The Coming Week of Prayer
By E. T. Russell
As we are nearing another annual week of prayer, it is essential that all our people put forth earnest efforts to make the coming week of prayer a pentecostal season. This work should begin with the ministers and leaders, in order that they, through the blessing of God, may be able to sound the call to consecration. As Jesus sanctified himself for the sake of his disciples, so the ministers of this denomination ought to be clothed with divine power in order to lead the people unto fountains of living water. Shall not a mighty move begin with them, that from them may flow waves of blessing to the people? As a people we need to draw nigh to God, and as we draw nigh to him, he will draw nigh to us. In view of the times in which we are living, we are admonished to be sober and watch unto prayer, to watch and pray always that we may be counted worthy to escape the things that are coming upon the earth, and to stand before the Son of man. When ought we to begin to earnestly seek the Lord? The Spirit answers, Now. Why delay longer? Let us now begin to seek him earnestly. Why wait for the week of prayer? Then when the prayer season comes with its precious privileges, we shall be prepared to enjoy it, and the love of God in our souls will lead us to be mindful of others, and of the needs of the cause of God. We receive to give. “God so loved the world that he gave.” All who truly receive the love of God will desire to give it to others, and to promote the interest of God’s cause in the earth. As God has shown them the light of truth, they will desire to place it before others. They will be willing to sacrifice in order that others may be brought to its saving knowledge. I would to God that our consecration might be more complete than ever before, and that our gifts might be doubled in order that the light of truth might be heralded to lands that are now in the darkness of error. We need consecration for service, that we may go to souls unwarned, and tell them of the love of Jesus, or be the means of sending others. “Go, tell the sinful, careless soul,
The warning God has given;
Go, make the wounded spirit whole,
With healing balm from heaven. “Go to the rude, the dark, the poor,
That live estranged from God;
Bid them the pearl of price secure,
Bought with a Saviour’s blood.”