[E. L. Becker, the new auditor of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, came into our office the other day for a visit. In the course of our conversation we talked about one's preparation for public prayer. Brother Becker made an observation that surely has merit. We asked him to share his thoughts with his fellow workers.—Editors]
I am not a preacher, but in the course of my work over the past twenty-two years, I have frequently been called upon to preach sermons in the churches I have visited. I am always happy to do this, and appreciate the consideration extended in giving me several days of preparation for such a sermon. I think this is entirely as it should be, for certainly it is a solemn responsibility to deliver a message from God's Word to His people, and we need time to prepare such a message and to let the Spirit of God lead our thoughts.
It has also been my experience frequently to lead. a congregation in the morning prayer. Almost invariably the invitation to do this comes just between the Sabbath school and church service and there is no opportunity to consider what such a prayer should include.
Why is this? If we spend hours in preparing our sermons for a congregation, is it not reasonable that we have an opportunity of spending a few minutes in preparing for our audience with the Most High? Delivering God's message is a solemn responsibility; is it not also a solemn responsibility to bear up before the throne of God the supplications of His people?
I feel we are minimizing the importance of our public prayers when we enter into them so casually and with so little forethought.
