p. 4 | Its Real Significance by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 23, 1905

Its Real Significance

By L. A. S.

The primary purpose of the week of prayer is not, as some people suppose, to raise money for missions. The proof of this lies in the fact that it is not the lack of money that hinders the progress of this work. If that were the lack, God could immediately supply it, for he has no lack of means. He created all things, and all the wealth that exists came from him. It is true that money is lacking in his treasury, but that is not the lack that stands in the way. The only lack that hinders is the lack which God's people themselves must supply. If it were not for this lack on their part, no other lack would exist.

God, who could make the stones cry out to bring the fulfilment of prophecy, or from the stones raise up children unto Abraham, could carry on his work by other agencies than he now uses if he chose to do so. He is not dependent on Seventh-day Adventists and the offerings they may make to him; he is not dependent on any man, but all men are wholly dependent on him. The week of prayer is a season when God's people should receive from him. This is the foremost necessity; this is the primary purpose of this special season. It is, first of all,

that our own great need may be supplied. And none are in greater need than those who do not look beyond the call for means in their estimate of the purpose of this occasion.

We must be wholly consecrated to God, or the cause of God must go on without us. We ourselves must supply the lack of consecration, which occasions the lack of means, not for God's welfare, but for our own sakes, and our own eternal welfare, which is at stake. This is the significance of this special season of prayer to us.

L. A. S.