3 June, 2007
The Moravian Church has a great heritage of sound doctrine based on the scripture, hymn singing, worship and prayer. While some of the worshippers might not have been able to read or write, they all engaged in fervent prayer. Prayer is able to transcend any boundary and so prayer was held without ceasing.
The great Moravian revival of 1727, which reached its climax on August 13th, was preceded and followed by most extraordinary praying. The spirit of grace and supplications manifested itself as Count Zinzendorf led the people to the throne of grace from day to day. It was never a one man prayer meeting; instead, the entire congregation was totally wrapped up in the life of the Church. Zinzendorf knew that they were in spiritual warfare and that the battle had to be won. He began to give spiritual instructions to make them more aware of their role on the spiritual battle field. It was distressing sometimes when he saw how the people were living, but he took his refuge to the Lord in prayer, entreating Him to grant to the congregation His grace and blessing. Zinzendorf’s prayer was answered on August 13th.
After that distinguished day of blessing on which the spirit was poured out upon the congregation at Herrnhut, the thought struck some brethren and sisters that it might be well to set apart certain hours for the purpose of prayer. It was the start of a great move of God. From 1727, what started as a trial prayer meeting lasted for 100 years. It was something absolutely unique. It was known as the Hourly Intercession, and it meant that by relays of Brethren and Sisters prayer without ceasing was made to God for all the work and wants of His church. Prayer of that kind always leads to action. In this case it kindled a burning desire to make Christ’s Salvation known to the world. It led to the beginning of Modern Foreign Missions. It is clear that the engine that carried the Moravian revival was PRAYER.
If prayer is the engine that carried the Moravian revival, why is it that so few Moravians attend prayer meetings? Is it that members feel that we can get along without prayer or some persons feel that prayer is only for a few misguided persons who thrive on emotionalism? Why do we have so many who are bent on seeing Moravian customs and practices and yet the most important one, they take no part in. Rick Warren in his book, “The purpose driven church” says, “A prayer less church is a powerless church”. The Moravian Church knows the power. The prayer meeting that started in 1727 lasted for 100 years unbroken (1727-1827). The Moravian Church needs to rekindle its fire and do it again, but we need more committed soldiers. Will you stand up and be counted?
