REVIVE US AGAIN

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 1863

“Revive Us Again” – History of the Hymn


Author (Text): William Paton Mackay (1839–1885)

Composer (Tune): William Howard Doane (1832–1915)

Date: Text written in 1863


Background and Origin

“Revive Us Again” was written by Scottish Presbyterian minister William P. Mackay during a period of strong evangelical revival in the 19th century. Mackay had a dramatic personal conversion: as a young medical student he had turned away from Christianity, but later returned to faith after being confronted with a dying patient who possessed a Bible inscribed with Mackay’s own childhood handwriting. This experience deeply shaped his preaching and hymn writing, especially themes of repentance, renewal, and revival.


The hymn reflects the revivalist spirit of the era, emphasizing heartfelt repentance, renewed joy in Christ, and corporate prayer for spiritual awakening. Its repeated refrain—“Revive us again”—captures the longing of congregations for renewed spiritual life.


Biblical Inspiration

The hymn draws strongly from Psalm 85:6:


“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”


It also echoes broader biblical themes of renewal, praise, and dependence on God’s mercy.


Music and Popularity

The tune commonly used today was composed by William H. Doane, a prominent American gospel-song composer and church musician. Doane’s lively and memorable melody helped the hymn spread widely, especially in revival meetings, camp meetings, and evangelistic services in the United States and beyond.


Use in Worship

“Revive Us Again” became a staple in Protestant hymnals, particularly among Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and evangelical churches. It is often sung during:


Revival services


Prayer meetings


Times of spiritual renewal


Missions and evangelistic gatherings


Enduring Significance

The hymn remains popular because of its simple, joyful expression of a universal Christian prayer: that God would renew His people spiritually and restore their joy in Him. Its blend of personal faith and congregational appeal has allowed it to endure for over a century.

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