Unity in Prayer and Service
By L. F. Starr
NOTICE carefully the promise to united prayer: “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:19, 20. The union our Lord requires is far more than a simple agreement as to what is desired. The Pharisees and Sadducees were agreed in their desire to put to death the Son of God, but there was no love between them. The unity which God requires comes through minds actuated by a common spirit of love which will bless others. We must have this spirit of fellowship to find acceptance with God. If “thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar [be it a gift of prayer or song], and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matt. 5:23, 24. Oneness of heart, as well as of object, is what Christ insists on in his promise to united prayer. The Bible abounds in illustrations encouraging believers to unite in prayer. The prayer of Nehemiah and his people (Neh. 9:1-38) marked the beginning of a great revival after the return from the Babylonish captivity. Acts 1:14; 2:46; and 4:24-31 are excellent examples of the united prayer before and after Pentecost. The early history of Seventh-day Adventists and of the advent message is a marvelous commentary on the efficacy of persistent, united prayer. The pioneers in this movement toiled, sacrificed, and prayed in a way which puts many to shame in these days. May reader and writer get a new grip on the truth that there is power in prayer. Let the petition arise, “O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of years,” that we may be more earnest in service, that our gift may be larger than ever before, that the message may be soon carried to all the world, and bring that blissful, immortal day.