This time in Israel's history had not been a very good time. It had been a poor time for them spiritually. Years prior to this, Israel went to war with the Philistines and God had judged Israel for their wickedness. The priests, Hophni and Phinehas, were killed in battle. The Ark of the Covenant was captured and Israel had been defeated by the Philistines. When Eli, the High Priest, heard all the bad news, he fell off his seat backward and broke his neck and died.

Finally, after six long months of judgment, the Philistines sent the Ark back to Israel and the men of Kirjath-jearim came and took the Ark of the Lord for Israel. For twenty long years the spiritual mood of Israel was not good. The Bible says in verse 2, "That the time was long." The time is always long when we are away from God. It is at this point that Samuel, the prophet, stirs the nation to revival. If there is going to be revival, then there must be these eight "R's" of revival.

First, a "real" desire for revival. Verse 2 says they "lamented after there LORD." They assembled for the purpose of crying out after the Lord.

There must be a "return" with the whole heart. Verse 3, "Return...with all your hearts."

There also needs to be a "renouncing" of idols. Verse 3, "Put away the strange gods." An idol is anything we put before God.

We need a "renewing" of the heart. Verse 3, "Prepare your hearts."

We need to have a "regard" for service. Verses 3-4, "Serve him only."

There has to be a "response" to prayer. Verse 5, "I will pray."

Also, we need a "repentance" of sin. Verse 6, "We have sinned."

Finally, we need a "respect" for sacrifice. Verse 9, "Offered...wholly unto the LORD."

When they did these things, real revival came (verses 10-14). God help our churches experience real revival.