Take Time for Prayer by T. E. BOWEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 7, 1905

Take Time for Prayer

By T. E. BOWEN

T. E. BOWEN

In a recent number of the REVIEW a very helpful article appeared from the pen of Elder G. B. Thompson, entitled, “Our Greatest Need.” It was shown to be the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In reading a passage in that beautiful book, “Education,” from the pen of Sister White recently, I found these very helpful words:—

“An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in money making, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with him. ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’”

“Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work.”

Brother, sister, how often this very experience has been ours. Instead of taking the place that Mary took at the footstool of Jesus, there to ponder his words, listen for his counsels, we say a prayer—in other words, do all the talking—and hasten on to our many duties, to become anxious and worried, as was Martha, thus missing that precious sweetness that might be ours. Can we wonder that we find ourselves barren, tempest-tossed, and heavy laden? Ponder carefully the way marked out for us to obtain that divine power in the precious gift of the Holy Spirit in this which follows:—

“These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of his Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened.”

It is daily contact with Christ in prayer that brings to us the Spirit of God. The Spirit comes only as he is sent by Christ. Christ is our friend, and to him has been granted all power. He will grant us his Spirit to meet our need, and no more. We must sense our need. This will cause us to yearn for Christ’s presence, and that request will be granted by giving us the Spirit.

“Not a pause for a moment in his presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit down in companionship with him,—this is our need. Happy will it be for the children in our homes and the students of our schools when parents and teachers shall learn in their own lives the precious experience pictured in these words from the Song of Songs:—

“As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, So is my Beloved among the sons, I sat down under his shadow with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love.””

Rome, N. Y.