190
Pastoral Ministry
Those really seeking for communion with God will be seen in
the prayer meeting—There is necessity for diligence in prayer; let
nothing hinder you. Make every effort to keep open the communion
[184]
between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go
where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really seeking for
communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting, faithful to do
their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain.
They will improve every opportunity of placing themselves where they
can receive the rays of light from heaven.—
Steps to Christ, 98
.
Effective prayer meeting results when each who attends feels
personally responsible for its success—Before leaving home, go to
God in secret prayer. Plead with Him for His blessing, and He who
“seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” With your heart softened
by the love of Jesus, go to the meeting, feeling that you are personally
responsible for its success. If but few attend, you should feel under
double responsibility. You are in the service of God, and should do
what you can with your talent, tact, and skill to make His worship
interesting.—
The Signs of the Times, December 4, 1884
.
Prayer meeting need not be dull, spiritless, and unattractive—
Christians do not always make the public worship of God of sufficient
importance. They do not realize their responsibility in the matter. The
prayer-meeting, especially, is often dull, spiritless, and unattractive.
But it need not be. Even where few love the hour of prayer, it may be
made interesting and profitable. The presence of Jesus is not confined
to large assemblies.—
The Signs of the Times, December 4, 1884
.
If people find the Bread of Life at prayer meeting, they will go
there to receive it—The prayer meetings should be the most interest-
ing gatherings that are held; but these are frequently poorly managed.
Many attend preaching, but neglect the prayer meeting. Here, again,
thought is required. Wisdom should be sought of God, and plans
should be laid to conduct the meetings so that they will be interesting
and attractive. The people hunger for the Bread of Life. If they find it
at prayer meeting, they will go there to receive it.—
Testimonies for
the Church 4:70
.