A *Challenge to Prayer by G. B. THOMPSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 15, 1910

A Challenge to Prayer

By G. B. THOMPSON

G. B. THOMPSON

THE Missionary Review of January, 1910, says: “We risk successful challenge from any quarter of the statement now deliberately made after a half-century of the study of modern missions:

“From the day of Pentecost, there has been not one great spiritual awakening in any land which has not begun in a union of prayer, though only among two or three; no such outward, upward movement has continued after such prayer-meetings have declined; and it is in exact proportion to the maintenance of such joint and believing supplication and intercession that the Word of the Lord in any land or locality has had free course and been glorified.”

We believe this challenge is the truth. The progress of our message will be in proportion to our earnest prayers and supplications as a people. If we neglect to pray, we shall be shaken out, and some one else, who will pray, will come into the ranks to take our place.

Prayer is the lever which moves the world. The fulcrum upon which it rests is the unfailing promise of an unchangeable God. In response to the earnest prayers of his people, the Holy Spirit will be sent; and that power which moved the hearts of men at pentecost will again be manifest.

The work of carrying the warning message to the world is pre-eminently “our Father’s business.” It must be carried forward under his guidance and supervision. The work is his; the power is his; the final triumph and victory will be his, and the glory throughout all eternity. But the work is carried forward in the world through consecrated human instrumentalities.

The statement of an eminent pioneer servant of God in mission fields, that “we advance upon our knees,” is as true of our work as of any message sent to the world since the fall of man.

In considering the needs of our mission fields, we usually consider men and means. To these would it not be well to add that of prayer? A revival of prayer is needed. A mighty revival of special, earnest supplication and prayer in every church will, we believe, advance the work at home and abroad as nothing else will or can. Nothing can hinder the work if we pray. An omnipotent God will remove all barriers, and open closed doors everywhere, in answer to the prayers of his people. Money and laborers will come to the front in answer to their humble supplications. The powers of hell can not block the way before the prayers of those who in faith importune the throne of an all-powerful God. Millions of angels will be sent to overturn walls, and bring light and hope to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

What we need is a great spiritual revival, an awakening to prayer in every church. We need a Pentecostal blessing more than anything else. Without this institutions and machinery are of no avail. Let there be a revival of prayer everywhere.

Honolulu, H. I.