Moravian Prayer and Missions Movement

Summary

The Moravian movement, led by Count Zinzendorf, was a pivotal chapter in church history, marked by the launch of the first Protestant prayer and missionary movements. Zinzendorf, a nobleman with a deep personal faith, established a community in Herrnhut that embraced unity and prayer, leading to a revival known as the Moravian Pentecost. This spiritual awakening sparked a commitment to global missions, with believers dedicating their lives to spreading the gospel. The Moravians' emphasis on prayer, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the worthiness of Jesus Christ continues to inspire Christian communities today.

Takeaways

• 😇 The Moravians, led by Count Zinzendorf, are noted for launching the first Protestant 24/7 prayer movement and the first Protestant missionary movement.
• 👑 Count Zinzendorf, a wealthy aristocrat, was deeply spiritual and committed to spreading the Gospel, influenced by his praying grandmother and a profound encounter with Christ's sacrifice.
• 🖼️ A painting of the crucified Christ in Dusseldorf had a transformative impact on Zinzendorf, leading him to dedicate his life to glorifying Christ.
• 🛐 The Moravian movement originated from the persecution of the Bohemian reformer John Huss and was further shaped by the refuge provided by Zinzendorf to the Moravian brethren.
• 🌐 The community at Herrnhut, established by Zinzendorf, became a beacon of prayer and unity, with a commitment to 24/7 prayer and a deep sense of mission.
• 🗣️ The 'Brotherly Agreement' of 1727 marked a turning point for the community, uniting them in service to Christ and each other, which catalyzed a revival and a strong missionary impulse.
• 🔥 The Moravian Pentecost on August 13, 1727, was a significant event where the Holy Spirit fell upon the community, instilling a profound love for one another and a zeal for evangelism.
• 👫 The Moravians emphasized the importance of prayer, not just for individual needs but also for the broader mission of the church, including support for missionaries and the spread of the Gospel.
• 🎶 Music and hymns played a central role in Moravian worship, with Zinzendorf himself composing numerous hymns that centered on Christ.
• 🚢 The Moravians sent out missionaries, like John Leonard Dober and David Nitschmann, who were willing to give their lives to spread the Gospel among the slaves and indigenous peoples.

Q & A

Who were the Moravians and what significant role did they play in church history?

The Moravians were a Protestant Christian movement that played a significant role in church history by launching the first Protestant 24/7 prayer movement and the first Protestant missionary movement, taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Who was Count Zinzendorf and how did he influence the Moravian movement?

Count Zinzendorf was a wealthy aristocrat and the leader of the Moravian movement. He was deeply committed to prayer and the spread of the gospel, influencing the Moravians to establish a disciplined life of prayer and to engage in missionary work.

What was the impact of Count Zinzendorf's encounter with the crucified Christ in Dusseldorf?

Count Zinzendorf's encounter with the crucified Christ in Dusseldorf led to a profound spiritual transformation. He fell to his knees and promised to dedicate his life to glorifying Christ for the sacrifice made on the cross.

What was the significance of the 'Brotherly Agreement' signed by the Moravians on May 12, 1727?

The 'Brotherly Agreement' marked a commitment by the Moravians to dedicate their lives to the service of Jesus Christ and to one another in unity, which led to a deeper spiritual movement among them.

How did the Moravian community experience revival in the summer of 1727?

The Moravian community experienced revival in the summer of 1727 through a series of prayer meetings, spiritual gatherings, and a commitment to unity and forgiveness, culminating in a powerful move of the Holy Spirit on August 13th, known as the Moravian Pentecost.

What was the 'Hourly Intercession' and how did it contribute to the Moravian movement?

The 'Hourly Intercession' was a commitment by 24 men and 24 women to pray for one hour each day, creating a continuous cycle of prayer. This practice contributed to the Moravian movement by fostering a strong sense of community and devotion to prayer.

Why were the Moravians committed to missions and how did they express this commitment?

The Moravians were committed to missions out of a deep love for Christ and a desire to share the gospel with the unreached peoples of the world. They expressed this commitment through strategic missions, sending out missionaries equipped with a burning love for Jesus and the power of prayer.

What was the role of children and youth in the Moravian revival and their mission movement?

Children and youth played a significant role in the Moravian revival, experiencing a powerful move of the Holy Spirit that influenced the entire community. Their passion for prayer and the gospel was a driving force behind the mission movement.

How did Count Zinzendorf's passion for Christ influence the Moravian mission strategy?

Count Zinzendorf's passion for Christ was the driving force behind the Moravian mission strategy. He emphasized the importance of prayer, the love of Christ, and the worthiness of the Lamb, which led to a mission movement focused on evangelizing the world with a handful of saints equipped with love and prayer.

What was the Moravian's motivation for sending missionaries to distant nations?

The Moravians were motivated by an ardent desire to promote the salvation of their fellow men by making known the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were grieved by the thought of people sitting in darkness and were compelled to obey Christ's command to preach the gospel to every creature.