It was the “Great Century” according to eminent church historian,Kenneth Scott Latourette, because of the unprecedented global growth of Christianity from 1800–1899. The gospel spread forcefully across the earth, and America was probably the greatest recipient and participant in God’s Kingdom advancement during that time. The “Great Century” began with the new country’s Second Great Awakening that lasted until approximately 1840. In the second half of the 1800s, the US was blessed with another nationwide move of God’s Spirit, which is the subject of this article.
Revivals Defined
A Christian revival is an outpouring(s) of the Holy Spirit that increases God’s kingdom and thus weakens the work of Satan. Revivals impact three spheres of society: personal transformation, societal improvement, and territorial blessing. Revivals can take place in small areas like a university campus or large areas like an entire country. America has experienced hundreds of local and regional revivals, but there have been three national revivals – the First Great Awakening (1730–55), the Second Great Awakening (1790–1840), and the Businessmen’s Revival (1857–58).
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A Humble Beginning
The Businessmen’s Revival had a very clear yet almost imperceptible beginning, which shaped the movement and gave rise to its name. It started with the leadership of a layman named Jeremiah Lanphier…
How Often Shall I Pray?
As often as the language of prayer is in my heart… as often as I see my need of help… It will continue for one hour; but is also designed for those who may find it inconvenient to remain more than five or ten minutes.
Rapid Growth
At the second prayer meeting, more people joined… In May 1858, the Presbyterian Magazine projected that 50,000 New Yorkers had entered the kingdom of God…
Characteristics of the Revival
One can better understand the uniqueness of the Businessmen’s Revival by comparing it to the First and Second Great Awakenings…
Reflecting on the Origin of the Revival and What It Means for Us
Historians point to a couple of other significant events that flanked Lanphier’s prayer meetings… What we as Christians ought to take away from the Businessmen’s Revival is confidence in the promises of God and commitment to prayer…
“Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going” (Zechariah 8:21)
Christian Union Day and Night follows the example of Jeremiah Lanphier, John the Baptist, and others, by encouraging the Church in America to seek God… Find out how here.
