The Week of Prayer at South Lancaster Academy by Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 30, 1915

The Week of Prayer at South Lancaster Academy

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

A VERY definite, uplifting blessing came to the teachers and students of South Lancaster Academy during the week of prayer that has just closed. The faculty endeavored to give the interests of this season of special intercession first place. With only slight exceptions the reading for each day was given. During the school days these were read in the chapel.

At the close of the reading, the entire school separated into small companies of prayer bands, and spent some time together in earnest prayer for divine help. The Lord came graciously near to these dear young people as they bowed together and surrendered their wills and hearts to him.

In connection with the readings there was given a series of short lessons on faith. Starting with the prayer of the disciples, “Increase our faith,” emphasis was placed upon the following points:—

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Heb. 11:6.
It is through faith that victory over the world is gained. 1 John 5:4.
Faith comes through the word of God (Rom. 10:17), and by prayer and fasting (Matt. 17:19-21).
In all ages the triumphs of the church have been won by faith. Hebrews 11.
Faith will be as greatly needed in the closing days of the world’s history as at any previous time, yet even then it will be laid hold of and exercised by only a few. Luke 18:8.

These vital, fundamental conditions of victory in Christian experience were given calm, earnest consideration, and every day the earnest request was made, “Lord, increase our faith.” This prayer was answered.

Day by day we laid hold of God’s promises by faith. No great feeling or emotion was experienced at first. We believed God as Abraham did, and faith was counted unto us for righteousness, even as it was counted to him. Rom. 4:3.

At the chapel service Friday morning the Lord honored our faith with his presence. Hearts were broken, wills were surrendered, and lives were dedicated wholly to the Lord. We had planned to go to the prayer band rooms at eleven o’clock, but a revival spirit swept through the chapel and held us until one o’clock.

Seldom have I witnessed such a calm, quiet, determined stand for God as was taken by the teachers, and by almost the entire student body. The love and peace of God filled our hearts. O that every one who felt that mighty transforming power might never lose it, but hold it to the end! It was so sweet and hallowed and uplifting. What a marvelous work the grace of God can do in one short hour in surrendered sinful hearts. May the Lord increase the faith of all his dear children. A. G. DANIELLS.