The season of prayer begins with Sabbath, December 22, and ends Sabbath, December 29. The readings for this occasion appeal to the spiritual part of our nature, and are appeals and admonitions to prepare us for the work that needs to be done in the world, and to stand before God in the closing work of the atonement. The appeals for the regions beyond are considered in the early part of the week, so as to give everyone ample opportunity to lay his plans to make a liberal contribution for the annual offering.GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.1

IMPORTANCE OF THE OCCASION

LAHe

The first article speaks of the importance of the week of prayer occasions. As we near the close of the day of atonement, they increase in importance. “Now is the accepted time.” “To-day if ye will hear his voice.” Shall we not all do sure work for eternity? May it not be God’s good pleasure to rain upon us copious showers of his Holy Spirit? Shall we not have our vessels right side up to receive all that God in mercy sends us?GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.2

We are in the great antitypical day of atonement, and we should realize more fully what relation we sustain to our great High Priest, as he appears before the Father in our behalf. This is no ordinary time. “Are we also drawing nearer to God? Are we watching unto prayer? Another year of our time to labor has rolled into eternity. Every day we have been associating with men and women who are judgment-bound. Each day may have been the dividing line to some soul; someone may have made the decision which shall determine his future destiny. What has been our influence over these fellow travelers? What efforts have we put forth to bring them to Christ?”GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.3

“Missions are being established: and if the converting power of the truth comes to our youth, we shall see them pressing into the ranks of the workers. Had they been educated from the beginning of their religious experience to be true to their faith, fervent in piety, and in sympathy with Christ’s longing for the salvation of souls, we would have hundreds of missionaries where we have one to-day.”GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.4

OUTLINE OF THE MEETINGS

LAHe

The readings are set for certain days. Some are longer than others. When there is a short reading, some time may be given to read certain of the extracts from the Foreign Mission Board correspondence, found on pp. 187-191.GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.5

The arrangements for each daily service must be left with each company to suit the greatest number; for it is desired that the week of prayer shall be observed by all our people. There is need that, as far as possible, our work, business, and wordly cares should be laid aside, that a sufficient amount of time may be given to meditation and prayer, for reading of the Bible, and attending the meetings. We need the co-operation of everyone. And who is there who does not want to devote himself to the study of such topics as are considered in these readings?GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.6

GOOD READERS

LAHe

Good readers should be selected,—persons having a clear voice, and who are able to give the idea of the author of the article. There is nothing that should demand such attention and respect as the reading of God’s holy Word. In it may be found the pearl of great price. It should be sought for as for hidden treasure. Through this Word God is addressing each individual. How carefully should we treasure each word!GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.7

ISOLATED MEMBERS

LAHe

Pains have been taken to supply isolated members with readings, as far as possible. In case these can not meet with regular companies, it would be well for them to set apart a season for prayer and the study of the readings, thus obtaining the same blessing as the body of this people.GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.8

ANNUAL OFFERINGS

LAHe

The General Conference Committee suggests that Sabbath, December 29, be the time when the offerings should be brought in. The week should be spent in seeking the Lord to know what manner of consecration we should make to the Lord, and what offering we can give to help forward the cause which is so much in need of funds. “A cent seems like a trifle; but a hundred cents make a dollar, and, rightly spent, may be the means of saving a soul from death.” Our offerings may be placed in an envelope prepared by the Foreign Mission Board for this purpose. The contributions are collected and sent by the church librarian to your State tract society secretary, who in turn forwards the money to the Foreign Mission Board of Seventh-day Adventists, Room 1906, 150 Nassau St., New York, N. Y.GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.9

L. A. Hoopes, Secretary General Conference.GCB July 1, 1900, page 192.10

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER

October - December 1900—NO. 8