The GREAT Morning Revolution: Daily Spiritual Practices for Meaningful Moments with God

by Tara Beth Leach

Genres: Christian Non Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Tara Beth Leach is senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena in Southern California. She is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University (BA, youth ministry) and Northern Theological Seminary (MDiv). She is a regular writer for Missio Alliance and has contributed to other publications such as Christianity Today, Christian Week, The Jesus Creed, The Table Magazine, Reflecting the Image Devotional, Renovating Holiness, and most recently a chapter in The Apostle Paul and the Christian Life. She has two beautiful and rambunctious sons, and has been married to the love of her life, Jeff, since 2006.

Reviews

[Books Just 4 Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the step by step approach to setting up a new morning routine. I think everyone can use a reminder of what God calls us to do in prayer and how we can open our hearts through 5 components of GREAT. I would have liked to see more scripture references throughout but I did appreciate Tara Beth sharing her personal stories. It is really hard to share those moments, take off the mask, and allow yourself to be completely vulnerable. My favorite parts of GREAT were AT as I felt they spoke the most to me. Thankful for the reminder of using Psalms to lead the E portion. Lovely book to start off Lent and frame my prayers in a more reflective nature.

[Erin Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I interviewed the author for my podcast and was so touched by her vulnerability and intentionality. I highly recommend for anyone who wants to start a morning routine but doesn’t consider themselves a morning person.

[Mark Youngkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, an Illinois pastor, lays out a plan for establishing time with God each morning (GREAT is an acronym for Gratitude, Reflection, Evaluation, Asking and Trusting - one of many effective guides for prayer). The book is a little light on establishing the importance of setting this time in the morning vs. any other time of day but is otherwise excellent. I'll be interested to read future books from this author.

[Fidelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book as it offers a simple, practical and flexible structure for setting time aside for devotion and prayer using the G.R.E.A.T ( Gratitude, Reflection, Exaltation, Asking, Trusting) framework.

[Becca Pavlik · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom and I both read through this book together to start off the new year. It offered real, tangible ways to be more intentional in your time with the Lord. I loved it, and have already recommended it to several people!

[Julie Carithers Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Be sure and get the workbook that goes along with it!!