In 1857, four years before the outbreak of the Civil War, a great prayer revival swept unexpectedly across America. As if drawn by an invisible force, multitudes daily gathered in churches, halls, fire stations and auditoriums to pour out their hearts to God. This prayer revival, which was America's Third Great Awakening, was timely, for the nation would soon pass through her darkest hour and would need the Divine assistance to survive. This great prayer revival released the spiritual and moral resources necessary to end slavery and save the nation from total ruin.