For What Shall We Pray?
By R. A. Underwood
A SPECIAL season of seeking God in prayer has been appointed for December 10-17. Shall this be a formal occasion that shall mean but little to us? Or shall we enter upon it with a realization of its importance? If this is done, and the purpose of God in this week of prayer is fully met, we shall experience a greater blessing in spiritual things than Seventh-day Adventists have ever known. We are admonished that “men ought always to pray,” to “pray without ceasing,” and “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” While we should always be in the spirit of prayer, and have stated times each day to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. yet there are times that demand special seasons of united prayer for definite objects. Such occasions require special preparation, and, when entered upon in the order of God, mark great victories for the church of Christ. Just before the day of Pentecost the disciples were brought to such a time. The Saviour had commissioned his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Believers were few compared with the masses. The great of the earth, from the world’s standpoint, were not numbered among the believers. From the human standpoint it was impossible to carry out the commission of Christ. Christ had seen all the obstacles in the way of his “little flock” in accomplishing the work committed to them. Therefore he made provisions whereby they could meet every hindrance with a glorious victory. For this purpose he commanded the disciples: “Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high;” and with this he gives the promise: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” In harmony with this instruction the disciples assembled in Jerusalem. They prayed, they confessed their sins, they put away all strife and selfishness. They were united in love and purpose. It is written of them, “They were all with one accord in one place.” The Spirit took control, and all spoke “as the Spirit gave them utterance.” A short time before, they were seeking the first place of honor; but now, each esteems his brethren better than himself. If honor is to be given to any one, he prefers to see it bestowed upon his companions in labor. Selfishness can not live in the heart controlled by the Spirit of God. Means and men were laid upon the altar of service. Signs and wonders followed the proclamation of the gospel. In a short time the world had heard the sound of the glad tidings of salvation. We are living when a great crisis is impending. We have received commission to preach this gospel of the kingdom to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people in this generation before the end shall come. We are as powerless to do this without the baptism of the Holy Ghost as were the disciples of old. Therefore Christ commands, “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.” We are living in the time when this prayer is to be made by God’s people, and to be realized in its fulfilment. The rain promised is a symbol of the outpouring of the Spirit of God upon his people. The Spirit has been sent into the world. He is waiting to put his power upon his people. Our prayer should be, “Lord, make me a willing subject for the Spirit to use.” Our life, time, children, property, yea all we are and have, must be placed upon the altar of service. We sometimes pray for the Spirit, that we might use his power. This is a dangerous prayer to offer. Heaven wants men and women who will be worked by the Spirit, those who speak as the Spirit gives them utterance, those who go at the Spirit’s call. This does not mean fanaticism, it does not mean confusion or lack of order in the work of God. It does mean a second Pentecost. It means the loud cry of the third angel’s message. It means the finishing of the gospel. It means that many now occupied in money making will devote their talents to soul saving. It means that the cause of Christ has the first place in all our plans for time and eternity. It means a mighty conflict between the powers of heaven and fallen beings. It means that signs and wonders shall attend the preaching of the testing message. It means the healing of soul and body to many. It means a revival of the faith, courage, and power of apostolic times. It means a short conflict and the ushering in of the kingdom of peace and life eternal. To this end let us pray, surrender all, believe, and receive the Holy Spirit.