The Welsh Revival (1904–1905): Bend Us, Lord
Key Scriptures
Psalm 85:6; Hosea 10:12; Acts 3:19–20
Introduction
In the early 1900s, the coal-mining valleys of Wales were known for harsh working conditions, rampant alcoholism, and spiritual dryness. But in 1904, through the prayers of young people and the surrender of one coal miner named Evan Roberts, the Spirit of God swept across the nation.
In less than a year, over 100,000 people were converted. Churches overflowed, crime dropped, and even the culture of the mines changed. The Welsh Revival reminds us that when God bends hearts, entire nations can be transformed.
Biblical Foundation
- Psalm 85:6 – “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
- Hosea 10:12 – Break up unplowed ground; it is time to seek the Lord until He comes.
- Acts 3:19–20 – Repent, so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Key Features of the Welsh Revival
1) Youth-Led Hunger
Evan Roberts was a 26-year-old coal miner, not a trained minister.
His simple prayer: “Bend me, Lord.” became the revival’s heartbeat.
Lesson: Revival often begins with the young and the unlikely.
2) Conviction of Sin & Holiness
Meetings were marked by deep repentance. People wept, confessed sins, and reconciled broken relationships.
Taverns emptied; men returned wages they had stolen; debts were repaid.
Lesson: Revival isn’t just emotional fire — it produces holy living.
3) Prayer & Testimony-Led Gatherings
There was little preaching. Services flowed with spontaneous prayer, testimony, Scripture, and song.
The Spirit, not human planning, directed meetings.
Lesson: Revival flourishes when God leads, not man’s agenda.
4) Cultural Transformation
Crime plummeted. Judges were given white gloves because there were no cases to try.
Coal miners stopped swearing so dramatically that pit ponies, trained to respond to curses, had to relearn commands!
Lesson: Revival doesn’t just fill churches — it reshapes societies.
5) Evangelistic Zeal
Ordinary believers spread the fire, carrying testimonies from town to town.
Within months, the revival’s impact spread beyond Wales to England, Scotland, and even across the Atlantic.
Lesson: Revival multiplies when everyday Christians share what God is doing.
Common Pitfalls from Wales
- Overdependence on personalities – Roberts’ exhaustion and eventual withdrawal slowed momentum.
- Lack of structure – Without discipleship systems, much of the fruit wasn’t fully sustained.
- Lesson for Today: Revival fire must be stewarded with discipleship and balance.
Eyewitnesses recalled walking down a Welsh street and hearing hymns sung from every home, pub, and workplace. One reporter wrote:
“The whole of Wales is aflame. Everywhere the Spirit is moving. Churches are packed, singing rings through the streets, and prayer meetings are held in the mines, on trains, and even in police stations.”
Action Challenge: “This Week’s Mission”
- Pray the simple prayer of Evan Roberts daily: “Bend me, Lord.”
- Ask God to reveal any sin, pride, or hardness of heart, and surrender it.
Interactive Discussion Prompts
- What does “Bend me, Lord” mean to you personally? How does it challenge your spiritual posture?
- 0 Replies
Sorry, there were no replies found.
Log in to reply.