The Week of Prayer by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 2, 1915

The Week of Prayer

By I. H. Evans

THE week of prayer is to be held this year December 11-18. The time will soon be here. These annual meetings are constant reminders of the flight of time. They are passing one by one, and we are rushing on at tremendous speed to the end of all earthly things.

For many years the week of prayer has been a great blessing to our people. It marks the beginning of brighter experiences in the lives of many. Hundreds have been converted at these meetings, and not a few young people have found Christ through the prayers and ministry of the church at this time. The unconverted have been led to Christ and to a knowledge of the truth by attending the services during the week of prayer, and the church itself has received manifold blessings through the spiritualizing of its members during these seasons of refreshing.

If ever we needed the week of prayer, it is now. On every hand we see the clash and strife of nations; the struggle between capital and labor exists in every land; wickedness is stalking abroad; the most destructive convulsions of uncontrollable forces still continue to sweep away property and the lives of men; and amid it all, combinations of men are striving to better conditions by uniting their human strength to enforce by law what they call “civic righteousness.”

In the midst of this maelstrom of confusion and international perplexity God's people have to live and carry on the great work of preparing a people for the coming of Christ. We know not what a year may bring forth; even tomorrow is hidden from our view. But we do know that God lives, that his hand is shaping our destinies, and that the Holy Spirit will be with us in finishing the work.

In this time of stress and strain we need to pray. We must see that the channel between our souls and heaven is kept open, and that the Holy Spirit has control of our lives. We must be victorious over sin. Habits which have long had the mastery over us must now be mastered. This can never be done by human strength. If God does not give us the victory through prayer and faith, we shall fail. Others than ourselves will walk the golden streets, others wear our crowns, and we be among the lost.

We must have victory in Christ. Why should not we so wrestle with God during this week of prayer, and so believe in God, that we can sing the victor's song? Let not the week of prayer close until every person has found help in Christ. Pray for one another. Lay your sins and weaknesses before God in prayer, and believe that he hears you.

The annual offering must not be forgotten nor neglected. Why should not each church lay plans to meet its full quota of the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund for the year, at this time? If your church is short, get the members to pray about it. Ask God to give you help, and to make it possible for you to make up the remainder of your quota.

Let us remember our brethren and sisters in the war-stricken zones. Some have lost all, scores are at the front, and the work of God is greatly hindered. Let us remember the needs in our prayers.

I. H. EVANS.