The School of Prayer is exactly what the name implies—a systematic study of the science of prayer with a confrontation of the larger aspects and dimensions of prayer. The theme "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1) is uppermost in the hearts of all who attend. Learning the larger meaning of prayer is emphasized from the pulpit, in round-table discussions, in group meetings, and in answering the many written questions.
The chief burden of the School of Prayer is not public worship or family devotions, but for the individual Christian to set a "quiet time" when he alone communes with God. The importance of daily private devotions is emphasized by the pen of inspiration: "We should pray in the family circle; and above all we must not neglect secret prayer; for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God."—Steps to Christ, p. 98.
Some of the finest statements in the English language on the subject of prayer are to be found in the writings of Ellen G. White. Many of these choice quotations have been compiled into fifty-three devotional readings in a book entitled Communion With God. Each church member is invited to carefully schedule a period in the day when he can spend some time alone with God in reading, meditation, and prayer. To enrich his quiet time it is suggested that he read one lesson in the book Communion With God meditatively and thoughtfully each day. Next, the reader is to ponder the gems presented, asking himself, "Lord, how can / apply this to my own life?" Then reverently, upon his knees, the Christian is to enter one of the most thrilling experiences permitted to man—talking to God as to a friend.
The School of Prayer receives immediate momentum by every member of the church beginning to read the book Communion With God on a specified day. This is helpful to any who may have a tendency to procrastinate.
The heart of the program is to encourage all to spend some time each day in reading, meditation, and prayer. This gives the School of Prayer its greatest spiritual thrust. Even those who find it impossible to attend the regular meeting, but who will use the devotional guide to enrich their quiet time, will receive a blessing. Good results are sure to follow when a large percentage of the church is united in a systematic plan of study and prayer.
Along with the initial advertising of a School of Prayer it is imperative that each church member be encouraged to purchase a copy of the devotional guide, Communion With God. The home missionary secretary of the church should order an ample supply so that every family in the church can purchase a copy for use during the School of Prayer. It would be disastrous to the program if the necessary books were not available. Experience in conducting several Schools of Prayer has shown that many of the church members will want to purchase extra copies for friends and relatives.
It is not what people hear and see at the regular meetings of the School that is so significant, but what they experience when kneeling during their "quiet time." "Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. . . . Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God."—Gospel Workers, pp. 254, 255.
C. M. M.
