Let us consider a radio broadcaster's program in relation to his weekly schedule. Most microphone preachers are pastors or evangelists, or both. Their busy weekly schedule includes, among other activities, Bible readings, prayer meeting talks, board meetings, school activities, Sabbath sermons, Sunday night meetings, and often three to five other night meetings, besides other calls and pastoral visitation. But wait, there is a broadcast to be presented weekly, and in some instances daily. The deadline for script copy is inevitable, and the studio clock is relentless in its sweep.
Of all men who need to budget their time, strength, and study, the minister with radio duties is foremost. If he doesn't work to schedule, what happens? An unprepared delivery in pulpit and studio is sure to follow. To preach effectively and with a conscience void of offense, the prayer life and study cannot "go by the board."
Most laborers share liberally of their time and effort in mission campaigns and projects. To do this, they need buoyant energy, or worthy church endeavors suffer neglect. Most of these endeavors are initiated and followed up from conference headquarters. They are due to appear month by month on the worker's sheet as justifiable reports expected of all. The dynamo, the inspiration, the preparation, that is needed for all this is not something a minister reports to others, or designates on his laborer's report—even though it does take much time and effort.
Yet withal, this item demands most vital consideration! It requires unhurried day-by-day preparation, found only in prayer-devotion. It is in such a retreat that the seeking suppliant can say: "Here I am, Lord. The duties are many. Help me to undertake wisely. Fulfill my need of divine direction. 'Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.' "
Where and how can a minister get time to unload his care, and breathe out such a prayer? Alone with God, is the answer. Fellow broadcaster, don't let the swirl of day-to-day duties chisel your schedule here. We must ourselves be attuned with God to microphone for God. It takes this to get "on the beam" and stay on.
