192
Pastoral Ministry
Cold prayers and long testimonies cast a shadow over the
prayer meeting—There are some, I fear, who do not take their trou-
bles to God in private prayer, but reserve them for the prayer meeting,
and there do up their praying for several days. Such may be named
conference and prayer meeting killers. They emit no light; they edify
no one. Their cold, frozen prayers and long, backslidden testimonies
cast a shadow. All are glad when they get through, and it is almost
impossible to throw off the chill and darkness which their prayers
and exhortations bring into the meeting. From the light which I have
received, our meetings should be spiritual and social, and not too long.
Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of man should be left at home. Little
differences and prejudices should not be taken with us to these meet-
ings. As in a united family, simplicity, meekness, confidence, and love
should exist in the hearts of brethren and sisters who meet to be re-
freshed and invigorated by bringing their lights together.—
Testimonies
for the Church 2:578
.
Bring no dull, complaining spirit into the prayer meeting—
Many prayers and testimonies are as destitute of the Spirit of God as a
dry sponge is of moisture; for there is no Jesus abiding in the heart.
[186]
This makes the prayer-meeting cold and lifeless, and it is no wonder
that children dread such seasons. Bring no dull, complaining spirit
into the prayer-meeting. Do not compare notes to see how sorrowful
a story you can tell. There is enough to talk about without raising
one doleful strain. When we are willing to come as little children,
conscious of our own weakness, and willing to be instructed by the
Divine Teachers, our hearts will be filled with the love of Jesus, and
we shall long to speak of his matchless worth. We shall cease to talk
of self. Our trials will look so small that we shall forget to mention
them. We have many blessings. Let us cultivate gratitude, and talk of
the goodness of God.—
The Signs of the Times, December 4, 1884
.
[187]