“There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”: Daniel Whittle’s hymn of revival

In a dry land, rain is the most welcome sound in the world. The prophet Ezekiel used that image when he recorded God’s promise to his people: “there shall be showers of blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26, KJV). In the nineteenth century, an American evangelist named Daniel Webster Whittle turned the promise into a hymn. Sung to James McGranahan’s flowing tune, it became one of the most popular revival songs of its time and is still sung where congregations pray for renewal.

Whittle, McGranahan and the source

Whittle served as an officer in the American Civil War, where he was wounded. After the war, he became a businessman before leaving his job to work as an evangelist, often alongside Dwight L. Moody. McGranahan was a singer and composer who worked with Whittle in evangelistic campaigns, setting many of his texts to music.

The hymn is based on Ezekiel 34:26, where God promises to send rain in its season on his people.

The refrain and revival meetings

The refrain prays, “Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need: mercy-drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.” The image of “mercy-drops” turning into showers expresses a longing for more of God’s presence. The hymn became a standard at revival services in America and Britain in the late nineteenth century. Mission churches carried the hymn to Africa, where its imagery of rain resonates strongly in farming communities.

Churches often sing it at prayer meetings and at the start of revival weeks. Whittle also wrote “I Know Whom I Have Believed” and other gospel songs still sung today.

Hope, singing and rain in Scripture

The verses speak of seasons of refreshing and promise that God has not forgotten his people. Its simple melody makes it easy for congregations to sing without hymnbooks. Where in your life do you most long for showers of blessing? Throughout the Bible, rain is a sign of God’s favour and provision. Elijah prayed for rain after drought, and the prophets promised refreshing showers when God’s people returned to him. Whittle’s hymn draws on this long tradition.

Whittle wrote for a church longing for revival. Wherever congregations still pray for rain, in fields or in hearts, his hymn is still a natural choice.