The School of Prayer

An excellent new program.

J.R.S. is the Managing editor of the Ministry.

Tuts issue emphasizes the recent plan known as the "School of Prayer." Those who developed this excellent program have been leaders in the work for years. What these faithful servants have done is to bring the art of praying within the grasp of every­one. There are no gimmicks, no tricks, just a simple organization of ideas and methods that brings prayer into tangible focus. The following concrete suggestions should be studied very carefully before trying them in your own churches.

The founding faculty of this plan—C. M. Mellor, A. L. Ham, T. G. Bunch, Mrs. Bunch, and Miss M. E. Dauphinee—devel­oped a mimeographed book entitled Com­munion With God. It is composed mainly of Spirit of Prophecy statements. The Min­isterial Association, in cooperation with the Ellen G. White Estate and with the per­mission of the above-named group, is spon­soring this inexpensive book, printed by the Pacific Press. Communion With God is on the press now and will be available soon through your local Book and Bible House. All who enroll in the School of Prayer should possess a copy. This will prove a wonderful blessing.

To make religion tangible and realistic is the difficult duty of every minister. This never has been an easy task. The scientific advance of the twentieth century has made it even more immense. Our world today is so visible, so touchable, so perceptible. An unwanted by-product of this materialistic age is the reduction of religion from the real to the fictitious.

As an illustration of this point, consider the act of praying. In the past, men like Lincoln fell to their knees imploring God for guidance and strength if for no other reason than that there was no alternative. Today, man believes he can do something about impossible situations. With world leaders, the ultimate is not prayer, but orders that unleash rockets and armies. To stand still and know there is a God who still rules in the universe is too unrealistic. Furthermore, many who pray today do it in such a formal fashion that it means little or nothing. In fact, we heard that one minister, whose duties required much letter dictation, climaxed a public petition to God with the words, "Very sincerely yours"!

When the disciples came to our Lord with the plea, "Lord, teach us to pray," they felt a need. That need is evident today. Many of our precious members just don't know how to lay hold of the arm of God. This plan will certainly help them—and you too!

J. R. S.


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J.R.S. is the Managing editor of the Ministry.

October 1964

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More Articles In This Issue

The Need of a Spiritual Revival

The First Sermon Given at the Opening Session of the School of Prayer

How to Conduct a Disscusion Period

It is a scientific fact that the process of learning is greatly increased by a demo­cratic discussion of a problem of general concern. By frank and free discussion the subject under consideration can be per­sonalized in a practical manner when often the best prepared discourse may fail to reach the heart.

Cultivating the Quiet Time'

The larger aspects and dimensions of prayer.

How to Promote the School of Prayer

The School of Prayer may be an excellent idea with possibilities to begin a spiritual revival, but unless it is promoted wisely, many earnest seekers for truth may never realize its significance.

Conditions of Answered Prayer

Summary of Sermon Given During the School of Prayer

Objectives of the School of Prayer

There is a soul hunger and deep desire for a greater awareness of the presence of our Saviour with us. Yes, a new realization of the very necessity of prayer in personal, family, and church life.

Types and Moods of Prayer

Do we need a renewed and deeper comprehension of communion with God?

Prayer Preparation and Discipline

Does this promise of Jesus still hold good?

25 Questions People Ask About Prayer

The answering of questions on prayer always produces interest. Certain areas relating to prayer in the personal life of Christians have been of concern to most people. Our members usually appreciate a frank discussion of these problems. We do not have all the answers, but a careful study of these problems in the light of the instruction of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy writings usually reveals a solution.

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