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The Week of Prayer

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 11, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 50.

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The Week of Prayer

By R. A. Underwood

R. A. UNDERWOOD
DECEMBER 13-20 has been set apart by the General Conference for special meeting and earnest prayer by all our people. This occasion will be observed by many believers throughout the world. God has styled himself “Thou that hearest prayer,” and he will not turn away from the cries of his people.
The youth and children should not be neglected, and the infirm and strong alike need the blessed influence that will come to all who earnestly seek the Lord. To those who have a purpose and an earnest desire to put away all sin and selfishness from their hearts, the Lord has given the promise, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew [“change,” margin] their strength; . . . they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Blessed assurance, that we may exchange our human weakness for divine power!
“Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” This power was to enable the disciples to be witnesses of Christ to the “uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8. This promise is for us, and this same power which enabled the disciples to see three thousand souls converted in a day, will be realized before we shall see the end. O, why should there be delay in receiving this grace of spiritual blessings? Christ says, “Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you;” “believe . . . receive.” What hinders this power from coming upon God’s dear people? What hinders our faith? These are questions we should carefully consider.
“How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?” John 5:44. “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:18. These scriptures suggest that God cannot clothe his people with the armor of light and power while selfishness and self-exaltation are sought in any way by them. The salvation of souls, the exaltation of truth, and the honor of Christ must be the burning desire of the heart. Any consecration that we may profess that does not lead us to labor for the salvation of others is not genuine consecration to God. We need not wait even until the week of prayer is over before we place ourselves in the path of duty as servants to be used by God.
“Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” 1 Chron. 29:5. “They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.” Isa. 41:6.