The Moravian Revival: 100 Year Prayer Movement

efore the era of modern missions led by William Carey, before the Cane Ridge Revival with Barton Stone, before Charles Finney and the Second Great Awakening, and even before the Azusa Street Revival and John Wesley's Methodism, there was a humble communion service that ignited a century-long prayer revival. 

The Moravian Revival, also known as the Herrnhut Revival, is a pivotal event in Christian history that set the stage for future spiritual awakenings. This revival, which began in the early 18th century, lasted for 100 years and is noted for its remarkable missionary outreach and fervent prayer life. During this period, the Moravians sent out more than 100 missionaries, significantly shaping the global missionary movement. In this blog, we'll explore how the Moravian Revival started, its key figures, its duration, its original location, and its far-reaching impact on notable leaders like Charles and John Wesley.

What Was the Moravian Revival?

The Moravian Revival was a religious awakening that began in the early 18th century and is renowned for its emphasis on prayer, mission work, and communal living. Led by Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf, this revival marked a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit and played a crucial role in shaping modern evangelicalism.

How It All Began: The Origins of the Moravian Revival

The revival originated in Herrnhut, a small village in Saxony, Germany. In 1722, Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf welcomed a group of Moravian refugees to his estate. These refugees were fleeing persecution, and Zinzendorf offered them sanctuary and support. The revival officially began in 1727 with a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit during a communion service.

According to When the Spirit Came, “The communion service in August 1727 was a watershed moment. The Holy Spirit’s presence was so tangible that it left an indelible mark on the community and sparked the revival.” This event set the stage for an extraordinary spiritual awakening characterized by fervent prayer and a deep sense of communal purpose.

Key Events of the Moravian Revival: A Timeline

16 July 1727
On this date, many members of the Herrnhut community, led by Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, voluntarily committed to meet frequently for fervent prayer and hymn singing. This communal dedication marked the beginning of a deep and ongoing spiritual engagement among the Moravians (Source).

5 August 1727
Count Zinzendorf, along with about twelve or fourteen other individuals, spent the entire night in prayer following a powerful midnight meeting. This gathering was marked by profound emotion and earnest intercession, laying the groundwork for the spiritual transformation that was to follow (Source).

10 August 1727
During a Sunday service at Herrnhut, Pastor Rothe experienced an overwhelming outpouring of the Lord's power around noon. This encounter led to the entire congregation collapsing in worship and repentance. The meeting continued until midnight, characterized by intense prayer, singing, and weeping (Source).

13 August 1727
The Holy Spirit was profoundly poured out upon the Herrnhut community. This day marked a significant spiritual breakthrough as their prayers were answered in extraordinary ways. In response to this divine encounter, many individuals decided to commit to regular, earnest prayer sessions (Source).

26 August 1727
A group of twenty-four men and twenty-four women made a formal covenant to pray continuously by dividing the day into hourly intervals. Each hour was assigned by lot to different participants, ensuring that prayer would be sustained around the clock (Source).

27 August 1727
The new system of continuous prayer began as planned. The number of intercessors grew to seventy-seven as others joined in. These dedicated individuals adhered strictly to their assigned prayer times and participated in weekly meetings to address various prayer needs (Source).

This timeline captures the pivotal moments of the Moravian Revival, highlighting the deep commitment to prayer and spiritual fervor that characterized this transformative movement in Christian history.

Key Figures of the Moravian Revival

1. Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf: As the central leader of the Moravian Revival, Zinzendorf’s vision of a unified, prayerful community played a critical role in the movement's success. His commitment to personal piety and missions helped establish a strong foundation for the revival. When the Spirit Came notes, “Zinzendorf’s leadership was instrumental in channeling the revival’s energy into a cohesive mission, setting the stage for widespread impact.”
2. Christian David: Christian David was one of the early Moravian leaders who gathered the initial group of refugees and helped establish the Herrnhut community. His organizational skills and commitment to the revival’s vision were vital. The book describes David as “a pivotal figure in translating Zinzendorf’s vision into a living reality, organizing the community and guiding its early years.”
3. John Wesley and Charles Wesley: The Wesley brothers were deeply influenced by the Moravian Revival. Their encounter with Moravian leaders during the 1730s had a lasting impact on their spiritual lives and ministry. As described in When the Spirit Came, “The Wesley brothers’ meetings with Moravian leaders during their voyage to America were transformative, deeply influencing their understanding of personal faith and mission.”

Duration and Impact of the Moravian Revival

The Moravian Revival lasted for several decades, with its influence peaking in the mid-18th century. The revival’s emphasis on prayer, communal living, and missions led to significant growth in Moravian communities and their outreach efforts.

The impact of the Moravian Revival extended beyond the Moravian Church. The Moravians’ commitment to global missions inspired many subsequent evangelical movements. As When the Spirit Came highlights, “The Moravians’ fervent missionary efforts, sparked by their revival experience, set a precedent for global outreach that influenced evangelical missions worldwide.”

Influence on Charles and John Wesley

The Wesley brothers were significantly impacted by their interactions with the Moravians. Their spiritual journey was deeply influenced by the Moravian emphasis on personal holiness and disciplined Christian living.

1. John Wesley: John Wesley’s experience with the Moravians, particularly during the stormy voyage to America, marked a turning point in his spiritual journey. When the Spirit Came reflects on this experience: “Wesley’s encounter with the Moravians during the storm was a profound moment that reshaped his understanding of faith, leading him to embrace a deeper, more personal relationship with God.”
2. Charles Wesley: Charles Wesley’s hymnody was also shaped by his exposure to Moravian spirituality. His hymns, characterized by theological depth and emotional fervor, reflected the spiritual insights gained from his interactions with the Moravians. According to the book, “Charles Wesley’s hymns were a direct outgrowth of the Moravian influence, capturing the essence of their revival experience and conveying it through powerful and evocative lyrics.”

The Legacy of the Moravian Revival

The Moravian Revival remains a significant event in Christian history, known for its emphasis on prayer, missions, and communal living. The revival’s impact on leaders like Charles and John Wesley underscores its importance in shaping the evangelical movement and influencing subsequent Christian practices.

As we reflect on the Moravian Revival, we are reminded of the power of a committed community of believers to effect profound spiritual change. The legacy of the Moravians continues to inspire Christians today to pursue a deeper relationship wit