The Influence of Prayer by MRS. H. E. SAWYER-HOPKINS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 22, 1915

The Influence of Prayer

By MRS. H. E. SAWYER-HOPKINS

MRS. H. E. SAWYER-HOPKINS

Harry was a motherless lad of seventeen. He had been carefully reared, and when left without a mother's companionship, with his father away much of the time, home life became rather monotonous. He fell into the habit of associating with young people whose influence was not the most helpful, and soon a noticeable change came about in his life.

An aunt who had charge of the household, quickly noticed the difference in his attitude. She mentioned the matter to his father, and they decided to have special seasons of prayer each day for the boy. Soon the father was called to a distant part of the State, and he arranged for his family to follow when their property was sold. Left alone with her nephew, Aunt Ellen carried a heavy burden for his welfare, and spent much time seeking the Lord in his behalf. The knowledge that he was reading novels caused her much anxiety, and she felt the need of divine wisdom in dealing with him. Often while about her work, a voice seemed to say, “Pray for Harry.”

One evening at worship the way opened for her to mention the matter of good and bad reading. Harry seemed impressed, but there was no radical change in his deportment, and his aunt still carried her burden of prayer. Finally some of the books the boy had been reading came into her hands when he was near, and she talked with him kindly about the mental injury they would do him. He said candidly that he had not realized this, and offered to get the horse and return them.

Several days later Harry said, “Aunt Ellen, I am going to read the Bible through. Will you read with me?” Of course she was glad to do this. But during the week she was made sad to find that he was still spending time reading objectionable books. Noticing her sad expression, Harry inquired the cause. When she finally told him that she had found the books he had told her he would return, he explained that they belonged to the city library, and at the first opportunity he took them back, and brought home others which he handed to her for inspection. She could find no fault with these; but knowing the lad's love for reading, she pleaded with God that he might be saved from the tempter's snare.

The next Sabbath Harry attended church. It was a warm day, but he seemed glad to take the seven-mile drive, and went alone. His aunt learned afterwards that he took part in the social meeting, expressing his earnest desire to be a true Christian. He spent the afternoon at home reading his Bible and other religious literature. As they took a walk at the close of the Sabbath, Aunt Ellen spoke of the beauties of the new earth, and he asked, “Do you suppose I can have a home there?” Upon receiving her assurance, he expressed an earnest desire that he might do something to be worthy of such a home. The boy was really anxious to do right, but like many another youth, he needed guidance along the right way.

The following days showed a great change in his life. He was really in earnest; but whenever anything was said about their joining his father, he would exclaim: “I don't want to go a bit! I cannot be a Christian there, I know I cannot. There are strong influences drawing one to the world, and I cannot withstand them. O Auntie, I do not want to go!”

One Thursday morning Harry started to take home a borrowed horse. He begged his aunt to go with him, but she could not leave her work, and urged him to wait until the first of the week. However, he seemed anxious to go, and mentioned going swimming in the pond, remarking: “It's fifteen feet deep in the center. Wouldn't it be awful if I should get in there?” His aunt told him to be very careful. As he seemed to think he must do the errand that day, he started out about ten o'clock. He had not been gone long when a voice seemed to say to Aunt Ellen, “Pray for Harry.” As she did not drop her work, this charge was repeated again and again. Finally she knelt in prayer, telling the Lord that she would leave the boy in his hands, and then the burden of prayer rolled away. As evening came, she wondered why he stayed so long, and presently the neighbors came to tell her that Harry was drowned.

At first it seemed that she could not have it so. Then the thought came that he must have been prepared, for early in the morning she had committed him to God's care, and trust in an all-wise Father's plans filled her heart. Again and again she claimed the promise that the eye of the Lord is ever upon those who trust him. And she came to believe that removal to the city where his father was located might have proved Harry's eternal ruin. Truly God moves in a mysterious way, but men are frequently his chosen instruments.

* Loma Linda, Cal.