DULL PRAYER-MEETINGS

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 23, 1888

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 14, No. 12.

DULL PRAYER-MEETINGS.

Is not the dull prayer-meeting, with its stereotyped prayers and formal services, due in large measure to the low state of piety among church-members? Would not tongues be loosed if hearts were warmed? Would not a deeper personal consecration, greater freedom from subjection to the world, and more hearty and active loyal service for the Master, help to vitalize the weekly prayer-meeting and kindle a glow of enthusiasm? If we would have a soul-refreshing prayer-meeting there must be soul preparations and a spirit of expectancy. Is there not in these modern days a crippling of energy and efficiency in the lack of expectation of accomplishing actual results by means of social, united prayer?

How many go to the prayer-meeting with the honest, confident expectation of real profit to their own souls, and with the firm, unwavering conviction that the petitions there offered will bring down a blessing? How many come thither from their closets, or with any special preparation by which the meeting will be made profitable to themselves or others?

How many go away from the house of prayer remembering any special requests, or with desire to press them in secret before the court of Heaven? Have we any desire that becomes a pressing, overmastering power to hold us to the throne of grace? Do we hold on like the Syro-Phenician woman after seeming rebuff and denial? Have we a firm and persistent faith that can make stepping-stones of obstacles in order to get nearer the Master? It seems as if the church prayer-meeting in any community ought to be a positive, recognized power, felt as truly as the influence of light and heat in the physical world; and doubtless it would be so felt if the conception of prayer as a vital force in every-day life was what it should be.—Christian Union.