Proper Attitude in Prayer

INTRODUCTION

THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY COUNSELS ARE ALWAYS PRACTICAL. FROM THE PEN OF ELLEN WHITE WE FIND COUNSEL AND INSTRUCTION TOUCHING ALMOST EVERY PHASE OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AND EXPERIENCE. ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE LINES OF INSTRUCTION GIVEN ARE REPRESENTED IN THE TESTIMONIES AND OTHER ELLEN G. WHITE BOOKS, THE REINDEXING OF PUBLISHED BUT NOW OUT-OF-PRINT MATERIALS AND OF UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS HAS REVEALED ITEMS OF COUNSEL ALONG CERTAIN LINES, WHICH ARE BECOMING OF INCREASING IMPORTANCE TODAY WITH THE APPEARANCE OF NEW AND DIFFICULT SITUATIONS. THESE ITEMS WILL ADD TANGIBLY TO THE WEALTH OF INSTRUCTION NOW IN THE HANDS OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS. {2SM 310.1}

AS AN INSTANCE, WE OFFER THE FORMERLY UNPUBLISHED STATEMENTS ON THE PROBLEM OF HYPNOSIS, WHICH IN SOME MEDICAL CIRCLES IS LOOKED UPON FAVORABLY AS A MEANS OF THERAPY. THE SPECIFIC ELLEN G. WHITE COUNSELS DEALING WITH THE USE OF HYPNOSIS IN THE TREATMENT OF THE SICK, AND INDICATING THE HAZARDS OF USING IT IN ANY WAY, ARE VERY PERTINENT AT THIS TIME. {2SM 310.2}

THE SECTION CLOSES WITH COUNSELS CALLING UPON SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS TO CONSIDER THE VALUE OF A RURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR HOMES. THESE ARE DRAWN FROM SOURCES OTHER THAN THE PUBLISHED BOOKS, BUT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED EARLIER IN THE PAMPHLET COUNTRY LIVING, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVING CAREFULLY AND GUARDEDLY IN CHOOSING A NEW LOCATION FOR THE HOME IN THE COUNTRY AND AWAY FROM THE CROWDED CITIES. APPEARING HERE IN THIS PERMANENT FORM, THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR READY REFERENCE.--WHITE TRUSTEES. {2SM 310.3}

[APPEARED

IN NOTEBOOK LEAFLETS, METHODS, NO. 7.]

I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, "Get down upon your knees." This is the proper position always. {2SM 311.1}

"And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed" (Luke 22:41). {2SM 311.2}

"Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up" (Acts 9:40). {2SM 311.3}

"They stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their

charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:59, 60). {2SM 311.4}

"When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all" (Acts 20:36). {2SM 312.1}

"When we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed" (Acts 21:5). {2SM 312.2}

"At the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God, and said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens" (Ezra 9:5, 6). {2SM 312.3}

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker" (Ps. 95:6). {2SM 312.4}

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 3:14). And this whole chapter will, if the heart is receptive, be as precious a lesson as we can learn. {2SM 312.5}

To bow down when in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy. This act of worship was required of the three Hebrew captives in Babylon. . . . But such an act was homage to be rendered to God alone--the Sovereign of the world, the Ruler of the universe; and these three Hebrews refused to give such honor to any idol even though composed of pure gold. In doing so, they would, to all intents and purposes, be bowing to the king of Babylon. Refusing to do as the king had commanded, they suffered the penalty, and were cast into the burning fiery furnace. But Christ came in person and walked with them through the fire, and they received no harm. {2SM 312.6}

Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God. {2SM 312.7}

At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon stood facing the altar. In the court of the Temple was a brazen scaffold or platform, and after ascending this, he stood and lifted up his hands to heaven, and blessed the immense congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood. . . . {2SM 312.8}

"For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven" (2 Chron. 6:13). {2SM 313.1}

The lengthy prayer which he then offered was appropriate for the occasion. It was inspired of God, breathing the sentiments of the loftiest piety blended with the deepest humility. {2SM 313.2}

A Growing Laxness

I present these proof texts with the inquiry, "Where did Brother H obtain his education?"--At Battle Creek. Is it possible that with all the light that God has given to His people on the subject of reverence, that ministers, principals, and teachers in our schools, by precept and example, teach young men to stand erect in devotion as did the Pharisees? Shall we look upon this as significant of their self-sufficiency and self-importance? Are these traits to become conspicuous? {2SM 313.3}

"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess" (Luke 18:9-12). Mark you, it was the self-righteous Pharisee who was not in a position of humility and reverence before God; but standing in his haughty self-sufficiency, he told the Lord all his good deeds. "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself" (Luke 18: 11); and his prayer reached no higher than himself. {2SM 313.4}

"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 18:13, 14). {2SM 313.5}

We hope that our brethren will not manifest less reverence and awe as they approach the only true and living God than the heathen manifest for their idol deities, or these people will be our judges in the day of final decision. I would speak to all who occupy the place of teachers in our schools. Men and women, do not dishonor God by your irreverence and pomposity. Do not stand up in your Pharisaism and offer your prayers to God. Mistrust your own strength. Depend not in it; but often bow down on your knees before God, and worship Him. {2SM 314.1}

On Bended Knee

And when you assemble to worship God, be sure and bow your knees before Him. Let this act testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to the Spirit of truth. Who have searched the Word closely for examples and direction in this respect? Whom can we trust as teachers in our schools in America and foreign countries? After years of study shall students return to their own country with perverted ideas of the respect and honor and reverence that should be given to God, and feel under no obligation to honor the men of gray hairs, the men of experience, the chosen servants of God who have been connected with the work of God through almost all the years of their life? I advise all who attend the schools in America or in any other place, do not catch the spirit of irreverence. Be sure you understand for yourself what kind of education you need, that you may educate others to obtain a fitness of character that will stand the test that is soon to be brought upon all who live upon the earth. Keep company with the soundest Christians. Choose not the pretentious instructors or pupils, but those who show the deepest piety, those who have a spirit of intelligence in the things of God. {2SM 314.2}

We are living in perilous times. Seventh-day Adventists are professedly the commandment-keeping people of God; but they are losing their devotional spirit. This spirit of reverence for God teaches men how to approach their Maker--with sacredness and awe through faith, not in themselves, but in a Mediator. Thus man is kept fast, under whatever circumstances he is placed. Man must come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. And as he receives daily mercies at the hand of God, he is ever to cherish gratitude in his heart, and give expression to it in the words of thanksgiving and praise for these unmerited favors. Angels have been guarding his pathway through all his life, and many of the snares he has been delivered from he has not seen. And for this guardianship and watchcare by eyes that never slumber and never sleep, he is to recognize in every prayer the service of God for him. {2SM 314.3}

All should lean upon God in their helplessness and daily necessity. They should keep humble, watchful, and prayerful. Praise and thanksgiving should flow forth in gratitude and sincere love for God. {2SM 315.1}

In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation should they praise the Most High God. All who have a sense of their vital connection with God should stand before the Lord as witnesses for Him, giving expression of the love, the mercies, and the goodness of God. Let the words be sincere, simple, earnest, intelligent, the heart burning with the love of God, the lips sanctified to His glory not only to make known the mercies of God in the assembly of the saints but to be His witnesses in every place. The inhabitants of the earth are to know that He is God, the only true and living God. {2SM 315.2}

There should be an intelligent knowledge of how to come to God in reverence and Godly fear with devotional love. There is a growing lack of reverence for our Maker, a growing disregard of His greatness and His majesty. But God is speaking to us in these last days. We hear His voice in the storm, in the rolling thunder. We hear of the calamities He permits in the earthquakes, the breaking forth of waters, and the destructive elements sweeping all before them. We hear of ships going down in the tempestuous ocean. God speaks to families who have refused to recognize Him, sometimes in the whirlwind and storm, sometimes face to face as He talked with Moses. Again He whispers His love to the little trusting child and to the gray-haired sire in his dotage. And earthly wisdom has a wisdom as it beholds the unseen. {2SM 315.3}

When the still small voice which succeeds the whirlwind and the tempest that moves the rocks out of position, is heard, let all cover their face, for God is very near. Let them hide themselves in Jesus Christ; for He is their hiding place. The cleft in the rock is hidden with His own pierced hand while the humble seeker waits in bowed attitude to hear what saith the Lord unto His servant.--Manuscript 84b, 1897. {2SM 316.1}

No Place Inappropriate for Prayer

There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God.... In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God, and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes --Steps to Christ (Pocket ed.), p. 99. {2SM 316.2}

We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart's desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.--Gospel Workers, p. 258. {2SM 316.3}

It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor.--The Ministry of Healing, pp. 510, 511. {2SM 316.4}

Top of Form

The Propriety of Varying Postures in Prayer

Need Not Always Kneel

We must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be. [ELDER D. E. ROBINSON, ONE OF ELLEN WHITE'S SECRETARIES FROM 1902 TO 1915, REPORTED:

"I HAVE BEEN PRESENT REPEATEDLY AT CAMP MEETINGS AND GENERAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS IN WHICH SISTER WHITE HERSELF HAS OFFERED PRAYER WITH THE CONGREGATION STANDING, AND SHE HERSELF STANDING."--D. E. ROBINSON LETTER, MARCH 4, 1934.]--Letter 342, 1906. {3SM 266.1}

No Place Inappropriate for Prayer at Any Time or Place.--There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. . . . In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God, and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes.--Steps to Christ, p. 99. {3SM 266.2}

Communing With God in Our Hearts as We Walk and Work.--We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart's desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.--Gospel Workers, p. 258. {3SM 266.3}

Not Always Necessary to Bow.--It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor.--The Ministry of Healing, pp. 510, 511. {3SM 267.1}

Congregation Kneels After Standing in Consecration.-- The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and was revealed in the words that were given me to speak. I asked those present who felt the urgency of the Spirit of God, and who were willing to pledge themselves to live the truth and to teach the truth to others, and to work for their salvation, to make it manifest by rising to their feet. I was surprised to see the whole congregation rise. I then asked all to kneel down, and I sent up my petition to heaven for that people. I was deeply impressed by this experience. I felt the deep moving of the Spirit of God upon me, and I know that the Lord gave me a special message for His people at this time.--The Review and Herald, March 11, 1909. {3SM 267.2}

Crowded Congregation in Europe Remained Seated.--I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word, "if we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).-- Diary, Feb. 20, 1887. (Published in Selected Messages, book 1, p. 147.) {3SM 267.3}

Congregation Rises to Feet for Consecration Prayer.--I invited all who wanted to give themselves to God in a sacred covenant, and to serve Him with their whole hearts, to rise to their feet. The house was full, and nearly all rose. Quite a number not of our faith were present, and some of these arose. I presented them to the Lord in earnest prayer, and we know that we had the manifestation of the Spirit of God. We felt that a victory had indeed been gained.--Manuscript 30a, 1896. (Published in Selected Messages, book 1, p. 150.) {3SM 268.1}

Congregation Kneels for Consecration Prayer.--At the close of my discourse, I felt impressed by the Spirit of God to extend an invitation for all those to come forward who desired to give themselves fully to the Lord. Those who felt the need of the prayers of the servants of God were invited to make it manifest. About thirty came forward. . . . {3SM 268.2}

At first I had hesitated, wondering if it were best to do so when my son and I were the only ones whom I could see who would give us any help on that occasion. But as though someone had spoken to me, the thought passed through my mind, "Cannot you trust in the Lord?" I said, "I will, Lord." Although my son was much surprised that I should make such a call on this occasion, he was equal to the emergency. I never heard him speak with greater power or deeper feeling than at that time. . . . {3SM 268.3}

We knelt in prayer. My son took the lead, and the Lord surely indited his petition; for he seemed to pray as though in the presence of God.-The Review and Herald, July 30, 1895. (Republished in Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 148, 149.) {3SM 268.4}

At a Workers Institute in Oakland, California.-- Now we ask you to seek the Lord with all the heart. Will those who are determined to cut loose from every temptation of the enemy, and to seek for heaven above, signify such determination by rising to their feet. [Nearly all of the congregation present responded.] {3SM 268.5}

We desire that every one of you shall be saved. We desire that for you the gates of the city of God shall swing back on their glittering hinges, and that you, with all the nations who have kept the truth, may enter in. There we shall give praise and thanksgiving and glory to Christ and to the Father evermore, even forever and ever. May God help us to be faithful in His service during the conflict, and overcome at last, and win the crown of life eternal. {3SM 269.1}

[Praying] My heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor and needy, and dependent upon Thee. I ask Thee to give me and give this people the grace that perfects Christian character, et cetera.--The Review and Herald, July 16, 1908. {3SM 269.2}

Ellen White and Audience Standing for Consecration Prayer.--Who now, I ask, will make a determined effort to obtain the higher education. Those who will, make it manifest by rising to your feet. [The congregation rose.] Here is the whole congregation. May God help you to keep your pledge. Let us pray. {3SM 269.3}

[Praying] Heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor, weak, unworthy, and I ask Thee to impress the hearts of this people gathered here today. I have spoken to them Thy words, but, O Lord, Thou alone canst make the word effective, et cetera.--The Review and Herald, April 8, 1909. (Sermon at Oakland, California, Feb. 8, 1909.) {3SM 269.4}

At the Close of a General Conference Sermon in Washington, D.C. [THE SINCERE CHRISTIAN IS OFTEN IN PRAYER IN PUBLIC AND IN PRIVATE. HE PRAYS WHILE WALKING ON THE STREET, WHILE ENGAGED IN HIS WORK, AND IN THE WAKEFUL HOURS OF THE NIGHT. ELLEN WHITE COUNSELED IN A STATEMENT APPEARING IN GOSPEL WORKERS, P. 178, THAT "BOTH IN PUBLIC AND IN PRIVATE WORSHIP, IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO BOW ON OUR KNEES BEFORE THE LORD WHEN WE OFFER OUR PETITIONS TO HIM." THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THIS POINT, WRITTEN IN AUSTRALIA AND FOUND IN SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 2, P. 312, IS MORE EMPHATIC: "BOTH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORSHIP IT IS OUR DUTY TO BOW DOWN UPON OUR KNEES BEFORE GOD WHEN WE OFFER OUR PETITIONS TO HIM. THIS ACT SHOWS OUR DEPENDENCE UPON GOD." IT IS ALSO A SIGN OF REVERENCE: "THERE SHOULD BE AN INTELLIGENT KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO COME TO GOD IN REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR WITH DEVOTIONAL LOVE. THERE IS A GROWING LACK OF REVERENCE FOR OUR MAKER, A GROWING DISREGARD OF HIS GREATNESS AND HIS MAJESTY."--MANUSCRIPT 84B, 1897. (QUOTED IN SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 2, P. 312.)

THAT ELLEN WHITE DID NOT INTEND TO TEACH THAT ON EVERY PRAYER OCCASION WE MUST KNEEL IS MADE CLEAR BOTH BY HER WORDS AND HER EXAMPLE. TO HER THERE WAS NO TIME OR PLACE WHERE PRAYER WAS NOT APPROPRIATE. HER FAMILY TESTIFIED THAT IN HER HOME THOSE AT THE DINING TABLE BOWED THEIR HEADS AND NOT THEIR KNEES. SHE WAS NOT KNOWN TO KNEEL FOR THE BENEDICTION AT THE CLOSE OF SERVICES SHE ATTENDED. THE EARNEST COUNSEL ON KNEELING WOULD SEEM TO HAVE ITS PRINCIPAL APPLICATION IN THE WORSHIP SERVICES IN THE HOUSE OF GOD AND IN FAMILY AND PRIVATE DEVOTIONS AT HOME. IN PUBLIC MINISTRY THERE WERE TIMES WHEN SHE STOOD FOR PRAYER.--COMPILERS.]--May the Lord help you to take hold of this work as you have never yet taken hold of it. Will you do this? Will you here rise to your feet and testify that you will make God your trust and your helper? [Congregation rises.] {3SM 269.5}

[Praying] I thank Thee, Lord God of Israel. Accept this pledge of this Thy people. Put Thy Spirit upon them. Let Thy glory be seen in them. As they shall speak the word of truth, let us see the salvation of God. Amen.--General Conference Bulletin, May 18, 1909. {3SM 270.1}

Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven. {SC 99.2}

We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God's children; and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things. {SC 99.3}

Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun.

The Privilege of Prayer

We, too, must have times set apart for meditation and prayer and for receiving spiritual refreshing. We do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects, placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God. {MH 509.2}

Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice. On the night of the agony in Gethsemane, the sleeping disciples heard not the voice of Jesus. They had a dim sense of the angels' presence, but lost the power and glory of the scene. Because of their drowsiness and stupor they failed of receiving the evidence that would have strengthened their souls for the terrible scenes before them. Thus today the very men who most need divine instruction often fail of receiving it, because they do not place themselves in communion with heaven. {MH 509.3}

The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. Dangers beset every path. Those who are seeking to rescue others from vice and ruin are especially exposed to temptation. In constant contact with evil, they need a strong hold upon God lest they themselves be corrupted. Short and decisive are the steps that lead men down from high and holy ground to a low level. In a moment decisions may be made that fix one's condition forever. One failure to overcome leaves the soul unguarded. One evil habit, if not firmly resisted, will strengthen into chains of steel, binding the whole man. {MH 509.4}

The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is departed from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions will enable you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Your petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer. {MH 510.1}

As workers for God we must reach men where they are, surrounded with darkness, sunken in vice, and stained with corruption. But while we stay our minds upon Him who is our sun and our shield, the evil that surrounds us will not bring one stain upon our garments. As we work to save the souls that are ready to perish we shall not be put to shame if we make God our trust. Christ in the heart, Christ in the life, this is our safety. The atmosphere of His presence will fill the soul with abhorrence of all that is evil. Our spirit may be so identified with His that in thought and aim we shall be one with Him. {MH 511.1}

It was through faith and prayer that Jacob, from being a man of feebleness and sin, became a prince with God. It is thus that you may become men and women of high and holy purpose, of noble life, men and women who will not for any consideration be swayed from truth, right, and justice. All are pressed with urgent cares, burdens, and duties, but the more difficult your position and the heavier your burdens, the more you need Jesus. {MH 511.2}

It is a serious mistake to neglect the public worship of God. The privileges of divine service should not be lightly regarded. Those who attend upon the sick are often unable to avail themselves of these privileges, but they should be careful not to absent themselves needlessly from the house of worship. {MH 511.3}

In ministering to the sick, more than in any merely secular business, success depends on the spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice with which the work is done. Those who bear responsibilities need to place themselves where they will be deeply impressed by the Spirit of God. You should have as much greater anxiety than do others for the aid of the Holy Spirit and for a knowledge of God as your position of trust is more responsible than that of others. {MH 511.4}

Nothing is more needed in our work than the practical results of communion with God. We should show by our daily lives that we have peace and rest in the Saviour. His peace in the heart will shine forth in the countenance. It will give to the voice a persuasive power. Communion with God will ennoble the character and the life. Men will take knowledge of us, as of the first disciples, that we have been with Jesus. This will impart to the worker a power that nothing else can give. Of this power he must not allow himself to be deprived. {MH 512.1}

We must live a twofold life--a life of thought and action, of silent prayer and earnest work. The strength received through communion with God, united with earnest effort in training the mind to thoughtfulness and caretaking, prepares one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying. {MH 512.2}

The Divine Counselor

When in trouble, many think they must appeal to some earthly friend, telling him their perplexities, and begging for help. Under trying circumstances unbelief fills their hearts, and the way seems dark. And all the time there stands beside them the mighty Counselor of the ages, inviting them to place their confidence in Him. Jesus, the great Burden Bearer, is saying, "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest." Shall we turn from Him to uncertain human beings, who are as dependent upon God as we ourselves are? {MH 512.3}

You may feel the deficiency of your character and the smallness of your ability in comparison with the greatness of the work. But if you had the greatest intellect ever given to man, it would not be sufficient for your work. "Without Me ye can do nothing," says our Lord and Saviour. John 15:5. The result of all we do rests in the hands of God. Whatever may betide, lay hold upon Him with steady, persevering confidence. {MH 513.1}

In your business, in companionship for leisure hours, and in alliance for life, let all the associations you form be entered upon with earnest, humble prayer. You will thus show that you honor God, and God will honor you. Pray when you are fainthearted. When you are desponding, close the lips firmly to men; do not shadow the path of others; but tell everything to Jesus. Reach up your hands for help. In your weakness lay hold of infinite strength. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith, that you may see light in God's light and rejoice in His love. {MH 513.2}

Consecration: Trust

When we are humble and contrite we stand where God can and will manifest Himself to us. He is well pleased when we urge past mercies and blessings as a reason why He should bestow on us greater blessings. He will more than fulfill the expectations of those who trust fully in Him. The Lord Jesus knows just what His children need, how much divine power we will appropriate for the blessing of humanity; and He bestows upon us all that we will employ in blessing others and ennobling our own souls. {MH 513.3}

We must have less trust in what we ourselves can do, and more trust in what the Lord can do for and through us. You are not engaged in your own work; you are doing the work of God. Surrender your will and way to Him. Make not a single reserve, not a single compromise with self. Know what it is to be free in Christ. {MH 513.4}

The mere hearing of sermons Sabbath after Sabbath, the reading of the Bible through and through, or the explanation of it verse by verse, will not benefit us or those who hear us, unless we bring the truths of the Bible into our individual experience. The understanding, the will, the affections, must be yielded to the control of the word of God. Then through the work of the Holy Spirit the precepts of the word will become the principles of the life. {MH 514.1}

As you ask the Lord to help you, honor your Saviour by believing that you do receive His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at our command. We have only to ask. {MH 514.2}

Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible. {MH 514

Our Attitude in Prayer

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." Paul declared, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God." {MYP 251.1}

True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there; and as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. "Holy and reverend is His name," the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips! {MYP 251.2}

Well would it be for old and young to ponder those words of Scripture that show how the place marked by God's special presence should be regarded. "Put off thy shoes from off thy feet," He commanded Moses at the burning bush," for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Jacob, after beholding the vision of the angels, exclaimed, "The Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. . . ." --"Gospel Workers," pp. 178, 179. {MYP 251.3}

Our Attitude in Prayer

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." [LUKE 22:41.] Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." [ACTS 9:40; 20:36, 21:5.] Paul declared, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." [EPH. 3:14.] In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. [SEE EZRA 9:5.] Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God." [DAN. 6:10.] {GW 178.2}

True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there; and as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. "Holy and reverend is His name," [PS. 111:9.] the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips! {GW 178.3}

Well would it be for old and young to ponder those words of Scripture that show how the place marked by God's special presence should be regarded. "Put off thy shoes from off thy feet," He commanded Moses at the burning bush, "for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." [EX. 3:5.] Jacob, after beholding the vision of the angels, exclaimed, "The Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. . . . This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." [GEN. 28:16, 17.] {GW 178.4}

"The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him." [HAB. 2:20.] {GW 179.1}

Prosy, sermonizing prayers are uncalled for and out of place in public. A short prayer, offered in fervor and faith, will soften the hearts of the hearers; but during long prayers they wait impatiently, as if wishing that every word might end it. Had the minister making such a prayer wrestled with God in his chamber until he felt that his faith could grasp the promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you," he would in his public prayer have come to the point at once, asking with earnestness and faith for grace for himself and his hearers. {GW 179.2}