Page On Reverence For Praying Persons

Praying for the Latter Rain All times are proper times for prayer. This we learn from that brief injunction, "pray without ceasing." 1Th 5:17. (See also Ac 12:15; Ro 1:9; 2Ti 1:3). And there are times that prayer is particularly needed and customarily offered. One of these was a scene of out-door worship by those learning the Word of God. "And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither." Ac 16:13. And there is a special time of earth's history when the Latter Rain waits to fall on God's people. We live in that time, the time of the blotting out of forsaken sins, styled "the times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." Ac 3:19. During this special time God's people are bidden to pray for the promised refreshing. Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. Zec 10:1 At the Western Youth Conference we aim to do as bidden. For this reason the schedule is peppered with opportunities for group prayer. Please join us for seasons of petition. And if you can not join at one time or another, bear in mind that as the land around a bush flaming with God's presence was sacred, the land around living saints in communion with God is also. If Christ's presence makes a holy place, then our outdoor prayer meetings are sanctuaries. Walk quietly in the sanctuary. Whisper at a distance and be silent when near. Make the atmosphere a welcome one for angels that never take God's name in vain. You have friends to talk to? People to see? You have a Friend to pray to and you have come here to see Him. If possible, save your chatting with other friends for times not set aside for the Holy Communion of prayer. You have arrived late? We are so glad you are here. Dodge the eyes of those that will be glad to see you. Find a place to prayerfully prepare yourself for the message and postpone visiting until the service is closed. For there are some things we should have learned as children that now we must learn as adults: Another precious grace that should be carefully cherished is reverence. 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 the heart of every child should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer and the services of public worship the child should be taught to regard as sacred because God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. {Ed 242.3}