May 21, 1902

Timely Instruction

EGW

In the small meetings of our people there is danger of killing the interest by imprudence. Let there be no long prayers. Have your long prayers for the closet. Let not your prayers be all over the world. Pray right to the point, for the blessing of God upon yourselves and upon those assembled then and there. When you pray alone in your closet, then lay before God all the burden of your heart; but in the assembly, such prayers are all out of place; they kill the interest, and make the meetings tedious. Look at the example of prayer given by Christ to His disciples. How brief, how comprehensive that prayer. When approaching God, pray briefly and in simplicity. Do not dishonour God by your oratorical prayers, or by preaching the Lord a sermon in your prayers; but come to God in your soul's need, and just tell Him what you want, as a child to an earthly parent. Trust your Heavenly Father as a child trusts its earthly parent.MissWorker May 21, 1902, par. 1

When the meeting is carried on in the absence of the minister, let one take the lead, but not devote long time to sermonising. Speak in the Spirit and in the love of Jesus, thus setting an example for others that no one shall talk for the sake of talking, which kills the interest of the meeting. Let all bear a part in diligently presenting the experiences of their soul. Let them state their own individual experience, their soul struggles, the victories obtained, and above everything, let them offer to God a tribute of praise from a thankful heart, that Jesus has died for them. Here is subject matter that each may dwell upon with profit. It is the duty of all to feel that they must contribute a part to the life and soul of the meeting. Do this, and the blessing of God will come into your midst in large measure.MissWorker May 21, 1902, par. 2

Ellen G. White.