Suggestions to Church Elders and Leaders for the Week of Prayer by General Conference Committee

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 17, 1910

Suggestions to Church Elders and Leaders for the Week of Prayer

By General Conference Committee

FOR many years the week-of-prayer season has been observed by us, and the reports from all parts of the field show that each year this time of special seeking of God becomes a more blessed season. We pray that this year a still greater measure of blessing may fall upon every church and isolated believer. “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.” Zech. 10:1.

Above all, let us make it a week of prayer, and encourage the brethren and sisters to pray much at home between the meetings. Where conditions do not absolutely prohibit, let each company gather each evening for the reading, and for prayer and earnest effort in behalf of others. Where even but two or three gather to unite in their petitions, the Saviour promises to be present by his Holy Spirit to give the answer. Let us pray for a revival in our own hearts, in our own church, in the home land, and in foreign fields. Thousands will be united day by day this week in sending petitions to the throne of grace; and every year’s experience shows that this special season is blessed of God in bringing persons, young and old, to decide for the truth, and backsliding souls are reclaimed.

Arrangements for the presentation of the readings need to be made sufficiently in advance so that the one selected on each occasion shall have time to prepare prayerfully to present the reading, to be followed by a prayer and testimony service.

Some person or well-selected committee should have charge of the children’s meetings. God will guide each leader or church committee in planning to make the most of the opportunity.

The first Sabbath, December 10, the regular church offering envelope should be passed to all, care being taken to send also to absent members, so that all may be prepared the next Sabbath with the annual offering for the support of the work in the needy mission fields at home and abroad. This year’s need is particularly great, and calls for the largest offering we have ever made. Pray for it and work for it. Let the offering be sent on to the conference treasury at once, so that it may not be delayed in reaching the Mission Board and the fields that are waiting and praying for help.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, to the reviving and the salvation of many souls.

GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.