The Week of Prayer in Our Schools

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 21, 1915

The Week of Prayer in Our Schools

FROM PRES. H. A. Morrison of Union College:—

“The Lord has greatly blessed us this year by sending us a very earnest, devoted class of students. Throughout the year we have endeavored to carry on our work in such a manner that every one would be placed in the most favorable condition for spiritual growth. Weeks before the week of prayer we began to pray and work for those students who we knew needed help. At an early date we organized our forces so that no one would be missed in our campaign to help others. The great majority of the members of the school have been having good experiences since the very opening days, and from time to time others have joined their ranks by making their peace with God. “During the week of prayer, we carried only thirty-minute recitations, with half work. This gave us thirty minutes each day for the prayer bands, and an hour or more for the chapel period. At this time we had either a Bible study or a consecration service. Then we came together again in the evening for the reading and for prayer. In the morning, while the students’ prayer bands were in session, the faculty came together to plan and pray for the work. During the last half of the week Elder J. W. Christian was with us, and his labors were appreciated. “Thursday morning at the chapel hour, the Spirit of God came in with mighty power, and many were led to seek their Lord anew, and some found their Saviour for the first time. Again on Friday evening sixty or seventy-five quietly withdrew from the main meeting and went to an assigned room, and there sought God for deliverance from sin. Peace came into their hearts as they were led to put their trust in the Lord’s blessed promises. Many said that this was the most precious meeting they had ever attended. There are only a very few who have not fully yielded their hearts to God. “At the church, on the last Sabbath, eighteen or twenty were baptized, most of whom were from the school. Others wish to be baptized at the earliest opportunity. The college took up the annual offering on Friday evening, which amounted to over $140. “Brethren, pray that God’s Spirit may continue with us in a marked way until every member of our school has found peace in Christ. Pray that this institution, which has so markedly led in preparing workers for this cause, may be specially blessed during these closing years, and that the number of efficient workers going from her doors may be doubled and trebled from year to year.”

FROM PRIN. B. F. MacNlan of South Lancaster Academy (Dec. 13, 1914):—

“We are just entering upon the week of prayer. Last Friday evening we had the Sunday’s reading, and a sweet spirit of service came into the meeting. After the regular service, which lasted more than the usual time, there was an invitation for those to remain for special help who wished to do so, and about two thirds of the company remained. I think I never enjoyed a meeting more. A definite work seemed to be going on. The first few minutes were given to testimonies, which spoke of definite answer to prayer during the past week, and definite victories gained; then opportunity was given for those who wished to tell of their definite needs. It was indeed inspiring to hear the young people confess and get clear of the sins that had beset them. We are praying that God will greatly bless us during this season of prayer. For three weeks we have been having aftermeetings, and the company has been growing until, as I stated, on last Friday evening nearly two thirds of the audience remained.”

From Prin. Thomas W. Steen of Adelphian Academy:—

“We greatly appreciated the help of Professor Kern during the week of prayer. He was with us from Sunday evening until after the evening service Tuesday night. His work with the students was of an intensely practical nature, and we have seen some splendid results of his efforts. There was no excitement nor anything of that kind, but we do believe that a deep Christian growth is taking place in the hearts of many of the young people here. In fact, practically all the students in school have taken part in the meetings, and apparently have thoroughly consecrated their lives to the service of the Lord. There seems to be a deep realization that time is short, and that it behooves all of us to get a speedy but thorough preparation for the work that God would have us do.”

Prin. J. G. Lamson of Cedar Lake Academy:—

“We have just concluded our week of prayer, and we have had a most remarkable experience. We had the reading in the afternoon and the sermon in the evening, and the real spirit of devotion came into our services. A number of those who had never accepted the truth—whole families—have taken their stand, and a number of those, by families, who had drifted away and totally apostatized, have returned; and these, together with some who bring letters, will increase our church membership twenty-five per cent for just this week’s work. The country round about is somewhat interested, and we plan on holding meetings after the new year begins.”

From Prin. C. B. Hughes of Keene Academy (Dec. 16, 1914):—

“We had a very remarkable meeting in the school chapel yesterday. There was a general move among the students, with a special burden on their part to put away all harsh criticism and to use their energy in the work of God. All but a few of our students are professed Christians. Of these, some came forward yesterday. Today is a special day for the young people, and we hope for good results tonight.”