A Precious Experience by L. Johnson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 4, 1903

A Precious Experience

By L. Johnson

L. JOHNSON

OUR camp-meetings in the Central and Northern Union Conferences are now in the past, and as far as I am able to judge, they have been the best we have had for many years. One reason why this seems so to me, is perhaps the personal experience I have received, which I prize very highly, and which I desire to make known to the glory of God.

I know from experiences in the past that in order to realize my dependence upon God, and to have a vivid sense of the sacredness of his work and grace and power to labor for the salvation of souls, I need to be much in secret prayer, yet, notwithstanding, it has many times been neglected, which I confess with shame. To bow before God a minute or two, committing ourselves to him, when we go into the desk or before retiring, is right and proper, but it is not enough (at least not for me) in which to open the whole soul to God, or to “pour out the heart before him.” And while I am greatly edified by public prayers, or seasons of prayer with my brethren, yet neither of these can take the place of secret prayer.

While attending the camp-meeting at Colfax, Iowa, Elder Butler dropped the remark that he needed to be much in prayer, and that, like Daniel, he would pray in secret three times a day. When I heard that, I thought, If that aged servant of God finds it necessary to pray three times a day, and can take time to do it, I will. And I made up my mind that no matter how much I had to do, I would pray three times a day, and take all the time for it that I needed, and then depend upon God for ability to perform every duty devolving upon me.

The following also made a deep impression upon me: “As we bow before God in humble prayer, he places a live coal from his altar upon our lips, sanctifying them to the work of giving Bible truth to the people. . . . When you

have so much to do that you can not take time to talk with God, how can you expect power in your work? . . . Commune with your own heart, and then commune with God.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, page 251.

“Already many are receiving the Holy Spirit, and no longer will the way be blocked by listless indifference. . . . All that the apostles did, every church-member to-day is to do.”—Id., page 33.

It was not long before these seasons alone with God became so precious to me that nothing on this earth could compare with them. Often with my Bible open before me, I plead his promises, and he is always as faithful as his word. O, how near the Saviour seems! how sweet his peace! how real his presence! how sure his pardon, love, and care! I will always love and obey him. It is my meat to do his will.

The Scriptures and Testimonies seem new to me. I can read my experiences there in so many places. “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” Ps. 34: 6. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” Ps. 103: 2, 3. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Ps. 147: 3. “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Ps. 34: 8.

“Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on high.”