Meetings for the Children During the Week of Prayer by Vesta J. Farnsworth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1914

Meetings for the Children During the Week of Prayer

By Vesta J. Farnsworth

VESTA J. FARNSWORTH

ONE reason for the appointment of a week of prayer for our people should be the spiritual condition of our children and youth. Never before were the temptations of the world so strong, never multiplied to such an extent as now the things which tend to create unbelief in the truth and to lead away from God’s people be spared, that the children be gathered together by those who love them, those who will show them their need of seeking God with all the heart.

This week of prayer affords another opportunity for personal work for the children. However hopeless any case may be, let not that one be passed by. Carefully plan for the children’s meetings, so that the younger members of the Lord’s family be not left to look wistfully on while the older ones eat at a well-filled table.

Where regular meetings cannot be held, let parents study these lessons with their children at family worship each day, then all unite in seeking the Lord together. “If there is in the family one child who is unconscious of his sinful state, parents should not rest. . . . Let everything in the home be diligently examined, to see why this child is lost.”—“Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 195.

It is high time to “sound an alarm,” and that prayer mingled with weeping be heard from the ministers, that God’s

The special reason for prayer and earnest work now is that the great day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly. Events of the past few months show how suddenly probation may close, and the warning voice be silenced.

Our love for the children in our homes, Sabbath schools, and churches should lead to an effort never equaled in intensity, earnestness, and self-sacrificing labor. We must know that the children are not cherishing a false hope. The time is coming when those who would can “deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered.” Each must gain an experience for himself.

“Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem.” Some sons and daughters are far from being a comfort to those in charge of them, but this promise may be kept before God until it is fulfilled. Parents, church-school teachers, and Sabbath school officers and teachers may insist on its fulfillment after doing their part to clear the way. In some cases confessions should be made, earnest prayer offered, and the dangers and duties of the children set before them.

Children are keen readers of character. No assumed interest, no empty sound of words will reach the heart. The ring of sincerity must be in looks, speech, voice, and method. While we undertake the work with trembling, yet it should be with a confidence that will not be denied results, for “we are laborers together with God.”