John Hus, the Moravians, and the Legacy of a 100-Year Prayer Meeting

John Hus was led in chains to the stake, where a team of executioners waited to bind him and burn him to death under charges of heresy. As they led him to his death, at the last minute, he asked permission to approach the flames, untied from his bonds. Puzzled, the executioners untied him, and he walked to the flames and thrust his dominant hand into the flames. Why would he do such a thing? Because the night before, in a moment of weakness, he recanted and signed a confession, repudiating and rejecting his faith in Christ. The following morning, he found his courage again, and the execution that was canceled after he recanted was hurriedly scheduled to take Hus’ life within the hour. When he put his hand into the fire, he proclaimed the reason was to “punish the offending member” who had signed the refutation of his faith in Christ. What a powerful testimony.

That isn’t all. As he perished in the flames, he prophesied that in 100 years there, God would raise up a “goose” (Hus’ name means “goose”) that they would be able to bake or burn. 100 years later, Martin Luther nailed his 99 theses to the door of the Whittenburg chapel.  In the annals of Christian history, few stories are as inspiring as John Hus’s legacy, the Moravians’ rise, and the incredible power of a century-long prayer movement. Was this the end of the matter? Not at all. In time, Hus’ followers fled Czechoslovakia and found refuge in the lands of a German nobleman named Zinzendorf. Under Zinzendorf’s leadership, these rag-tag followers of Hus (the Moravians), within a mere ten short years, sent out more missionaries than all of Christianity had done going back to the days of the Early Church, backing it all up with a 24/7 prayer vigil that lasted for a century. The Moravian’s motto was “May the Lamb Receive the Reward of His Suffering!” What an example for us to follow and to study more in-depth.

 John Hus: A Voice of Reform

John Hus (c. 1369-1415) was a Czech priest, philosopher, and theologian who became a key figure in the Bohemian Reformation. Deeply influenced by the writings of John Wycliffe, Hus preached against corruption in the church and advocated for reforms such as giving laypeople access to both the bread and the wine during communion. His unwavering stance made him a target of the religious authorities, and despite being promised safe conduct, he was tried for heresy at the Council of Constance and burned at the stake in 1415.

 Rise of the Moravians

Hus’s martyrdom, far from silencing his message, ignited a movement. His followers, known as Hussites, fought for religious freedom in the Hussite Wars. A century later, a group of Hussite refugees found shelter on the estate of Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. These refugees became the foundation of the Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum), a denomination known for its emphasis on personal piety, missionary zeal, and communal living.

 The 100-Year Prayer Watch

In 1727, the Moravian community at Herrnhut embarked on an extraordinary spiritual journey. Facing internal strife and seeking a deeper connection with God, they initiated a 24-hour prayer watch. This “100-Year Prayer Meeting” (though it didn’t last a full century) became a defining moment in Moravian history. The constant intercession is credited with revitalizing the community and fueling an unprecedented missionary movement.

The Moravians, driven by their renewed faith, sent missionaries to the most challenging corners of the globe. They established communities in the Caribbean, North America, South Africa, and Greenland, often working among marginalized and enslaved populations. Their unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel and their focus on practical acts of service left a lasting impact.

 Legacy and Lessons

The story of John Hus, the Moravians, and the 100-Year Prayer Meeting holds several powerful lessons for us today:

 The Cost of Conviction: Hus’s willingness to stand for truth, even in the face of death, reminds us that faith sometimes demands courage and sacrifice.

 The Power of Community: The Moravians’ communal spirit and commitment to prayer fostered a sense of unity and purpose that fueled their extraordinary missionary endeavors.

 The Importance of Prayer: The 100-Year Prayer Meeting demonstrates the transformative power of persistent intercession, both for individuals and communities.

 A Legacy of Service: The Moravians’ tireless work among the marginalized reminds us that faith should be lived out through acts of compassion and service.

The legacy of John Hus continues to inspire movements for religious freedom and reform. The Moravian Church remains a vibrant denomination with a global presence. And the story of their 100-Year Prayer Meeting serves as a testament to the enduring power of prayer to transform lives and change the world.

Calls to Action:

• Dive Deeper: Explore the lives of John Hus and Count Zinzendorf. Their stories of courage and faith are deeply inspiring.
• Join a Prayer Movement: Seek out opportunities for communal prayer in your own community. Consider joining or starting a prayer group dedicated to intercession for specific needs or causes.
• Learn More About the Moravians: Discover the rich history and global impact of the Moravian Church. You might be surprised to find their influence closer to home than you think!
• Live Out Your Faith: Look for ways to serve the marginalized and share the Gospel in your own unique way. Remember, faith is not just a belief; it’s a way of life.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

 John Hus: A courageous reformer whose martyrdom ignited a movement for religious freedom.
 The Moravians: A faith community born from persecution, known for its communal spirit, missionary zeal, and emphasis on prayer.

 100-Year Prayer Meeting: A testament to the transformative power of persistent intercession, fueling revival and global missions.

 Legacy of Service: A reminder that faith should be lived out through acts of compassion and service to others.