the vital importance of prayer in sustaining the life and vitality of the church.

“He who would teach the people to pray must first himself be given to prayer.”

This quote speaks to the need for church leaders to model a life of prayer before teaching others how to pray, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discipline.

“Some Christians cannot say when they were saved. But I never knew a man yet who was baptized with the Holy Ghost and Fire and was unable to say when it happened.”

Ravenhill reflects on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, stating that a true encounter with God’s Spirit is unmistakable and leaves a lasting impact.

“Is life’s span so dear and are home comforts so engrossing as to be purchased with my unfaithfulness and dry-eyed prayerlessness?”

This call to reflection urges believers to examine whether they are trading the depth of their faith for the comforts of life, challenging them to prioritize their spiritual life above all else.

“Our praying, however, needs to be pressed and pursued with an energy that never tires, a persistency which will not be denied, and a courage which never fails.” —E. M. BOUNDS

Ravenhill quotes E.M. Bounds to stress the persistence, energy, and courage needed for effective prayer, reflecting the urgency of prayer in revival.

“The cost might be prison, for it were better that he should be ‘the prisoner of the Lord’ for a few years than that his fellow men should be the devil’s prisoners in hell forever.”

This powerful quote highlights the cost of faithful ministry, which may involve suffering or persecution, but underscores its eternal significance.

“Brethren, to our knees again,”

A simple but urgent call to prayer, urging believers to return to their knees in earnest prayer for revival and spiritual awakening.

“There is a world of difference between knowing the Word of God and knowing the God of the Word.”

Ravenhill distinguishes between intellectual knowledge of Scripture and a genuine, personal relationship with God, emphasizing that knowing God is more important than merely knowing the Bible.

“If we will do God’s work in God’s way at God’s time with God’s power, we shall have God’s blessing.”

This quote highlights the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will, timing, and power to receive His blessing in our endeavors.

“Sodom, which had no Bible, no preachers, no tracts, no prayer meetings, no churches, perished. How then will America and England be spared from the wrath of the Almighty, think you? We have millions of Bibles, scores of thousands of churches, endless preachers—and yet what sin!”

Ravenhill warns that having access to God’s Word and church infrastructure doesn’t prevent judgment if sin continues unchecked in society.

“A vision without a task makes a visionary; a task without a vision is drudgery; a vision with a task makes a missionary.”

This quote stresses the need for both vision and action to bring about real impact, particularly in spreading the Gospel.

“Where, oh, where are the eternity-conscious believers? Where are the souls white-hot for God because they fear His holy name and presence and so live with eternity’s values in view?”

Ravenhill calls for believers to live with a sense of eternal purpose, deeply aware of God’s holiness and the eternal consequences of their actions.

“Who or what takes priority over God in our lives?”

This quote challenges Christians to examine their priorities, ensuring that God is placed above all else in their lives.

“The evangelists today are very often prepared to be anything to anybody as long as they can get somebody to the altar for something. They glibly call out: ‘Who wants help? Who wants more power? Who wants a closer walk with God?’ Such a sinning, repenting ‘easy believeism’ dishonors the blood and prostitutes the altar.”

Ravenhill critiques the shallow evangelistic practices of modern times, urging a return to genuine repentance and commitment rather than easy conversions.

“If Christ waited to be anointed before He went to preach, no young man ought to preach until he, too, has been anointed by the Holy Ghost.” —F. B. MEYER

Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit before preaching the Gospel, echoing the example set by Jesus.

“The Christless cults and deity-dishonoring mushroom religions of this midnight hour tempt the Lord God. Will no one sound the alarm?”

Ravenhill warns against false religions and cults that distort the truth of Christ, urging believers to stand firm against these false teachings.

“The secret of praying is praying in secret.”

This quote teaches that genuine prayer is intimate and personal, done in secret with God rather than for show.

“The man who can get believers to praying would, under God, usher in the greatest revival that the world has ever known.”

Ravenhill underscores the power of prayer in sparking revival, suggesting that prayer is the key to any lasting spiritual awakening.

“Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about the folk for whom we pray! For prayer is a great deterrent.”

Ravenhill highlights the transformative power of prayer, suggesting that it prevents us from speaking ill of others and fosters genuine love.

“Today God is bypassing men—not because they are too ignorant, but because they are too self-sufficient. Brethren, our abilities are our handicaps, and our talents our stumbling blocks!”

This quote points out that reliance on human ability can hinder God’s work, emphasizing the need for humility and dependence on God’s power.

“Yet ministers who do not spend two hours a day in prayer are not worth a dime a dozen, degrees or no degrees.”

Ravenhill critiques pastors who neglect prayer, stressing its importance over intellectual qualifications or titles.

“The Cinderella of the church of today is the prayer meeting. This handmaid of the Lord is unloved and unwooed because she is not dripping with the pearls of intellectualism, nor glamorous with the silks of philosophy; neither is she enchanting with the tiara of psychology.”

Ravenhill laments that prayer meetings are neglected in favor of more glamorous church activities, urging believers to return to the foundational power of prayer.

“Preacher brethren, this is the time to blush that we have no shame, the time to weep for our lack of tears, the time to bend low that we have lost the humble touch of servants, the time to groan that we have no burden, the time to be angry with ourselves that we have no anger over the devil’s monopoly in this ‘end time’ hour.”

Ravenhill calls pastors and church leaders to reflect on their lack of true passion for the lost, urging them to seek humility, tears, and a renewed burden for souls.

“John the Baptist’s training was in God’s University of Silence. God takes all His great men there.”

Ravenhill reflects on the importance of silence and solitude in spiritual formation, pointing to John the Baptist’s time of preparation as a model.

“Oh that believers would become eternity-conscious! If we could live every moment of every day under the eye of God, if we did every act in the light of the judgment seat, if we sold every article in the light of the judgment seat, if we prayed every prayer in the light of the judgment seat, if we tithed all our possessions in the light of the judgment seat, if we preachers prepared every sermon with one eye on damned humanity and the other on the judgment seat—then we would have a Holy Ghost revival that would shake this earth and that, in no time at all, would liberate millions of precious souls.”

Ravenhill envisions a church that lives with a constant awareness of eternity, where every action is influenced by the reality of the coming judgment.

“It has been well said that there are only three classes of people in the world today: those who are afraid, those who do not know enough to be afraid, and those who know their Bibles.”

Ravenhill highlights the importance of knowing Scripture, suggesting that true understanding of the Bible leads to a bold and fearless life.

“Prayer does not condition God; prayer conditions us. Prayer does not win God to our view; it reveals God’s view to us.”

Ravenhill teaches that prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will, not the other way around. Through prayer, we gain a clearer understanding of His plans.

“We are not Protestants any more—just ‘non-Catholics’! Of what and of whom do we protest? Were we half as hot as we think we are, and a tenth as powerful as we say we are, our Christians would be baptized in blood, as well as in water and in fire.”

Ravenhill criticizes the complacency of modern Christianity, urging believers to be as passionate and committed as the early church.

“We have not yet resisted unto blood in prayer; nay, we ‘do not even get a sweat on our souls,’ as Luther put it. We pray with a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ attitude; we pray chance prayers; we offer that which costs us nothing!”

Ravenhill challenges the lack of true sacrifice in modern prayer, calling for prayer that is fervent and filled with deep spiritual longing.

“Unctionized by the Spirit’s might, John cried, ‘Repent!’ And they did! Repentance is not a few hot tears at the penitent form. It is not emotion or remorse or reformation. Repentance is a change of mind about God, about sin, and about hell!”

Ravenhill clarifies that repentance is not merely emotional but a deep, transformative change in one’s relationship with God and sin.

“Almost every Bible conference majors on today’s Church being like the Ephesian Church. We are told that, despite our sin and carnality, we are seated with Him. Alas, what a lie! We are Ephesians all right; but, as the Ephesian Church in the Revelation, we have ‘left our first love!’”

Ravenhill criticizes the modern church for becoming complacent and losing its passion for Christ, just as the Ephesian church did in Revelation.

“Christianity today is so subnormal that if any Christian began to act like a normal New Testament Christian, he would be considered abnormal.”

This quote laments the decline of true biblical Christianity, where living according to New Testament standards has become unusual and countercultural.

“And before we can be clean and ready for Him to control, self-seeking, self-glory, self-interest, self-pity, self-righteousness, self-importance, self-promotion, self-satisfaction—and whatsoever else there be of self—must die.”

Ravenhill stresses the need for complete surrender and the death of self-interest for God to fully take control of a believer’s life.

Again, Ravenhill criticizes the self-centered nature of many prayers, calling ministers to focus solely on God’s glory and will.

“No man is greater than his prayer life.”

Ravenhill emphasizes

Leonard Ravenhill’s Call for Spiritual Transformation

The Heart of Leonard Ravenhill’s Message

Leonard Ravenhill’s “Why Revival Tarries” is more than just a book about the need for revival in the church; it’s a heartfelt plea for spiritual transformation that begins with personal repentance and prayer.

Ravenhill doesn’t mince words when addressing the complacency and lack of passion within the modern church. His quotes cut to the heart of what he sees as the church’s greatest failure: a lack of true, fervent prayer and a diluted understanding of God’s Word.

“Poverty-stricken as the Church is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of prayer,” he writes, reminding believers of the urgent need for revival through consistent, heartfelt prayer.

A Vision for True Revival

Ravenhill’s vision for revival is not based on superficial church growth or religious activity, but on a deep, internal transformation.

He challenges the status quo by stating, “The evangelists today are very often prepared to be anything to anybody as long as they can get somebody to the altar for something. They glibly call out: ‘Who wants help? Who wants more power? Who wants a closer walk with God?’”

His criticism of easy-believism and shallow conversions points to a deeper need for genuine, life-changing revival. For Ravenhill, revival involves total surrender to God and a deep commitment to His will, demonstrated through prayer, action, and obedience.

On the Holy Spirit

“The Holy Spirit as a dove is gentle, but don’t forget He also came as fire!”
“You never have to advertise a fire. Everyone comes running when there’s a fire. Likewise, if your church is on fire with the Holy Spirit, you won’t have to advertise it.”

On Holiness

“The greatest miracle that God can do today is to take an unholy man out of an unholy world and make him holy, then put him back into that unholy world and keep him holy in it.”
“Holiness is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Without it, no man shall see the Lord.”

On Revival

“You never have to advertise a fire. Revival is when God gets so sick and tired of being misrepresented that He shows Himself.”
“The only reason we don’t have revival is because we are willing to live without it.”

On Prayer

“No man is greater than his prayer life.”
“The church has many organizers, but few agonizers; many who pay, but few who pray.”

The Role of Prayer in Revival

Ravenhill’s emphasis on prayer is central to his understanding of revival. He asserts, “The man who can get believers to praying would, under God, usher in the greatest revival that the world has ever known.”

His message is clear: prayer is the foundation of revival. In another quote, he adds, “Prayer does not condition God; prayer conditions us. Prayer does not win God to our view; it reveals God’s view to us.”

This reflection on prayer underscores the idea that true prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purpose, making us vessels ready for revival and spiritual transformation.

The Lack of Eternal Vision

One of the most striking aspects of “Why Revival Tarries“ is Ravenhill’s call for eternity-consciousness. He believes that Christians today live with too little regard for eternity.

“Where, oh, where are the eternity-conscious believers? Where are the souls white-hot for God because they fear His holy name and presence and so live with eternity’s values in view?”

This quote speaks to the need for believers to live with a constant awareness of eternity, making decisions and living lives that are deeply rooted in the reality of the coming judgment and the eternal consequences of their actions.

Ravenhill’s Bold Critique of the Church

Throughout “Why Revival Tarries,” Leonard Ravenhill critiques the contemporary church for its focus on entertainment, intellectualism, and convenience rather than on prayer, repentance, and true devotion to God.

He paints a vivid picture of the modern church as one that is spiritually bankrupt. “Men build our churches but do not enter them, print our Bibles but do not read them, talk about God but do not believe him, speak of Christ but do not trust Him for salvation, sing our hymns and then forget them.”

This is a wake-up call for Christians to examine their own lives and practices, asking themselves whether they are truly living out the Gospel or simply going through the motions.

The Urgency of Revival

Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of revival, making it clear that revival is not something that can be delayed or postponed.

He writes, “Today God is bypassing men—not because they are too ignorant, but because they are too self-sufficient. Brethren, our abilities are our handicaps, and our talents our stumbling blocks!”

This quote challenges believers to humble themselves, acknowledging that reliance on self-sufficiency and talent can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. Revival, according to Ravenhill, begins when believers are willing to set aside their own strengths and surrender to God’s power.

The Call for Holiness and Obedience

Finally, Ravenhill’s quotes from “Why Revival Tarries” call believers to a life of holiness and obedience to God’s Word.

Ravenhill highlights the lack of sacrifice in modern Christian life, urging believers to pray earnestly, live sacrificially, and pursue holiness in every aspect of their lives. This level of commitment and obedience is essential for genuine revival.

Leonard Ravenhill’s Enduring Legacy

The timeless wisdom contained in Leonard Ravenhill’s quotes from “Why Revival Tarries” continues to resonate with readers today.

His bold, prophetic words challenge Christians to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, to embrace prayer as the foundation of spiritual life, and to live with eternity in mind.

Ravenhill’s writings call for a revival that is marked by prayer, holiness, and sacrificial living, rather than superficial church activities or material success. If you’re seeking a powerful spiritual awakening, “Why Revival Tarries” offers a much-needed call to action for believers around the world.

Just like Hans Christian Andersen’s quote “To travel is to live,” Leonard Ravenhill’s words remind us that real life starts with the Spirit. Where the Bunkhouse in Of Mice and Men shows human loneliness, Ravenhill talks about the soul’s need for God.

If you liked Hearts Still Beating, his quotes will inspire you too. His bold faith is as moving as J.C. Ryle’s wisdom and Elizabeth Gilbert’s creativity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Leonard Ravenhill’s quotes from “Why Revival Tarries” serve as a powerful and convicting reminder of the need for true revival in the church.

His insights into prayer, faith, and the role of the church in today’s world challenge believers to stop living in complacency and begin living with a sense of urgency, devotion, and obedience to God.

Whether you are a pastor, church leader, or a lay believer, Leonard Ravenhill’s words will stir your heart and ignite a passion for revival that is desperately needed in the church today.