The Power of Prayer by MRS. R. A. STONER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 28, 1912

The Power of Prayer

By MRS. R. A. STONER

MRS. R. A. STONER

“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. . . . So we fasted and besought our God for this; and he was entreated of us.” Ezra 8:21, 23.

It is not surprising that many boys and girls of Seventh-day Adventist families grow careless and indifferent in regard to the truth of the third angel’s message, when parents live as if they do not realize that we are living in the last days of this generation. The few remaining prophecies will soon be fulfilled, and then Jesus will come. Fathers, mothers, do you believe this? If you saw your child in danger physically, would not every effort be put forth to rescue him? What are you doing for his spiritual danger? Do you afflict yourselves before God to seek for a right way for yourselves and your children? Are you often found in secret prayer pleading with God for your child that has wandered far from the “gates of gold,” that the tender Shepherd may bring him back again into the fold of God?

I know a mother who has an appointment with her Heavenly Father at a certain hour of each day to talk with him about her children. Often she kneels before the Lord overwhelmed with the responsibilities of motherhood, but after pleading with him, as only a mother pleads, that her children may be ready to meet Jesus when he comes and share with her the joys of the Eden home, she realizes, as did Hezekiah of old, that the Lord has heard her prayer and has seen her tears. We have many instances from the Word of God, where prayer has brought deliverance from heaven.

Where to-day are the grandmother Loises and the mother Eunices to teach our children the Bible, that from their earliest years they may know the Scriptures? Where are the Hannahs and the Marys and the Elizabeths to dedicate their children to God and his service?

We are told that “it is the duty of Christian parents, morning and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering faith to make a hedge about their children, and by faith to bind them upon the altar, entreating for them the care of the Lord. Ministering angels will guard children who are thus dedicated to God.” To see our children saved by the power of God’s mighty working through prevailing prayer will be ample reward for any sacrifice on our part as parents.

Danbury, Tex.