In 1827, the Moravians began to pray, and their prayers were unending for well over 100 years. Night and day, day and night. From their prayers came more missions movement in 20 years than had been known in the 200 years previous. William Carey, who famously said to his friends, "I will go if you will hold the rope" was deeply inspired by the Moravians. They were so passionate about sharing the Gospel with those who hadn't heard the Good News of Great Joy for All People that some of them sold themselves into slavery to have the opportunity to share the hope of abundant and eternal life.

John Muir, known as the Father of the National Parks, said in a letter to his sister Sarah, "The mountains are calling and I must go." His words continue to be spoken among those of us who find strength and joy in the great outdoors, and in particular, the mountains. Isaiah 52:7 says "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns!" For many years now, John Muir's words have been my heart's desire, my prayer--to see the Body of Christ answer the call of the mountains to bring good news, to proclaim peace, to bring good tidings, to proclaim salvation, to say to Zion, Your God reigns! To see the Body of Christ in unending worship and prayer for the nations. Isaiah 56:7 "These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

I see prayer and missions as inseparable, both as the cry of the mountains who are longing to hear the good news, and the invitation of God's holy mountain--for joy in his house of prayer! The Moravians and John Muir have long been linked in my mind, and it is my prayer that the Body of Christ will give birth to a movement of prayer and missions---may we be what I call Muiravians!