Men of Prayer in History: Examples that Inspire Faith and Devotion

Throughout history, remarkable men of prayer have emerged as beacons of faith, inspiring countless generations to embrace the power of prayer. 

These individuals were consumed with a deep desire to connect with God, sacrificing personal comfort and often their health to intercede for the salvation of souls and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Below are some extraordinary accounts of such men whose lives exemplified fervent, consistent prayer.

David Brainerd: A Missionary Consumed by Prayer

David Brainerd, a young missionary who died at just 29, is an exemplary figure in prayer history. Sent to India, where he faced significant challenges, Brainerd relied entirely on prayer to fulfill his mission, as he couldn’t speak the local language. 

In the forests, amidst wild animals and hostile locals, Brainerd would spend hours on his knees, groaning in intercession.

In one instance, locals with clubs sought to kill him. When they found him praying, a venomous serpent approached but miraculously turned away. 

Overcome by this divine protection, the villagers acknowledged God’s power and later surrendered their lives to Christ. Brainerd’s zeal was so intense that he prayed even in freezing snow until sweat melted the frost on his body. 

On his deathbed, Brainerd prayed, “I long to be a flame of fire continually glowing in the service and building up of Christ’s kingdom to my last and dying breath.” His diary continues to inspire many, including John Wesley and William Carey.

The Moravian Brothers: 24/7 Prayer That Birthed Revivals

The Moravian brothers pioneered a prayer movement unmatched in dedication. For over 100 years, they prayed non-stop in shifts, day and night. 

This fervent intercession laid the foundation for revivals and missionary work around the world. Their commitment demonstrates how collective, sustained prayer can ignite spiritual transformation on a global scale.

Leonard Ravenhill: “Eat Little, Sleep Little, Pray More”

Leonard Ravenhill was a man wholly devoted to prayer, often spending 14 hours daily in communion with God. 

Known for his undivided focus, Ravenhill frequently left conversations to return to prayer without apology. His life motto, “Eat little, sleep little, pray more,” encapsulated his belief in prayer as the bedrock of faith and ministry.

John “Praying” Hyde: Interceding Until Hearts Shifted

John Hyde, renowned for his persistent prayers, literally shifted the posture of his heart through intense intercession. 

Physicians discovered that Hyde’s heart had moved from its normal position due to the physical exertion of prolonged prayer. 

Refusing medical advice to rest, Hyde prayed tirelessly for souls, beginning with one soul a day and later interceding for up to four souls daily.

One remarkable story recounts how Hyde prayed during a revival meeting, uttering only the words, “Oh heavenly Father,” yet the glory of God filled the place, sparking revival. His commitment underscores the transformative power of fervent, faith-filled prayers.

Zacharias Tanee Fomum: The African Prayer Warrior

Zacharias Tanee Fomum, a contemporary African prayer legend, spent up to 16 hours daily with God. He asserted that pastors who prayed less than eight hours could not claim the title of full-time ministers. 

Fomum practiced extraordinary generosity, giving 92.5% of his income as tithe. His prayer retreats and crusades often lasted 7 to 40 days, with meetings spanning 24 to 100 continuous hours.

Fomum’s daughter carries forward his legacy of intense fasting and prayer, once completing her 60th 40-day fast on water in a single year. Such dedication demonstrates the depth of spiritual commitment required for ministry.

Father Nash: The Power Behind Charles Finney’s Success

Father Nash, an intercessor for revivalist Charles Finney, dedicated his life to prayer after health issues ended his pastoral career. Arriving weeks ahead of Finney’s meetings, Nash would groan in the spirit, often lying prostrate for days praying for souls. 

His intercession resulted in unprecedented salvations, with 100,000 souls won daily during Finney’s revivals. Remarkably, 98% of these converts remained steadfast in their faith—a testament to the power of prayer.

E. M. Bounds and John Welch: Generals of Prayer

E.M. Bounds, a Methodist pastor, dedicated a minimum of four hours daily to prayer, spending so much time on his knees that at age 45, he appeared 85. 

His books on prayer remain classics, equipping countless Christians to deepen their spiritual lives.

Similarly, John Welch, another man of prayer, declared, “If I fail to spend eight to ten hours with God, I have a bad day.” Such was the passion and discipline of these historical prayer warriors.

Conclusion

The lives of these men remind us that prayer is not a casual activity but a vital lifeline connecting believers to divine power and purpose. 

From David Brainerd’s fervent intercession in hostile lands to Zacharias Fomum’s relentless pursuit of God, their examples inspire us to embrace prayer as the foundation of our spiritual journey.

Their extraordinary testimonies serve as a challenge: What could God accomplish through our lives if we devoted ourselves to prayer with the same intensity and commitment? 

As Leonard Ravenhill aptly asked, “What is your presence doing in the spiritual realm?” It’s time to ignite a passion for prayer and witness the transformative power it brings to our lives and the world.