Praying and Giving by E. K. SLADE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 22, 1904

Praying and Giving

By E. K. SLADE

E. K. SLADE

It is very fitting that our gifts for the advancement of the work be accompanied and followed by our earnest prayers. This season set apart for praying and giving will prove a wonderful blessing to all who enter into it heartily, and it is bound to bring light and power and progress to the cause in the needy fields.

At no time are we so well prepared to give of our means to the work as when we have unitedly sought God for a rich blessing from heaven. At such a time, when we have more fully consecrated ourselves to the work, and our hearts have been touched and tendered by the Spirit of God, and feelings of love and sympathy have been awakened for the hundreds of millions who are now in darkness, we shall feel to pray that every dime and dollar that we are permitted to give may be richly blessed of God in its appointed mission.

While we “ought always to pray,” it is needful that we unite in this special season with a definite object in view. A special season of prayer was often called for in ancient Israel. It is most fitting that the voice of a whole people shall ascend to God for a special blessing, that this message may go with mighty power to the uttermost parts of the earth. The work has been so really placed upon us that it has been possible for us, by our relation to it, to hinder or hasten its advancement. The most sublime mission ever entrusted to angels or men has been subjected to the possibility of delay through our inactivity and unfaithfulness. Have we been true to the trust? Have we fully appreciated the privilege thus granted to us? It is a great privilege to be permitted to “hasten” that event that means so much to all the universe. Equally great will be the condemnation for causing the delay of that event.

It is not enough for us merely to feel an interest in the progress of the work, with a desire to be among the saved when it is finished, and then assume a sort of passive, irresponsible attitude, feeling that the Lord is mighty, and that he will bring it to completion in his own time and way without our efforts. It is to be accomplished through human agencies. He has rolled the work upon us. The infinite resources of heaven are at our disposal. The united, faithful prayers of this people, in every conference, church, and family, accompanied with Christian living and giving, will bring great effectiveness to all our plans and efforts.

Receiving and giving places us between God, the giver, and the needy world. Unsaved millions are reaching out to us for Heaven’s gifts. They know nothing of eternal riches, and are acquainted only with earth’s poverty and woe and unsatisfying wealth. Shall we not give as we have received? God’s gifts are bestowed upon us as he sees that we are willing to bestow them upon others. This is true of financial matters, as well as spiritual gifts. We are not made poorer by giving of our means, for that is heaven’s way to riches. To live is to give up life, to be wise is to become a fool, strength is made perfect in weakness, to be exalted is to become a servant. So it is with riches; it is very different from the world’s way, and apparently paradoxical. “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.”

Surely the work before us is deserving of better service than we can give, but we may be thankful that God will bless our efforts and gifts, and will accomplish much by them. But little time remains. Delay shall be no longer. The work is to be finished in this generation. Let us work and pray, and give accordingly.