Called to India Despite Weakness
John Nelson Hyde, known as 'Praying Hyde,' was born on November 9, 1865, in Carrollton, Illinois. Raised in a devout Presbyterian household, he was steeped in Scripture and prayer from a young age. After graduating from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1892, Hyde felt compelled to serve as a missionary in India, despite being shy and physically frail.
Turning to Fervent Intercession
Upon his arrival in Sialkot, Punjab, Hyde faced immediate challenges. The local communities were resistant to his message, and his initial efforts seemed fruitless. Discouraged, Hyde turned to fervent prayer. His focus shifted from public preaching to intense, private intercession. He made a covenant with God, asking for the salvation of at least one soul each day, ready to publicly confess Christ and be baptized.
Prayers That Opened Heaven
Hyde's commitment to prayer was unwavering. Missionaries in Punjab testified that his prayers opened the heavens. He prayed for souls with measurable faith, initially asking for one soul a day, then daring to ask for more. His prayers were accompanied by tears and groans, reflecting the burden he carried for the salvation of others.
Revival Breaks Out at Sialkot
In 1904, Hyde and several missionaries established the Punjab Prayer Union, committing themselves to pray for spiritual awakening. By 1904–1905, revival broke out at Sialkot, and Hyde's intercession was recognized as the unseen force behind it. Testimonies of hundreds of conversions followed, with Hyde's prayers credited for this divine intervention.
A Heart Enlarged for God
Hyde's dedication to prayer took a toll on his health. By 1911, his heart was so enlarged that doctors marveled he could live at all. Despite his physical weakness, Hyde's spiritual legacy endured. He passed away in 1912 in North Carolina, leaving a lasting impact on the church in India, which remembers him as 'Praying Hyde.' His life was a testament to the transformative power of prayer and the evidence of God's intervention through faith.
