The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-27
(BY WILLIAM T. ELLIS.)

Sometimes a cOmmun1tyS electric
lighting system proves deficient be-
cause the lamps are of a poor quality,
or the wiring system is imperfect!
These ills are easily remedied: but
when the power house is at fault, be-
ing inadequate or dfsarranged. then
the situation is serious indeed. So,
likewise, some of the shortcomings of
the church are superficial and local.
and wanting only wit and application
to remedy them. But when the fault
is in the prayer-life of the members,
then it is serious indeed. For the
prayer meeting and the prayer closet
are the power house of the church.
She may get along without steeple
or upholstered pews or chandeliers or
a pipe organ: but a church simply
can not prosper without a warm, vi
tai. constant life of prayer. The only
real power of Christianity is spiritual
power.
Nothing will better a prayer meet
ing like more prayer and simpler.
When members pray, the organization
will prosper.
Some Endeavorers have not yet dis
batting society or a literary lyceum
and a prayer meeting.
Personality is always power. The
most vital prayer meetings are those
which are most concrete and intimate
and individual. Life speaking to life
begets life. When the sincere soul
cries out, in testimony or in prayer,
then other souls are enkindled. Ev-
cry devotional gathering Of Christians
should cultivate this personal quality,
rather Ian mere sprightliness or va
riety.
ho
where there are live Christians.
Monotony has no merit. Ruts are
not routes. Simply because a prayer
meeting has been conducted in a GER
tain fashion in the past is no good
reason why it should be continued
indefinitely in the same way. The
| very informality and unconvention-
atty of the Billy Sunday tabernacle
meetings is one real element of pow
err. The more human. elastic and re-
sponsive a prayer meeting is, the
greater efficiency.
Once upon a time there was a re-
ligious service so informal as to be
boisterous; and behOlders accused the
participants of too much wine. That
unconventional meeting was Pente-
cost. the birthplace Of the Christian
church. Let no man say that staid
and stereotyped assemblies are the
only truly religious gatherings
where the spirit Of the Lord is, there
is liberty
Purpose as well as piety should
| mark a prayer meeting. The reason
some meetings hit nothing is that
they are aimed at it. A definite OBJ
Jective is needed by every gathering
Of Christians: too many meetings have
a subject. but no object.
Stress the word meeting" The
weekly assembly is a meeting OF
Christian with Christian. and Of all
with Christ. If this fellowship, hui
man and divine. is not provided, then
the occasion is q mere gathering, but
not a true mt ing of spirit with
spirit.
There IL a spot where spirits blend,
| Where friend holds fellowship with friend
| Though sundered far; by faith they meet
| Around the common mercy seat"
| Ian Maclaren used to tell the story
of a man who arose in q prayer meet
ing and began to pray. with great
sameness Of phrase. for power
Weary of his monotonous ejacula-
lions, the man behind leaned over and
said. MY brother. it is not power you
need. but IDEAS If there were more
brains put into our devotional services
there would be more blessing taken