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Brought to you by CONCERNED COMMUNICATIONS, P.O. Box 1000, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 From the Editors: A Book to Do Meet Him—Again We all have them—lapses in our devotional life. It isn't that we intend to lose touch with our Creator; we You Good just do. In a cruel bit of irony, the One who gave us life often gets By William G. Johnsson pushed out of our lives. The guilt piles up, and we shoulder it One of the biggest-impact books among Adventists this year isn't available submissively. But we don't have to. for cash. God is love, and love is a lot of In January several of us got together and came up with the idea of a book on things: patient, kind, gentle. And answers to prayer by some of the best-known writers in the church. I sent out 20 so—patiently, kindly, gently—He invitations, asking if the writers would share from the heart something personal, waits for the reunion: the crisp something out of their experience. morning walk, the midafternoon Their responses came back and are prayer, the evening psalm. Just you wonderful. Some made me cry; some and He. One on one. brought laughter; all did me good. Jeannette Johnson shared her "most sacr Contents experience." Dick Duerksen told how 4 Meeting God Through . . . God changed the words of his prayer; BY RIALF.L',1A BRILI 115B E LU AL. Hyveth Williams related how a crowded jumbo jet ready for takeoff turned bar' 10 Walk in Wonder to the gate—because of her. Randy BY WILLIAM G JOHNSSOY Maxwell and Manuel Vasquez shared accounts of battles with cancer. Roger 14 A Breath of Fresh Prayer Momeau told of the copier that kept BY RANDY MAXWELL on copying long after the toner ran 18 A Talk With Roger Morneau out. BY ELLA RYDZEWSKI All these and more in this wonderful little book, God Answers Pr 22 Shoot for the Moon Robert Folkenberg's amazing story of the $3,000 tractor- BY SARAH E. COLEMAN trailer, and answers to prayer that came to columnists Gina Spivey Brown and ■ Loretta Parker Spivey, and to Charles Bradford, Chris Blake, Calvin Rock, and 24 How Prayer Works others-20 in all. BY BEATRICE S. NEALL This book is being read and quoted and devoured around the country. It will do 30 Louder and Clearer you good. BY JON DYBDAHI But it's not for sale. You get it only as a gift from the Adventist Review by: (1) subscribing for the first time, 36 A Word in Season (2) giving the Adventist Review as a gift subscription, or BY GORDON BIETZ FT AL (3) adding on a year to your current subscription. Call 1-800-456-3991 or contact your Adventist Book Center and get your copy! 38 Love Responding to Love BY DIANF FOR ,YTII

The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161.1119) is printed 40 times a year each Thursday except the first Thursday of each month by the Review and Herald' Publishing Association. Copyright © 1997. Periodicals postage paid at Hagerstown, MD. Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 174, No. 22, May 29, 1997.

Scriptures credited to ICB are quoted from the International Children's Bible, New Century Version, copyright © 1983, 1986, 1988 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75039. Used by permission. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright C 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All right reserved.Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission.

ADVENTIST REVIEW (707) 3 MEETING GOD THROUGH.. riD rayer

BY REBECCA BRILLHART

of long ago my prayers and planted by the rivers of water" (Ps. 1:3). I devotions had become flat. stopped the obligatory form of prayer I The words that formed on had been practicing—"touching all the my lips and in my thoughts bases"—and wrapped a part of myself barely around every word. Nscratched the surface of By becoming more what I wanted to express willing to express any to God—and I didn't thought or emotion know how to release boldly to God, I entered them. a dynamic relationship After attending a prayer with Him. Being conference, I reluctantly authentic with myself decided to keep a journal, and God has become an a "chore" I had been integral part of my being avoiding for 20 years. The able to be generous with first few weeks were rough. others. Perhaps that is I wrote pages and pages the other lesson I found without sensing that I had in the Psalms—that the revealed even a small part songs expressed in of myself. solitude are as relevant to And then I opened my the community of Bible to the Psalms—something the believers as they are to each individual. main speaker had encouraged during Staying connected is the key. the conference. I began with the first and decided I would rewrite each one Rebecca Brillhart owns and operates her own business in Columbia, Maryland. in my own words so that I might experience the height and depth of each emotion found there—from joy to despair. It worked! Instead of the dry desert it had been, my devotional life became "like a tree

4 (708) ADVENTIST REVIEW MEETING GOD &,4THROUGH.

BY LEE GUGLIOTTO

hen I study the Bible, beliefs and put on spiritual ears when I'm reminded of the evangelist Jac Colon challenged me to youngster who heard show him from the Scriptures that the the sermon begin Sabbath had changed from the seventh to . while the first day of the week. Wshe played in the Three days later I church's mother's room. admitted that I could Fascinated, she stared at not—and eventually asked the corner speaker, then for baptism into the turned to her mother Seventh-day Adventist and announced, "It's the Church. voice of God." Bible study continues In a way, she was right. to change my life. Each The Bible is God's Word. time I plunge into the Though written in human ancient Book with its language, it is a super- obsolete customs and old- natural book. As Solomon fashioned personalities, says, God speaks to us the God who is the same through the sacred page: yesterday, today, and "For the Lord gives forever makes every word wisdom, and from his fresh and relevant. He mouth come knowledge and comes alive with every transforming understanding" (Prov. 2:6, NIV). By truth. I really do hear His voice. listening for His voice, we can hear—and learn—the truth of every text. Lee Gugliotto is senior pastor of the College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church at Canadian Union College in Alberta with his So every time I study God's Word, I try wife, Jolynn. His Handbook for Bible Study (Review and to let Him speak for Himself. I do not Herald) won the 1996 Gold Medallion from the Evangelical come to the Bible to prove something I Christian Publishers Association in the category of Bible study. believe or to disprove what I do not. I come to learn. That's why I set aside my Presbyterian

ADVENTIST REVIEW (709) 5 MEETING GOD THROUGH.. 6n2aff )_roups

BY SHERLYN PANG I' di n my formative years I was entirely questions and that He can give me i comfortable keeping God at pew's answers through the people there. But k length. But as a young adult desper- I'm shocked to realize that God is also ate to identify and meet my spiritual using me to help others. I'm no public needs, I've found speaker or Bible scholar, Ithat God will go to great but I do have my own lengths to seek me out. story. Just as I've gained Specifically, He's assem- direction from someone bled several of my peers else's story, I know that I who meet regularly to must let down my guard search spiritually. and trust God when He This small group has moves me to tell mine. made other believers real I'm not alone in my for me. No longer are quest to get closer to God; they the one-dimensional our small group has shown smiles and handshakes me that. By exposing our that greet me from week thoughts and hopes, our to week—or the grungy anger and fears, we can be rebel with the dis- supported in our weak- interested look. Each nesses and challenged in participant brings a our moments of strength. unique perspective to our discussions. As And amid this raw exchange, God I hear their questions, their struggles, I continues to pull me away from my frenzy often find that I share them. and into His care. I come to the group to get real answers for my life. It's where I seek God in an Sherlyn Pang works as a recruiter at the Museum of Science in intimate way, where others will see my face Boston, Massachusetts. Recently she helped organize Face It! (a and hear me stutter when I don't have the lay young adult working conference held in Laurel, Maryland, focused on empowering young adults to take responsibility for the right words, where my silence will be spiritual state of their generation). The next Face It! conference noticed. is scheduled for the fall in South Bend, Indiana. For more infor- I've learned that God likes us to ask mation, contact Sherlyn at pang@al .mos .org.

6 (710) ADVENTIST REVIEW MEETING GOD THROUGH..

97rusic

BY CHARLES D. HAUGABROOKS

can't really say that I ever got of song. I no longer have a need to sing for into music. I do know that in show or the applause of humanity. Instead some miraculous way, music got of wanting money to be thrown at my feet, into me. Singing has always been I now want to cast all of my praise and joy .spontaneous and at the feet of Jesus Christ. Ienjoyable—especially I am close to God when when I found the right my spirit sings the words songs to sing. of John the Baptist: "He For years I thought I must increase, but I must was singing the right decrease." And I pray that songs. My mom died my audience will look not when I was 3, and at this upon the frail human age I began to sing. My instrument that I am, but nephew, first cousin, and I instead, "Behold the Lamb would listen to and mimic of God which taketh away various voices on our the sins of the world." radio or record player, and our relatives got excited Charles D. Haugabrooks lives in Mount to hear the blending Dora, Florida, with his wife, Minerva, voices of their newly and their children, Esther, Ezra, and Sherrard. He works as a human formed "trio." Before long resource specialist for a government we were invited to sing in area churches defense contractor and, on the side, has recorded four albums: and talent shows. Sometimes the audience Songs Reflecting Him, Pleading Heart, One Step Closer, and would even throw money onto the stage. God's Touch Through You. Throughout high school and college I sang regularly in nightclubs: rock 'n' roll, top 40, rhythm and blues, you name it. Then the Lord Jesus Christ taught me a new song. Listening to His voice and mimicking His tones have taught me the true meaning

ADVENTIST REVIEW (711) 7 MEETING GOD THROUGH.. aiure

BY JUDY LARSON

s, was growing up in the pattern for conducting our own lives. country near Paradise, That's why I choose to portray the California, my family admirable qualities of animals that I instilled in me a love and believe God instilled in them—working respect for faithfully, relying on one Anature. My father, noted another, protecting their artist Clyde Provonsha, young, and having often incorporated ani- offspring only when they mals and nature in his can be cared for properly. religious works. One of The hidden images in my favorite paintings is my pictures are designed his Our Rejoicing to provoke an awareness Shepherd, which portrays in the observer that many Jesus rejoicing upon of God's creatures live in finding the lost lamb. danger and in need of our This picture has been a protection. As a blessing to people around Christian who believes the world. that what God created I consider my move He deemed "good," my eight years ago from goal is for people to gain commercial art to a greater appreciation painting wildlife to be providential. and respect for His handiwork. Doors opened that I never knew existed. As a result, I deal almost exclusively Judy Larson is an internationally known wildlife artist specializ- with people outside my denomination. ing in concealed imagery. She was named among the top 15 print artists of 1996 by U.S. Art magazine. She lives in Elsinore, Although I try never to be "preachy," California, with her children, Rakel, Erik, and Krister, as well as moments arise when I am asked why I two horses, three dogs, one cat, six fish, and two hermit crabs. portray animals so "up close and She is published by Applejack Limited Editions of Vermont. personal." I respond that in the Bible we are continually asked to look at nature as a

8 (712) ADVENTIST REVIEW A TRUE LOVE STORY THE Vienna Brooks Saga Ournq A true story of love and faith Wilderness Journey chronicles the harrowing experiences faced by young Vienna Brooks as she journeyed west in 1852. IIOU 1,1\ ,O)1;) Her schooling and quest to be reunited with the man she loves is traced in Golden alifornia Journey, while California Ctot' rncy Journey reveals her brother's struggle to become a teacher despite great odds. By Erna M. Holyer. Paperbacks. Wilderness Journey special US$5.99, Cdn$8.49, through August 31, 1997. Golden ERNA Ni. 1101.YER Journey and California Journey US$8.99, Cdn$12.99 each.

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BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

n a rainy- shiny morn- ing I walked to Hawk's Nest beach on the Australian coast north of Sydney. The huge sweeping arc of sand and surf split my gaze as I came through the dunes. Far to the south a head- land terminated the curve; to the north the beach stretched on and out into infinity. Not

10 (714) ADVENTIST REVIEW another soul on the The sound of the surf sinks deep into now live in the flesh I live by the faith your soul and wells up years later. You of the Son of God, who loved me, and beach. hear again the shrieking of the gulls and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20, KJV)— the splash-splash-splash of dancing feet, this is the highest experience open to Stripping to swim shorts, and you know that God is infinitely good the human heart. and that you don't treasure His earth half People who don't believe find this I began to run barefoot, as much as you should. concept incomprehensible, foolish. Open your eyes—God is all around. But we who have taken the Lord at splashing through the Open your ears—the air vibrates with His word, who have tasted and found His voice. Open your heart—walk in that He is good, have discovered that waves, headed north. The wonder. Tread softly on this earth, for His word is true, that Christianity it is holy ground. works, that in Christ Jesus every booming of the surf filled I believe regular times for prayer divine promise is Yes! and Amen! and Bible study sustain the Christian (see 2 Cor. 1:20). my ears, broken only by life, that without them we will In theological terms, the personal gradually dry up spiritually or wander experience of God, being constantly intermittent cries of off into false religion. For me, online with Him, reflects the teaching morning is key: start the day with of the Holy Spirit. Although the wheeling sea birds and the God, give Him my first thoughts and doctrine is mysterious, the one God is my deepest desires. My mind works also the three—the Father, from whom steady splash-splash-splash of best early in the day, and I try to give all things come to be and to whom all Him the best portion. return; the Son, eternal and self- churning feet. A rain But these programmed periods of existent, who came to this earth to personal devotion are only the walk in our shoes and to die in our squall came down; sea and appetizer of the feast God plans for place; and the Holy Spirit, who is God us throughout the day—and night. I with us, God in us, working out His sky, surf and sand, merged believe these regular times of prayer will and lovingly guiding us. and Bible study can open our eyes Just before Jesus, the Son incarnate, into an incandescent and ears to God so that we may left this earth, He promised: "And I walk in wonder with Him every will ask the Father, and he will give whole. I was one with the waking moment. you another Counselor to be with you We needn't think that God is near forever—the Spirit of truth. The world elements, one with God's only when we feel a spiritual "high." cannot accept him, because it neither If we get online with God first sees him nor knows him. But you good world. thing—turn on the spiritual computer know him, for he lives with you and when we awaken—we can be sending will be in you" (John 14:16, 17). Buoyed by the and receiving messages constantly. Then Jesus said: "I will not leave Surely this is what the apostle meant you as orphans; I will come to you. experience, feeling very by his admonition "Pray without Before long, the world will not see ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17, KJV). me anymore, but you will see me" close to God, I ran on and God is real; God is personal. He (verses 18, 19). So although the Holy created the universe and sustains every Spirit is not Christ, He is the on—one hour, two hours, whirling galaxy and every wriggling presence of Jesus, just as real and just amoeba, but more—He walks and as wonderful as if Jesus were in the who knows for how long? talks with humanity. He wants to be room with us. with us, to be our best friend. "Have Godly men and women have known At times I sang and them make a sanctuary for me, and I this reality throughout the ages. They will dwell among them," He instructed have found in God their deepest the ancient Israelites (Ex. 25:8),* and longings, their highest aspirations. They shouted out above the He promised: "I will be their God, and have sung with the psalmist: "As the they will be my people" (Jer. 31:33). deer pants for streams of water, so my waves, praising God, To know God—intimately, personally soul pants for you, 0 God. My soul —is the essence of Christianity. To live thirsts for God, for the living God" (Ps. talking one-on-one with as Paul described—"I am crucified with 42:1). They have cried out with Paul: Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but "Whatever was to my profit I now Him. Christ liveth in me: and the life which I consider loss for the sake of Christ.... I

ADVENTIST REVIEW (715) 11 want to know Christ and the power of Lord's life was occupied in the Lord Almighty" (Zech. 14:20, 21). his resurrection and the fellowship of humdrum, nonspectacular tasks and Your work may be menial, or it may sharing in his sufferings" (Phil. 3:7-10). duties of life. He spent a full 30 of His be professional. But if you walk in Ellen White, pioneer and shaper of 33 years in Nazareth—going about His wonder, even the dishes in the sink or the Seventh-day Adventist Church, job as a carpenter, eating, sleeping, the video teleconference may glow knew God personally. She kept online bathing, talking. Even after He left His with the presence of the living Christ. with the Lord; she walked in wonder. hometown for three-plus years of Over and over she called, and calls, itinerant ministry, most of His time 2. Look for divine serendipities. the Adventist people to "heart was taken up walking from place to God has a delightful way of religion." Listen to the breathtaking place, simply being with people, living surprising us. He comes to us in the ideal she holds out before us: "If we as a human. most unexpected ways, at the most consent, He will so identify Himself Yet Jesus' ordinariness glowed with unexpected times, in the most with our thoughts and aims, so blend the divine. Constantly He communed unexpected places. our hearts and minds into conformity with the Father—sometimes all night Remember Jacob, that smoothie, to His will, that when obeying Him too clever by half? His schemes went we shall be but carrying out our own awry, his world fell apart, and he had impulses" (The Desire of Ages, p. to flee for his life. Alone in the bush, 668). "Godliness—godlikeness--is feeling a fugitive from the family of the goal to be reached" (Education, God, he lay down to sleep with his p. 18). God comes to us head against a stone. But in the night How do you walk in wonder? he dreamed of a stairway reaching Begin the day with God—that's at the most from earth to heaven, with the angels the first and most important point. of God ascending and descending on But after that, and throughout the it and the Lord above it all. When day: unexpected times. Jacob woke up, he said to himself, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and 1. Look for God in the ordinary. I was not aware of it" (Gen. 28:10- When you stand back and 19). Setting up a pillar, Jacob called it consider the life of Jesus, what Bethel—house of God. strikes you is how ordinary it was. Oh in prayer, but always online. His face I remember how moved I was at the yes, it had extraordinary moments, was open to the sparrows and the first symphonic concert I attended. I beginning with the miracle of birth ravens, to the anemones that grew had no inkling that the great music and ending with the wild on the Galilean hillsides, to the would unleash creative energies within miracle of smell of the rain and the whip of the me, galvanize me to attack tasks that I resurrection. But breeze. He walked in wonder. had felt too burdened to contemplate, think: the great God walked this earth. People send me out into the world with a majority of saw Him but didn't see; they heightened awareness of God. Since OUT heard but didn't hear. Their that experience I have turned again hearts weren't open to God. So and again to music for refreshment, don't be surprised if today the comfort, and inspiration. crowds don't see and hear Him. But I vividly recall also the sense of you may, and I may, if we walk in wonder when I saw my firstborn, a son, wonder. emerge from the womb, and two years Toward the close of the Old Testa- later, a daughter. The world held its ment you come upon two amazing breath; time stood still. In the presence verses. In a description of what of new life I felt the mystery of our Israel might have become if coming and our going, of time and she had opened herself to eternity. We are bound up with the life God's will for her, you of God, in whom we have been, are, read: "On that day and will be. HOLY TO THE LORD I live in Maryland, and as I write, will be inscribed on the bells the deer population is multiplying of the horses, and the cooking pots in along the eastern seaboard of the the Lord's house will be like the sacred United States. There are deer in woods bowls in front of the altar. Every pot in behind the street next to ours; I ran Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the into a deer on crowded Interstate 95.

12 (716) ADVENTIST REVIEW

Deer are everywhere, but you have to know how to look for them. You have to look for horizontal lines among the vertical, and expect to find deer. They are there—if you can see them. www.vop.com 3. Look for God in the darkness. This may be the best news of all: Your Gateway to God comes to us in the night as well the Voice of Prophecy as at noonday. Even when, crushed and broken, we don't want to live another day. Even when, bowed down Kenneth by worry and care, we don't want to Richards coordinates trudge another mile. the Voice of Jesus—God of ordinary grace. But Prophecy's think of the last moments of Jesus, of Web site on that lacerated body crying out for water the Internet from the cross, then that moan of (www.vop.com). dereliction, of God-forsakenness—"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46, KJV). Here is the Saviour of the world drinking the cup of our woe, our pain, our guilt, to the last dregs. At that moment He could not see beyond the portals of the tomb. But God was there, even at the soul's darkest midnight. God was Study a Bible Course there, although bleeding body and The entire 26-lesson Discover Bible course is fevered mind sought to deny it. God available online without charge. This modem was there, suffering with the Son. technology eliminates the delay of sending lessons It's hard to believe from the belly and answer sheets back and forth through the postal of the whale. It's easy to doubt when system. When you send each filled-in answer sheet our house comes tumbling and our by e-mail, you'll receive a link to the next lesson. bodies are so broken we don't know who we are or what we are saying. Listen to a Radio Program With a sound card and speakers for your computer, But God is there. you can actually listen to the Sunday and daily radio Friday afternoon Jesus died in broadcasts—even if there isn't a radio station nearby. agony. But Sunday morning Jesus rose in glory. Send in a Prayer Request Faith is the finger reaching out You can e-mail prayer requests to [email protected] through the darkness, stretching to for the Voice of Prophecy's Worldwide Prayer Circle, touch God. Faith is the confidence which meets every Thursday morning at 8:00. that the God who has walked with us in wonder all our days has not Download Complete Sermons forsaken us now. • Many Voice of Prophecy broadcasts are available in text format—to read, to download, or to use as the * All Scripture references come from the basis for your own sermons. New International Version unless otherwise indicated. i 1114 Access Information About Voice of Prophecy There's lots more information at www.vop.com. You'll find news about the ministry, Bible questions William G. Johnsson is and answers, coming broadcast topics, and the editor of the Adventist complete radio log for North America. Review.

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ADVENTIST REVIEW 13 Seven ways to invigorate your communication with God

BY RANDY MAXWELL

W hen it comes to our relationship with Jesus, choosing to pray— to be with Him—is often the greatest battle. I may have the best of intentions, the warmest feelings, but I must choose to talk to God every day. There are no shortcuts. Once we've made the choice, however, what can we do to shake ourselves out of the doldrums and experience some fresh, new approaches to God in prayer? Pray whenever you think about it. Jesus, in answer to a theological question put to Him by the woman at the well, replied, "A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks" (John 4:23).' The Samaritans (and the Jews, for that matter) were hung up on the right place to worship. They were sure that the true God could be approached only at the "right" spot. Hence the Samaritan woman's statement: "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem" (verse 20).

14 (718) ADVENTIST REVIEW Jesus adjusted Do the same her attitude by with prayer. Don't revealing the truth pray about the about God—that same things all the He is spirit and time, and don't try not confined by to cover everything human-made in one prayer. Vary temples or times. your conversation. God is an ever- Pray about the present reality. supervisor who And true wor- gives you grief shipers of the true today, and save God can make time for the contact with missionaries Him anytime, tomorrow. anywhere. Pray different Don't make the types of prayers. Try mistake of thinking praying a prayer of you can pray only praise without any at certain times petitions. Put away and in certain your shopping list KKEN places. Pray when and just spend time BA

you think about it. praising God for STEN

In your car, in a who He is in your ERIK C meeting, in bed life. when you can't Or sing your TOS sleep, as you mow prayer to God. PHO the lawn or wash Paul admonishes us dishes, while to "sing psalms, brushing your hymns and teeth. spiritual songs with The natural gratitude in your man or woman hearts to God" doesn't desire (Col. 3:16). There prayer. "You, II are times when we however, are pray by singing controlled not by the sinful nature but when you think about it. favorite praise hymns, such as "Great by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives Pray about a variety of things. Is Thy Faithfulness" or "I Love You, in you" (Rom. 8:9). If it's on our minds My wife and I used to talk and pray Lord." to pray, it's the Holy Spirit calling. about the new minivan our family of During sung prayers I sometimes Don't put the King on hold! five so desperately needed. Today experience the presence of God more I used to fall into the trap of we're praising the Lord for the Grand profoundly than when I'm at my telling myself, "I'll pray about that Caravan we cart our "tribe" in. "regular" prayers. later." I'll be mowing the lawn, Before the answer to our prayers was Pray without words. You don't thinking of someone I need to pray realized, however, Suzette and I always have to have something to say for. I'll mentally review the details of talked about it a lot—but it wasn't all in order to be with God. I know this that person's need and even rehearse we talked about. may seem odd to some, but sometimes what I plan to say later during my We talked (and still do) about the it's perfectly all right to "be still, and "prayer time." It's then that I catch kids, schooling, the church, vacation know that [He is] God" (Ps. 46:10). myself and smile at how foolish it is plans, family members, music, bills, One morning not long ago I had a for me to pray later about something romance, TV programs, work, etc. deeply moving encounter with God I'm thinking about now! And guess what? We don't try to talk without saying a word. It was one of If you kick yourself for forgetting about everything all in one sitting. We those extremely rare times when both to pray for people whom you've pace ourselves. Talking about this now, the house and my spirit were quiet. I promised to pray for, learn to pray that later; this thing today, the other sat in the stillness and just allowed my when God puts it on your mind— thing tomorrow. heart to be an open book to God. As I

ADVENTIST REVIEW (719) 15 sat there with the first rays of dawn read: For you today: That your delight other individuals who love you and spilling onto my office carpet through will be in the law of the Lord, that you will need your prayers. Claim promises on the tiny slits in the miniblinds, I knew meditate on it day and night. That you behalf of your best friend, coworker, I was in the presence of God. will be like a tree planted by streams of family member, nieces and nephews, Don't be afraid of silence. In our water, yielding fruit in season without or pastor, and let them know that you culture we drown out silence every withering. And that whatever you do will are praying for them. Any relationship chance we get. We feel compelled to prosper (Ps. 1:2, 3). Love ya. will be strengthened by this prayerful quench quiet with sound. TV, radios, You love your spouse. He or she act of love. CD players, Walkman stereos, Game has struggles, frustrations, goals, Pray (or speak) a blessing on your Boy video games, our own chatter. family members. In the sixth chapter On airplanes, while exercising, at of Numbers we come across the the dinner table, in the restroom, priestly blessing that Aaron and his and on elevators, we have to have sons were instructed to bless the some kind of music, noise, or other Israelites with: "The Lord said to auditory distraction grinding away Don't be afraid of Moses, 'Tell Aaron and his sons, in the background. "This is how you are to bless the Learn to "be still, and know." silence. Israelites. Say to them: 'The Lord Quiet can be profound. Don't feel bless you and keep you; the Lord like you "fail" if words escape you make his face shine upon you and be occasionally when you pray. gracious to you; the Lord turn his face Remember, there are times when toward you and give you peace." So "we do not know what we ought to hopes, and needs that you probably they will put my name on the Israelites, and pray for, but the Spirit himself don't know about. Take those things I will bless them" (Num. 6:22-27). intercedes for us with groans that to God in prayer. Lift your husband or Did you see that last part? God words cannot express. And he who wife before the Father, and ask Him said that the priests—Aaron and his searches our hearts knows the mind of to meet his or her needs according to sons, in this case—were to put the the Spirit, because the Spirit His unfailing love. Lord's name (the promises that are intercedes for the saints in accordance Search the Word for specific verses inherent in His attributes, His with God's will" (Rom. 8:26, 27). that fit his or her situation, and pray nature, and His character) on the Keep your prayer time and Bible those verses back to God, inserting your children of Israel by speaking these study time separate. This suggestion spouse's name in the appropriate place. I words of blessing. may get me in trouble, but it's worth did this recently for my wife while I was As recipients of the new covenant, trying. out of town and she was nervously we who have received Christ as our It's been my experience that when I awaiting the results of some medical Saviour are part of a new breed of bring quarterlies, commentaries, and tests back home. We were both on edge, humans on earth. Regardless of race or multiple translations of the Bible into and I went to the Bible for a word of gender, we have been made into "a my devotional time, I spend little time encouragement from the Lord. I found it chosen people, a royal priesthood, a in prayer and much more time in study. in Psalm 33:18-22. I claimed the holy nation, a people belonging to Prayer is primarily meeting with promise for Suzette and then prayed it God" (1 Peter 2:9). Additionally, we God. Reading and studying during this back to God something like this: Suzette are the spiritual children of Abraham, time may not always be required. waits in hope for You, Lord; be her help inheritors of the promises to Israel. Whether you're just being quiet with and her shield today. Let her heart rejoice in These two facts provide us with the Him or focusing on your own needs, You, and help her to trust in Your holy commission, qualification, and you're still meeting with Him. This is name. May Your unfailing love rest upon authority to bless, as priests under the not wasted time. us both, 0 Lord, even as we put our hope old covenant did. Pray for your spouse. Not in a in You (verses 20-22). My wife and I have done this general, vague way, but in specific Later I called home and told her I together. With our hands placed gently terms, claiming certain Bible promises was praying this promise for her. I on the heads of our girls, I've prayed for him or her that are tailored to could tell she was pleased. Nothing this blessing on them: "Candice, individual needs. brings you closer together as a couple Crystal, Danielle: The Lord bless you I like to do this for Suzette and than praying earnestly and specifically and keep you; the Lord make his face sometimes will leave her a note with for the man or woman who shares your shine upon you and be gracious to you; the verse that I'm claiming for her on life. (You can pray for your children the Lord turn his face toward you and it. She saved one of these notes and the same way.) give you peace. Amen." kept it on the bathroom mirror, where And singles, the absence of a You can't imagine the intensity of she could see it, for several days. It spouse doesn't indicate the absence of hugs and beaming faces that come

16 (720) ADVENTIST REVIEW after a prayer like this. Your children mind-set, we often look at the news And as you do, receive this blessing won't forget, and neither will you. It's with a prophetic sense of inevitability. from God: not something to be done casually. But "More signs of the times," we say. "Jesus The Lord bless you and keep you; this is what a life of prayer is all about. must be coming soon." Sometimes our The Lord make his face shine upon you It's not just words and requests and "sign watching" instills a subtle and be gracious to you; routine. It's love and power and indifference in our attitudes toward The Lord turn his face toward you relationships and heart and soul. suffering humanity—or at the very And give you peace. One word of caution: be sure your least, a sense of helplessness. But there Amen. ■ life supports whatever your lips speak. is something we can do. We can pray. Words spoken in blessing are Each news story represents lives, real ' All Scripture references come from the New International Version. invalidated when a child (or spouse) people who are hurting and desperate, = The thoughts expressed in this action point hasn't sensed the daily touch, concern, and in need of Jesus. Read the paper are credited to Pastor Jack Hayford from a taped interest, availability, and care of the with the eyes and heart of Christ, and sermon entitled "The Importance of Blessing Our Children: Passing Our Spiritual Inheritance blesser. We must build a platform of ask God to intervene mercifully. On to the Next Generation" (Ventura, Calif.: relationship from which to bless. Gospel Light, 1991). Remember, the life we lead backs up o there you have it. Seven sug- the words we speak.' gestions for putting new passion Pray through the newspaper. For Sinto your personal prayer jour- those who have trouble coming up ney with God. Not an exhaustive list with enough things to pray about and by any stretch. You may already be Randy Maxwell, formerly for those who, like many people, are experimenting with several creative coeditor of ParentTalk mag- addicted to the morning newspaper, forms of prayer that aren't even men- azine, is currently director of this can revolutionize your prayer life. tioned here. Great. Go for it. What- publicity and public relations The paper is full of needs, crises, hurts, ever you do, though, pray. Don't just for Pacific Press Publishing and troubles that should cause the read about it or mentally assent to it. Association. He is a frequent prayer con- heart of the Christian to break. What Pray. Be real. Be consistent. Be cre- ference speaker and seminar presenter. fertile ground for prayer! ative. But above all, pray. There's so This article was adapted from his book If As Adventists with an end-time much in store for you if you do. My People Pray.

What? Pray for Larry Flynt? Now, to be perfectly honest, it had never even occurred to me to pray for either Larry or Hugh. Occasionally the BY RENE ALEXENKO EVANS name of an almost-forgotten acquaintance pops into my For whom do you pray? head, along with a strong conviction to pray for that person. Your sister and her husband and their struggle with But in general I have a hard enough time remembering to infertility? Your best friend's father and his unhopeful pray for people I know and like. diagnosis? The publishers of pornographic magazines? But what would happen if I—if you—were to break out of Say what? our comfort zone and take intercessory prayer to a new I work with a freelance graphic designer who's obviously level? What if we were to decide that no one is off-limits? a Christian. It says so right on his business cards. Proverbs Even people we don't like. Even people who have wronged, 3:6. He works out of his home, and when I stop in, his mistreated, or assaulted us or someone we love. Even open Bible is usually sitting on the table or kitchen counter. people who do such vile, disgusting things as publish His framed baptismal certificate hangs over his desk. pornographic magazines. Especially people like that. Last week I dropped off a direct-mail piece for owners of What would happen if just one Larry Flynt gave his life to high-performance boats, and as we talked about the job, I the Lord? Imagine the potential in such a high-profile mentioned a magazine for "hot boat" owners published by person. Sound far-fetched? I'm sure the disciples thought Larry Flynt. the same thing about Saul. "Something's about to happen with Larry Flynt," he said. At the very least we would become more like Jesus, who "Oh, really?" I asked, with no clue as to what he meant. with His dying words added to His prayer list the very men "God's gonna reach out and grab him." who were nailing Him to the cross. "Oh?" I said again, a teeny bit incredulously. "Yes," he said firmly. "Larry Flynt is going to give his life Rene Alexenko Evans is a part-time public rela- to the Lord. My wife and I prayed for him and Hugh Hefner tions consultant and a full-time wife and mom ,-;„ by name this morning." near Nashville, Tennessee.

ADVENTIST REVIEW (721) 17 ~oger orn e a u

ELLA M. RYDZEWSKI

oger Morneau, a Seventh-day Adventist, has written three top-selling books on prayer as well as his biography.* In preparing our special edi- tion on prayer and spirituality, we felt it appropriate to include him. As the staff discussed how best to conduct the interview, I remembered that my upcoming vacation in California included going through San Francisco, not far from Morneau's home. I called him and made an appointment. I also mentioned to him my discomfort with (and usual avoidance of) flying. He prayed for me, just as some of my friends were doing. My husband and I arrived in San Francisco after a bumpy but pleasant trip and not even a twinge of my lifelong phobia. We found Roger and Hilda Morneau living in a small apartment in Modesto. It was in one of those two-story complexes, so familiar to California, built close together with sidewalks lined with rich, green foliage. The Morneaus greeted us like old friends. After visiting awhile, we began the interview.

18 (722) ADVENTIST REVIEW This article focuses on inter- of Your righteousness as I come to the cessory prayer. Is there one Holy Father." I know I'm being incident that started you on this listened to by the precious Redeemer, ministry? Father, and Holy Spirit. A lot of us In 1984 I was admitted to the don't understand the value of the hospital in Niagara Falls. I went in Trinity. on a Saturday night with congestive We say, "Dear Jesus, we have read heart failure. They worked to keep these letters, and some have made us me alive. I was next to the nurse's cry." We refer to specific problems. station and could hear what was "They need Your help, not mine— going on in the unit. About 8:00 grace, divine strength, and Your p.m. on Sunday I said to myself, A lot sacrifice on Calvary. A lot of them of people here won't make it overnight. don't understand that their spiritual, I began to pray for these people. I mental, emotional, and physical said, "Lord, these poor mortals are faculties need re-creating. So many going to their graves early." I talked kids have been destroyed by drugs and to the Lord for them, asking for their other things. They have the capacity forgiveness and His blood over them. experience how God honors certain for destruction, as we all do. They need to From then on they began to improve. prayers and not others—I guess this be re-created." Christ didn't give up on You asked God to forgive their sins? sounds weird. people, even though many brought disease Yes, I always do this. I was in the Tell us what you mean. on themselves. He cared for their spiritual Woolworth parking lot one day doing a I found that I do not pray for anyone disease as well. work report. A Mercury parked in front unless I have prayed for myself. I need to So you see people as whole beings of me, and the husband and wife were pray that my own sins be forgiven and who need re-creating mentally and fighting. The man yelled profanities at acknowledge His claim on me through emotionally as well? his wife. Without speaking a word, I said His death. Yes, in the field of human behavior in my mind, Lord, please have mercy on Then I pray for the people. I pray that we find that extremism and fanaticism this man, because I think he hasn't had his their sins be forgiven, and ask Jesus to cripple the intelligence. People's minds sins forgiven and doesn't know the merits of appropriate His divine blood shed at need to be re-created according to God's Your blood over him. May the evil spirits Calvary for their salvation. Then I ask to standards. They need to appreciate what stop harassing him. In 20 seconds the man see the Holy Spirit move in and do God is doing for them. When the fallen apologized to his wife and said he would something special for these people. See heart becomes attuned with God's heart never talk like that again. She seemed The Desire of Ages, page 671. of love, things happen. They are surprised and apologized for her digging What is a typical prayer session for ministered to according to their faith. words, and they went off smiling and you? Today people are fascinated with the hugging each other. Every day I receive a stack of mail supernatural. Demon spirits are Sounds as though you were doing through our post office box. I don't have conditioning people. Through hypnotism intercessory prayer before 1984. time to read them all, but Hilda reads they can take control of the mental I prayed for people on my job. When them to me while I eat. Hilda is my right- capacities. And demons have the I did that, the Holy Spirit would have hand person. We take these letters and capacity to flash false thoughts into the people open up to me. But this open the Bible to Matthew 27—the minds and create strong feelings. They Woolworth incident was the beginning power chapter of the Bible. Years back I can make people miserable, and they of a new experience in my prayer life. I read it—now I know it by heart. love to play with Christians. But people told the Lord, "What a glorious We put these letters on the open Bible. still have choices. experience You allowed me to have. I We commune all morning about the What about inherited weaknesses? want to pray in a way that will honor names. This has been done with all 17,000 These also need to be re-created. The You. You taught me today the most on the list. I usually do the praying, saying Lord says He has given all a measure of beautiful understanding that I could have something like "Dear Jesus, we are so faith. Many have thrown it to the winds. on the power of intercessory prayer." I happy here today. We are privileged to be They don't love God and couldn't care thanked the Lord and cried, I was so intercessors in this land of the enemy." We less. We get so many letters from parents. moved over this experience. ask, "How have we offended You in words I noticed it's difficult to get you by I wanted to see the Holy Spirit work or deeds?" And we say, "Thank You for phone. on the lives of wicked and degraded Your death on Calvary for our salvation." Until 1996 people got our number people who have no use for God. I had Sometimes I say, "We are by nature very when they asked. But I can't do it seen good results before for some people. sinful, and our righteousness is like filthy anymore because of my heart. I got calls But after that I saw more. I learned by rags. Lord, please clothe me with the robe from Australia and Europe in the middle

ADVENTIST REVIEW (723) 19 of the night and sometimes slept only came back to church, two are being two hours. I didn't have as much baptized, and the family of the other one pressure then—now I am writing books. is attending. How do you handle all the mail? How do you remember all the I asked the Lord how to keep the quotes you use? mail from getting out of control. I was When I became an Adventist blessed with a computer three years ago. Christian, I realized I had to break from But I needed help. my past. I had to keep my mind on I am on Social Security; my wife is also heavenly things, so I started memorizing and gets a small pension. When I became verses. I prayed about them first. I disabled at 59, I had no company pension memorized, while driving or walking the because of the way they had formulated dog, more than 2,000 over the years, the contract. We could meet our many in French. obligations, but had no way to pay for help Tell us about the photocopy with the computer. I talked to the Lord machine. That's a story some find too about getting a computer analyst to help incredible to be true. me. That was 10:00 a.m. Monday. By The Lord produced toner for a little 11:00 a.m. a letter had come from Angwin more than two years. We moved here in from a man who had read one of my Roger Morneau and the "Prayer Tower" April of 1992. I was working on a book, books. He told me that if I owned a and my copier ran out of toner. (I keep computer and needed help, he'd fit his feeding of the 5,000. When I pray, I copies of all letters sent out.) We didn't schedule to spend some time at my home. believe God is attentive to all these have the $70 for a new cartridge. I talked I called the man and said, "You are a direct people. Jesus said bless the food and pass to my Problem Solver. "Please honor me answer to prayer. I don't have any money, it on—He didn't ask them to re-create it. by creating toner so I can use my copier but could pay your gas. You can stay with I pray for the Lord to focus my attention till the next check." I told Hilda we were us." This man blessed my life, and I now on persons who need special grace at going to see a miracle. We went to the have 37 buttons that do beautiful things. times. People I haven't heard from in five copier and put the power on, put a letter I have stored 100 letters for certain years will pop into my mind. I understand down, and made a clear, sharp copy. I needs, so I don't have to start from this as an SOS for a soul in distress. said, "Glory to God." Hilda was so scratch with my answers. Then I have a How do you tell people to start to stunned she couldn't say anything for a special two-page letter that gives pray regularly in our fast-paced world? moment. After the three weeks was encouragement. I let people know I am I often send a one-page article about done, I had my check. praying with and not just for them. I have entitled "A Four-Minute Audience With At that time I had a lot of letters 500 paragraphs that I can add or replace Christ." A teacher wrote me and said to from people stressed over the time of in the letter. I also use a one-page letter have it put in the Adventist Review. I trouble. One woman said her minister when the pressures are great. said, "If the Lord wants articles run in talked a lot about the subject, and it What about postage? the Adventist Review, He will have them stressed her daughter. I told the Lord, I spend $60 to $75 a month. I use contact me. I have already talked to Him "Lord, have the Holy Spirit create toner writing royalties to pay phone bills and about it." But she said she would send it for several months, and I will tell people postage. When I run out of money, in anyway. that this miracle took place as an someone will send me just enough in Give us an example of an answered assurance that He would be with His the mail. prayer by letter. people during the time of trouble." The You don't ask for funds? There was a woman with five machine continued for 721 days. I had a Nope. I say, "Lord, You know my children—professionals and all out of the plaque made for the copier. Then one needs." church. I gave her encouragement and day I made the mistake of doing 130 Do you keep a list of these 17,000 sent her the two-page letter. pages without putting the lid down, and names? I said, "You must promise me that you it caught fire. That was the end of the At first we had a beautiful red book. will not try to do the work of the Holy copier. Someone donated another one. Then we started putting the letters in Spirit. In bringing your children back to Tell us about the new book you boxes, then in stacked trays that I call the church, don't talk to them about have been working on. my "prayer tower." religion. If they bring it up, that's OK, It's called Beware of Angels. Angels How can you pray for 17,000 but they have had more of it than they come in two kinds. I had experience with people? can stand. They probably have spiritual evil angels in the 1940s. In the past few It started with one person. After indigestion." years people, even Adventists, have been about 50 I knew I couldn't do all of Six months later she phoned and said seeking out angels, and they have them. I think of my intercession like the it is working—three of her children appeared. Among other things the book

20 (724) ADVENTIST REVIEW tells of two women in Oregon. I inter- Adventist terms taken out and be viewed them in prison. They felt the printed as one book for public and time to see angels had come. Their desire Christian bookstores. The Spirit of God was self-motivated. The angels came— is doing some marvelous things. beautiful creatures—and gradually We finished our interview, then visited deceived them into killing two people. awhile, and Roger Morneau prayed I know you write to inspire people something like this: "Now that You have to pray. Are you hopeful that this is forgiven our sins and iniquities and have happening? appropriated to us the divine merits of What is happening in certain parts of Calvary for our salvation, may the Holy the world is wonderful. In 1995 a Korean Spirit surround these people with a glorious evangelist stopped by on his way to atmosphere. Do something special for them Korea and China. He wanted to translate today." And He did. the prayer books into Korean. Two Roger and Hilda Morneau On the flight home I decided I rather months ago he came back. He said the liked airplanes. Was that a coincidence? I Lord has blessed me. He told us people in of Muslims attend church as a result of don't think so. • Korea were praying and having divine prayer. interventions. He also went to China, I don't ask for royalties in other * Incredible Answers to Prayer, More Incredible Answers to Prayer, A Trip Into the Supernatural, and and the same thing happened. He flew to languages. I'm not a trained writer— When You Need Incredible Answers to Prayer. Japan, and they had the same experience. I'm just a person telling people what Buddhists don't change overnight, but Jesus has done in my life. I'm an old Ella Rydzewski is editorial when people pray for their relatives, guy brought up as a French Catholic in assistant at the Adventist many become Christians. Canada. My editor understands me. Review. A woman in Saudi Arabia writes Recently he had a surprise for me. By frequently and tells me how a number midsummer the prayer books will have

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ADVENTIST REVIEW (725) 21 We both wanted the same thing, but Dad's vision was much more inspired than mine.

BY SARAH E. COLEMAN

AD," I VENTURED ONE WIN 1 hit EVENING Finally, oh, finally, Dad removed both boots and set when he came in from the shop, "can I ask you them against the wall. Carefully he adjusted their stray something?" laces and after an eternity of silence stood up and looked He looked up from the work boot he was me full in the face. untying. His curly red beard held tiny frozen "Why do you want old boards?" he asked softly. I Dwater crystals that sparkled in the lamplight. "Sure." caught my breath, prepared to suggest even the rotten I took a deep breath and looked away, hoping he couldn't boards he'd already thrown away. Before I could answer, read the hope in my face. Trying desperately to sound casual, however, he continued, "Why do you want old boards I posed my case. "Well, you know how sometimes the when you know I can get you new ones? You want weather gets nasty?" somewhere to write, don't you? Why not make it special? He nodded, his blue eyes brimming with laughter. Shoot for the moon." He flashed me a fatherly I'm-older- "I mean, even in the summer. It just rains and rains and, and-wiser-but-I-love-you-anyway smile and started down well, I was wondering if you could give me a few old boards the hall toward his bedroom. to make a roof with." "Wait!" I grabbed his flannel sleeve just in time. "What To my surprise, Dad began to chuckle. I turned to face do you mean, shoot for the moon?" him, afraid he'd already rejected my request. "Just a roof?" he asked. "What about walls?" Dad, a general contractor by ur conversation that chilly January evening sparked trade, couldn't resist asking the obvious question. a creative streak in both of us that continued into "Well, uh, I didn't think you'd have time to help me Othe summer. For a week of evenings we pored over out," I stammered. "Besides, I just want something to keep various designs for a small, weather-tight structure. Dad's me dry when I'm writing outside." At 12 I already knew optimism left me awestruck. "Why not have a porch?" he that writing had become my passion, and I longed for asked one day. Later he announced that if I would dig the somewhere private to conduct my experimental scribblings. trench, he'd install electricity and a phone. And when I "I could put it way off in the 'boonies' and it wouldn't mentioned cutting a few holes in the walls to let in the bother anyone ..." My voice trailed off as Dad bent over his light, he simply scoffed. "You're going to have real windows, boots again. Was this the rejection I expected? Sarah. With glass panes." I stared at the top of his head, noticing the ridges and The next months are marked in my memory by valleys his curly hair formed against it. What was he milestones such as: deciding on a color to paint the thinking? Shifting my weight fo the other foot, I waited exterior of my little cottage, choosing the perfect material dejectedly for my verdict. for my curtains, and carpet-sale hunting for the ideal color

22 (726) ADVENTIST REVIEW approach God God has limitless capabilities. John with requests reminded me of this when I read his that insult His words: "This is the confidence we have abilities. I feel in approaching God: that if we ask as though I anything according to his will, he shouldn't hears us. And if we know that he hears bother Him us—whatever we ask—we know that we with my have what we asked of him" (1 John concerns. I'll 5:14, 15, NIV). Why should we limit take whatever our requests to our perception of His You have left will, as I did when I asked only for over, I promise, used boards from Dad? Why not make but don't let me His will our prime desire and, at the interrupt Your same time, ask for what we really work. want? But I am Why not try this approach with His work! God? The Bible encourages it. What More than can you lose? Either you'll receive the anything else, thing you asked Him for, or He'll give my Father you something that in the end will wants to make make you happier than what you me happy. originally wanted. What could Either way, it's simple, open com- thrill Him munication with God. Why not shoot more than the for the moon? After all, you're talking opportunity to to its Creator. ■ and size of remnant. become deeply involved in my life? But nothing in my craziest dreams If I restrict Him to the role of a prepared me for the miracle that met used-goods supplier, He won't Sarah E. Coleman is an my eyes late that summer. After weeks overstep those boundaries. But if I English student at Walla of oil-based paint, rough-wood slivers, take His advice and "shoot for the Walla College in College and carpet-fitting dilemmas, I opened moon," I turn Him loose on the Place, Washington. the front door into perfect bliss. project of His dreams. rr) Situated near a stream and surrounded by cottonwoods, the house even smelled of nature. One window faced the trees; the other greeted the sunset. Through my curtains sunlight laced its way across a broad, smooth desk, a sturdy bed, and freshly painted walls. Beneath the window an electrical socket waited expectantly to power anything I plugged in. More than I'd ever dared to hope, this little writer's GRADUATE cottage left me breathless and smiling. SOCIAL WORK "Thanks, Dad," I said, turning EDUCATION toward where he stood on my spacious porch. The Master of Social Work program at Loma Linda University He smiled. "All you need now is a is accepting applications for full-time and part-time study. lawn chair." I laughed and followed For more information, call: him toward our family house. "No, I'm serious!" he continued. "A lawn chair (909) 478-8548 and a little stone walkway would be ACCREDITED BY CSWE nice. We could put a birdhouse just ♦ outside your window . . ." The Department of Social Work is exploring the development of a doctoral program 0 in social work. If you would be interested in this type of program and/or would be Shoot for the moon. So often I willing to complete a survey as a part of a feasibility study, please call (909) 478-8548.

ADVENTIST REVIEW (727) 23 o rayer ors

From tough, personal struggles, here's what I've found.

BY BEATRICE S. NEALL

ow does prayer work? Do things really happen when we pray that would not happen otherwise? Is prayer a way to apply pressure on God? If we knock long and loudly enough at God's door, will He hear? Do fasting and afflicting ourselves excite His pity? If we can round up enough people to join us, do our combined prayers carry Hmore clout than our individual prayers? Or, conversely, do we even need to tell God of our needs? Doesn't He know before we even ask Him (Matt. 6:8)? Is it heathenish to think we shall be heard for our "much speaking" (verse 7), or by afflicting our- selves (1 Kings 18:28; Isa. 58:3)? Can God hear the simple, trusting prayer of one person (1 Kings 18:36, 37)? What goes on behind the scenes when we pray? I wish I knew all the answers. But as one who has studied the Bible, prayed, and struggled with God for many years, I have come to the following conclusions that I believe are true.

24 (728) ADVENTIST REVIEW Prayer does make a difference. We turning away from sin (Ps. 51:17; 1 I once became addicted to unholy must accept by faith the promise "The John 1:9; Acts 2:38). thoughts. But even as I savored the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous But what if you don't feel repentant? delights of sin, I saw an abyss open man avails much" (James 5:16, This inability must not become a beneath my feet—the ruin that would NKJV). Or, as Tennyson said: "More barrier between your soul and God. result if I lived out my fantasies. This things are wrought by prayer than this God will even give the gift of realization threw me into an agonizing world dreams of." repentance—He'll help you feel sorry conflict. Worse yet, I was dismayed to For example, why was Peter saved for your sins—if you ask Him (Acts find that my fantasies even intruded from the executioner's sword, while 5:31). The prayer for deliverance from into my prayers for deliverance. (I had James was not? Perhaps the church sin takes persistence. When evil habits not yet learned when I prayed to focus neglected to pray for James, assuming control our lives, God occasionally on Jesus and the promises rather than that God would on the continue to deliver temptation.) His apostles as He For months had done in the the struggle con- past (Acts 4:21; tinued. Then 5:18-25). Then the God sent our loss of James alerted family far from them to pray the source of my earnestly when temptation to the

Peter's life was other side of the EN threatened. Their earth. I didn't KK united prayers— realize until years STENBA though perhaps later that our IK ER

made with only missionary call 0 partial faith (see was to save my

Acts 12:12-15)— own soul as much PHOTOS resulted in Peter's as "the heathen." dramatic God heard those deliverance (verses prayers! 5-11). Dramatic When Daniel answers to prayer prayed against the forces of evil that delivers instantly, but more often we often occur most frequently to were troubling his people, heaven must persist. A few of my friends testify strengthen the faith of new believers. I went into action. Gabriel wrestled of instant victory over alcohol or believe the various ages of miracles with the kings of Persia for three tobacco as soon as they made the (the times of the Exodus, Elijah and weeks, and then Michael himself decision to quit. But most had to Elisha, Jesus and the apostles) occurred entered the fray (Dan. 10). Daniel was endure a stiff struggle. to validate God's presence for new assured, "Since the first day that you Why is it so hard for the many? believers. Certainly there is no set your mind to gain understanding Perhaps God wants us to realize the experience as thrilling as seeing God and to humble yourself before your danger of flirting with evil, the deadly act directly in response to our God, your words were heard, and I nature of sin, and our vulnerability to entreaties. have come in response to them" (verse it. For the sake of our future character We pride ourselves on having a 12, NIV). development He allows us to struggle to direct line to the Throne. But as we The one who comes to God must overcome evil habits so that we will be grow in grace, God wants us to grow in believe that He really is there and that doubly wary of temptation in the future. maturity. He invites us to the He rewards those who diligently seek We need to recognize the power of "fellowship of His sufferings." The Him (Heb. 11:6). the will. Apart from God we can do greatest suffering God endures is the There is one prayer God answers nothing. Apart from us, God's hands rejection of His love by His creatures. instantly—the prayer for forgiveness. are often tied. "Ye have not yet Often we must endure as our dear ones When you bow in humiliation and cry resisted unto blood, striving against turn away from the God we love. out, "God, be merciful to me, a sin" (Heb. 12:4). In this struggle God Prayers about material things are sinner," God hears and answers right has assured us that He is faithful not to simple for God to answer. Prayers for away. You go home justified (Luke let us be tempted above what we are people are different, and often take 18:13, 14). All that is required is a able to bear, but will always make a years to be answered. That's because contrite heart, confession, and a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). God does not zap people into a change

ADVENTIST REVIEW (729) 25 TO EN YO

THINGS WE DON'T TALK ABOUT Pastor Skip MacCarty gives voice 1I It HELP V°RPRIVA1 I to the unspoken concerns that erode the `31RUGGLES ORpINlJ AnVFNTI.., • joy from many Adventists' spiritual lives such as family problems, unanswered MEN MOSI.E1 prayer, and no assurance of salvation, AO* ou and shares powerful spiritual principles to help. Paperback. US$14.99, Cdn$21.49. IF ONLY GOD m p,c,CAR" WOULD ANSWER SKIP How long should I persist when God doesn't appear to answer? Where WIIF N COD'S HEART is God when I'm most desperate? Steven Mosley

is addresses personal K dilemmas we've all faced BREA S in our prayer lives, helping us break into the process of regularly answered prayer. Paperback. US$9.99, Cdn$14.49.

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US$9.99, Cdn$14.49. of answered prayers and prayers not answered in the you love. Paperback. ways expected. Distributed by US$10.99, Cdn$15.99. Review and Herald. These Review and Herald books are available at Paperback. US$9.99, 12 your Adventist Book Center. Call 1-800-765-6955. Cdn$14.49. Prices and availability subject to change. Add GST in Canada. Visit our Web site: htt-o://www.rhoa.ore of behavior. We have to give Him Finally, all on their own they make watch and pray with Him in time to work. the profound discovery that God's way Gethsemane. Do we love Him If I were God, I would have put a is best. Satan drives them into the enough to keep Him company as He 100-foot-high, 2,000-volt barbed-wire arms of God! God has the last word! struggles for the salvation of our fence around the tree of knowledge to That's His weapon! world? protect our race from the ruination of Prayer is a discipline. God does When God seems indifferent or sin. I'd wall off every temptation require earnestness, perseverance, and distant or absent, He is inviting us to today. But I am confronted with the persistence. Why? Because we often do persevere. The Phoenician woman appalling fact that God gives freedom not recognize God's answers unless our could have been crushed by Jesus' to human beings—even as I also prayers take effort. We ask for healing, rudeness. First He ignored her, then demand it for myself. He has to give us then when it comes ascribe it to implied she was a heathen and a dog. the freedom to make mistakes and natural causes. We ask for relief from But her feminine intuition sensed the learn from them. financial pressure and think it a lucky love in His voice. She persisted until He God has powerful weapons on His coincidence if "things worked out granted her request (Matt. 15:21-28). side. Sometimes it appears that the Sometimes God may appear to us devil has everything going for him— to be a reluctant neighbor—or the whole secular culture with its worse, an unjust judge (Luke 11:5-9; bewitching pleasures, heady powers, 18:1-8). But Jesus insists that we titillating entertainment, and sensual God wants us to should "always pray and not give up" delights. We despair when our (verse 1, NIV). When God seems children get hooked by it. We see the cling to the hostile, we need to sense His love abyss below their feet and agonize and keep on asking. "Let him who over their souls. walks in the dark, who has no light, Our agony is compounded when promises. trust in the name of the Lord and our children's children grow up rely on his God (Isa. 50:10, NIV). outside the worshiping family, the During tranquil times C. S. Lewis church, and without a Christian wrote a reasoned book on the education. Our influence as OK." We don't acknowledge or problem of pain. But when his wife of grandparents is small. We weep as they remember an answer when it comes. four years died of cancer, reason marry outside the church and The countless benefits we receive from forsook him, and he panicked. He felt perpetuate the choice of their parents. God are taken for granted. We he had lost her—he couldn't even When one generation fails to pick up appreciate only what we struggle to remember her face. When he pounded the torch, darkness can persist for obtain. "The kingdom of heaven on God's door for help, the bolt generations to come. suffereth violence, and the violent latched and the lights went out. He So what advantage does God have take it by force" (Matt. 11:12). was devastated, not because there was on His side? The pleasures of sin last Maybe our prayers need to be no God, but because God was that only for a season! Then come failure, violent! Jacob struggled all night with kind of Person.' disillusionment, and bitter remorse. the heavenly Messenger. The prayer of Since the greatest triumph of divine "There is a way that seems right to a his heart was, "I will not let thee go, love is to love us at our unloveliest, man, but its end is the way of death" except thou bless me!" (Gen. 32:26). might not the greatest triumph of (Prov. 14:12, NKJV). God's way of life We need Jacob's desperate earnestness. human love be to love God when He is the only one that works! He is "the Years ago Ellen White penned this appears unloveliest—when we can way, the truth, and the life" (John poignant challenge: "Those who are neither see Him nor hear Him, when 14:6). His way alone brings ultimate unwilling to deny self, to agonize we fear that He has forsaken us, if joy and satisfaction. God has a lot before God, to pray long and indeed He exists at all? going for Him! earnestly for His blessing, will not When God seems absent, we are We have to be patient as our loved obtain it. Wrestling with God—how not to despair. "Oh, for a living, active ones experiment with evil. Since at this few know what it is! How few have faith! We need it; we must have it, or phase they are not open to our counsel, ever had their souls drawn out after we shall faint and fail in the day of all we can do is pray. Recognizing that God with intensity of desire until trial," wrote Ellen White. "The Satan loves to allure souls into sin and every power is on the stretch. When darkness that will then rest upon our then snuff out their lives, we need to waves of despair which no language path must not discourage us or drive us pray that God will preserve their lives can express sweep over the suppliant, to despair. It is the veil with which while they are on enemy territory. We how few cling with unyielding faith God covers His glory when He comes will often have to comfort them as they to the promises of God."' to impart rich blessings. We should get battered by sin. Jesus asked His weary disciples to know this by our past experience."'

ADVENTIST REVIEW (731) 27 Jesus felt the horror of God's and know where to find them. experiences all my life, and can testify absence when He cried from the cross, "Can a woman forget her sucking that "fear hath torment." At such "My God, my God, why hast thou child, that she should not have times can we believe that "perfect love forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46). As the compassion on the son of her womb? casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18)? Can sins of the world blotted His Father's yea, they may forget, yet will I not we believe that, as Ellen White wrote, face from view, He faced eternal forget thee" (Isa. 49:15). "In every difficulty [God] has His way separation from God—extinction. There are no emergencies with prepared to bring relief"?' How did He conquer? By clinging to God. At times our lives spin out of We have to believe that God is good. the naked promises of God. When He control. We lose all our property. We In the darkest times we must cling to proclaimed in triumph "It is finished!" discover we are full of cancer. We are the assurance that God is in control and (John 19:30), He conquered by faith paralyzed from the neck down. We are that He has our best interests at heart. alone. lost at sea. We are pinned down by Though we cannot understand the We want evidence from our senses gunfire. A loved one is murdered or reasons for the tragedies that enter our that God is there—we want to see killed in an accident. Shocking events lives, we need to remember this Him, touch Him, hear Him, feel Him. like these happen every day. We encouraging statement from Ellen But God wants us to cling to the scream, "Why me?" (Some brave souls White's pen: "All that has perplexed us promises. He gives us instead the have said, "Why not me?") Our agony in the providences of God will in the promises of His Word. These will is increased by the realization that God world to come be made plain. The touch us and move us and warm us if had power to intervene and did not. things hard to be understood will then we have stored them in our memory I have lived in horror of such find explanation. . . . Where our finite

Giants of Christianity: How They Prayed "The true relation in prayer is not when God hears what is prayed for, but when the person continues to pray until he is the one who hears, who hears what God wills" (Journals). Dietrich Bonhoeffer (19064945), Germany, theologian and martyr "Through the half-open door . . . I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer, Brother Lawrence (1611-1691), France, lay brother before taking off his prison garb, kneeling on the floor praying "I keep myself by a simple attention and a general fond regard fervently to his God. I was most deeply moved by the way this to God, which I refer to as an actual presence of God. Or, to put it lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his another way, an habitual, silent, and secret conversation of the prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a short prayer and soul with God. This often causes me to have feelings of inward then climbed to the gallows, brave and composed" (the camp rapture—and sometimes outward ones! They are so great that I am doctor at Flossenburg, in Dallas M. Roark's, Dietrich Bonhoeffer). forced to moderate them and conceal them from others" (The Practice of the Presence of God). John Bunyan (1628-1688), England, imprisoned for preaching, authored Pilgrim's Progress David Livingstone (1813-1873), Scotland, missionary to Africa "In all my preaching my heart has earnestly cried out to God to "It was his habit every birthday to write a prayer, and on the make the Word effectual to the salvation of souls" (Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners). next to the last birthday of all, this was his prayer: '0 Divine One, I have not loved Thee earnestly, deeply, sincerely enough. Grant, I John Calvin (1509-1564), Switzerland and France, theologian and pray Thee, that before this year is ended I may have finished my task' " (E. M. Bounds, Purpose in Prayer). Reformer "Prayer is similar to a communication between God and us Martin Luther (1483-1546), Germany, father of the Reformation whereby we expound to Him our desires, our joys, our sighs, in a "Prayer is a special exercise of faith. Faith makes the prayer word, all the thoughts of our hearts" (Instructor in Faith). acceptable because it believes that either the prayer will be answered, or that something better will be given instead" (Table Talk). Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), Italy, itinerant preacher "the Holy Spirit had made him remarkably deserving of divine Julian of Norwich (1343-1413), England, spiritual director and first communications, and he had conversed with God many times" (The well-known female writer in the English language Little Flowers of St. Francis). "For the highest form of prayer is to the goodness of God. It comes down to us to meet our humblest needs. It gives life to our Billy Graham (1918- ), United States, evangelist souls and makes them live and grow in grace and virtue.. . ." "Your petitions should always be conditioned by 'Thy will be done.' Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the Saint Patrick (393?-461?), England, missionary to the Irish desires of thine heart' (Ps. 37:4). But the delighting of oneself in "After I arrived in Ireland every day I fed cattle, and frequently Him precedes the fulfillment of our desires. God will always do during the day I prayed; more and more the love and fear of God what is best for His children" (Peace With God). burned, and my faith and my spirit were strengthened, so that in one day I said as many as a hundred prayers, and nearly as many Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), Denmark, theologian in the night" (History of the Christian Church, vol. 4).

28 (732) ADVENTIST REVIEW

minds discovered only confusion and The bruised reed He will not break, ' The Desire of Ages, p. 330. broken promises, we shall see the most But strengthen and sustain. . . . 5 Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 286. 6 "The Eternal Goodness," in American Poetry perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall and Prose, ed. Norman Foerster (Boston: know that infinite love ordered the I know not where His islands lift Houghton-Mifflin Co., 1947), pp. 721, 722. experiences that seemed most trying. As Their fronded palms in air; we realize the tender care of Him who I only know I cannot drift Beatrice Neall is a retired pro- makes all things work together for our Beyond His love and care."6 ■ fessor of religion from Union good, we shall rejoice with joy College, Lincoln, Nebraska. unspeakable and full of glory."' ' The Great Controversy, p. 621. She served for many years in 'C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed (New York: John Greenleaf Whittier expressed Bantam Books, 1961), pp. 4, 5. Asia as a missionary. his confidence in God's goodness in ' Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 215. these beautiful words: "Yet, in the maddening maze of things, 33,000-page Library to Study SDA Roots! And tossed by storm and flood, To one fixed trust my spirit clings; • Easy access to the evidences our SDA pioneers found I know that God is good! . . . in the Bible for our foundation beliefs • Search quickly the original source documents on the And if my heart and flesh are weak message of righteousness by faith To bear an untried pain, Over 33,000 pages of pioneer material on the CD-ROM Words of the Pioneers, 2nd Edition (1995)—the writings of those who searched out the pillars of Seventh-day Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), Adventism—the second coming, the sanctuary and its England, pastor cleansing, the three angels' messages, the law of God, "God does not judge as you do. A the Sabbath, the nonimmortality of the wicked, and groan is heard in heaven; a deep-fetched the neglected landmark—the faith of Jesus, which sigh and a falling tear are prevalent promotes heart piety more than anything else. weapons at the throne of God. Yes, your Total pages 39,000. Each word indexed soul cries to God, and you cannot help Contact your local with FolioTM search & retrieval software it" (Advice for Seekers). ABC or reach us directly: (VVindows3.1/95 or Macintosh). $195 plus $2.50 S/H. (CA residents add 7.75% Afrentist * Dept. ARB Tertullian (160?-230?), North Africa, P. O. Box 1844 tax). Complete bibliography available. presbyter, theologian (7441Liirary r Loma Linda, CA 92354-0380 ( Phone/Fax: (909) 824-1361 "Tertullian calls it [the Lord's Prayer] : E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.tagnet.org/apl the 'regular and usual prayer, a brief Recommended by the Ellen G. White Estate and the G. C. Ministerial Association summary of the whole gospel, and foundation of all the other prayers of the Christians' " (History of the Christian Church, vol. 2).

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ADVENTIST REVIEW (733) 29 Using study and meditation to help recognize God's voice

BY JON DYBDAHL

S ometimes, just for fun, I attempt to disguise my voice when we phone our children. The temptation is particularly strong when we call our pastor son at his church. In the myriads of calls coming to his office, can he discern his father's voice even when it doesn't sound normal? Invariably he responds, "Hi, Dad." He has, after all, heard that voice since before he was born and recognizes it even when camouflaged. That's what a lot of listening can do. We make no merit before God by regular times of Bible study or meditation; rather, study and meditation simply help us know God's voice. They are the telephone—the means to convey God's message to us. Regular listening makes His voice recognizable and clear. The good news is that God is always on the line—and desires that we join Him. Here are some ways to hear His voice more clearly:

30 (734) ADVENTIST REVIEW I. Study the meaning and impact of what we are atheists or agnostics—and can actually Study is using the mind—then the studying. How many of us have explain parts of the Bible quite well. heart—to pay careful attention to "known" certain things for years, yet Bible study should begin with factual reality. This careful attention should only later discerned their true meaning? questions about background and lead us to think and act in a certain 4. Reflection—going over and over content, but must progress to direction—always in the context of the object of study until its significance implications for Christian faith and God's presence. becomes real. Pondering brings new actions: How does God want me to Much study is superficial because it insight. respond to what I have discovered? We is hasty. Just as hurried listening often must never mistake the accumulation of leads to misunderstanding, studying God Speaks to Us Through . . . facts and information about the Bible for without care is unsatisfactory. Study Six areas of study deserve the knowledge of the Bible. involves four steps:' attention—the first three verbal, the 2. The writings of Ellen White. 1. Repetition—constantly rehearsing last three primarily nonverbal. God Adventists have a treasure in these the deeds of God and going over and uses all six, often in combination, to books—a treasure of knowledge about over key subjects. Repetition implants speak to us. God from a woman who intimately crucial ideas deep in our inner being. 1. The Bible. Strange as it may seem, knew His voice. I am distressed at how 2. Concentration—focusing and many Christians read the Bible but often her writings are used as centering our minds on the object of never reach the type of study we are ammunition in theological battles study. It is impossible to hear God talking about. You can learn history, rather than food for the soul. I feel bad clearly while listening to our favorite languages, geography, even theology, and for those who see her work only as song at the same time. not listen to God's voice. In fact, some instruction on how to behave rather 3. Comprehension—truly discerning Bible professors in secular universities are than a good news call from God.

ADVENTIST REVIEW (735) 31.

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32 (736) ADVENTIST REVIEW

Remember: These writings are to lead history. Two Hebrew verbs that what God has done and will do for His us back to the Word of God, not specifically mean meditate are found people. An example is found in replace it. more than 50 times in the Old Deuteronomy 5:15: "Remember that 3.Great devotional classics. If we Testament.' Other words also seem to you were slaves in Egypt and that the neglect the great number of Christian connotate "meditation" in some Lord your God brought you out of devotional classics, we're poorer instances. One especially interesting there. . . . Therefore the Lord your God because of it. My list of 11 favorite for Adventists is "remember." In has commended you to observe the books—six old, five new—is included certain contexts the word seems to Sabbath day" (NIV). This text implies here. Others undoubtedly have refer to a contemplation activity in that one of the reasons for the Sabbath different favorites. Ask your pastor or God's presence in which one recalls was so the Israelites could meditatively friends what books have blessed their lives. The mature Christian will not let theological disagreements with some of these works detract from their spiritual value. 4. Nature. The study of God's Zegencts second book can be verbal (from books WE ARE WHAT WE WERE or talks), but often nature's deepest SI4u4la eatizatIon (Vorumz 1 lesson can come only through non- Wedgwood Trio verbal contemplation. Here study and "Requiem For A Little Boy" meditation overlap. Even now, as I look out my window at the shimmering spring sun reflected on Lake Chapin, I hear God speak His love and peace to me. If we are too busy to watch sunsets Walter Arties and comets and mountain vistas, then -Morning Is Broken" we need to slow down. 5. Human hearts and needs. Jesus was an astute observer of human need; Barbara Morton He studied it firsthand. We must do "Remind Me" Bob Silverman the same. Only when we see Jesus in All My Life" the face of the hungry, the hurt, the Herman Harp AIDS victim, and the prisoner have "By My Spirit" we really understood our world and the heart of God. 6.Ourselves. Self-knowledge and God-knowledge are clearly related. Listening to ourselves and listening to God can't be separated. It is very hard Jim McClintock "There'll Come ,4 Day" to hear what God has to say unless we Dona Klein know who we are. Can I hear and lik "Where We'll Never Grow Old" Jim McDonald experience His words of peace unless I "He Is Calling" recognize the tension in my neck and Original Recordings ,. shoulders or the knot in my stomach? digitally re-mastered by Can I truly hear His call to depend on Him unless I know how my indepen- AWARD-WINNING producer, dence from Him has backfired? Taking Jim McDonald. time to listen to our own heart, spirit, and body prepares us to discern the NOT AVAILABLE IN ANY STORES! voice of God as it relates to our need. 1-800-481-4328 II. Meditation Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discovery accepted. In a world in which most link Compact Disc: only $15.98 Cassette: only $10.98 meditation with Eastern religions, it is Checks payable to: Publication Services, Inc. easy to forget that meditation is firmly 8803 Tara Lane Austin, TX 78737 rooted in the Bible and Christian Add $3.50 S/H (CA residents add 7% sales tax. Canadian residents add $1.00 US.)

ADVENTIST REVIEW (737) 33 revival—especially among those Jesus will by His Spirit actually speak Eleven Gems for looking for the soon return of Jesus. to us. Suppose John 3:16 is chosen. 5. Ask questions of that text—who, Spiritual Growth What, Exactly, Is It? what, where, and especially why. On One classic definition of meditation John 3:16, we could ask: Who loved the BY JON DYBDAHL is to descend with the mind into the world? What is it like to give an only heart to dwell in the presence of God. son? Do I want or need eternal life? Why I. Classic Meditation simply creates a space in do I need to believe in Jesus? What Book of Common Prayer our heart so God's Word can be heard would believing mean for me today? George Fox, The Journal of George in our inner being and obeyed in our 6. Recollection. As I answer these Fox. outer life. While in most cases Eastern questions, I recall everything I know Ignatius Loyola, The Spiritual meditation tries to empty the mind, about the subject from all sources. Exercises Christian meditation endeavors to fill 7. Consideration. I carefully Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the mind with God. consider what teaching I am receiving the Presence of God. Meditation is a logical and powerful from God as I take the meaning of this Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of follow-up to study. The sources or verse to heart. Is God speaking Christ. subjects of meditation are exactly the encouragement, counsel, or command? Ellen White, Steps to Christ. same as those for study—the Bible, 8. Self-examination. Do I really devotional writings, nature, and appreciate how much God loves the II. Contemporary human beings. Study analyzes them, world? Do I have any idea how much it Richard J. Foster, Celebration of and meditation drives them home to cost God to send His Son? Do I really Discipline. Harper and Row, 1988. the heart. In fact, the fourth step in believe the good news? Am I sure Thomas R. Kelly, A Testament of study—reflection—easily spills over about receiving the gift of eternal life? Devotion. Harper and Row, 1941. into real meditation on the object of 9. Prayer. Having thus meditated on Henri J. M. Nouwen, Making All that study. Study defines a word, while God's Word for me, I am now ready to Things New. Harper and Row, 1981. meditation tastes and relishes it. Study pray with a warm and full heart. Don Postema, Space for God. gives a thought framework, while Bible Way, 1983. meditation sings a song about the he phone is ringing. God is on A. W. Tozer, The Best of A. W framework created. the line desiring to speak to Tozer. Baker, 1978. T you. Will you answer? Will you How to Meditate recognize His voice? The more often The methods used in Christian you pick up the phone and listen, the recall their salvation by God in the meditation are many and varied. more easily His voice will be recog- Exodus.' Communication with God is enhanced nized among the many calling in our Jesus certainly meditated. Jewish as we find new ways to hear His voice.' hectic world. ■ historians claim there is ample I suggest here the method Martin evidence that meditation was wide- Luther described in a 1535 pamphlet! ' Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline (Harper, 1988), pp. 64-66. spread among Jews throughout their Simple and Bible-based, it combines 'Ibid., p. 15. history, including the time of Jesus' study, meditation, and prayer. I have ' See Peter Toon, From Mind to Heart Ellen White, in a chapter describing adapted it slightly. (Baker, 1987), p. 24. Aryeh Kaplan, Jewish Meditation (Shocken, Jesus' devotional life, twice uses the 1. Set apart 15 minutes (minimum) 1989), p. 40. See also Toon, pp. 72-78. word "meditate" or "meditating" and in a quiet place. "With Nature and With God," The Ministry five times the word "communion," 2. Offer a short prayer asking God of Healing, chap. 3. 6 Toon, pp. 69-78. which undoubtedly included to illuminate the mind and bend the 'For those wanting to know more, start with meditation.' will. Foster, pp. 29-33, and Toon, pp. 69-123. Church history testifies that God's 3. Read a large portion of Scripture. Toon, p. 73. people have always practiced For Luther it was the daily appointed meditation. While Catholics have lesson. For us it could be a Sabbath been well known for meditation, school lesson scripture or a chosen Protestants have been involved also. chapter of the Bible. Suppose John 3 Those giving specific practical help is chosen. Jon Dybdahl is director of the with meditation include Martin 4. Choose a short portion—usually Department of World Luther, George Mueller, and early a verse, but no more than a paragraph. Mission at the Seventh-day Methodists.6 While in many places Read that short portion three or four Adventist Theological this heritage has been neglected over times slowly, deliberately, and Seminary, Berrien Springs, the past 200 years, it deserves a reverently, believing that through it Michigan.

34 (738) ADVENTIST REVIEW Off ova a new

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ADVENTIST REVIEW (739) 35 LIFE-CHANGING BOOKS A Word in Season

Many individuals find a direct link between a period of profound growth in their Christian experience and the pages of an influential book.

The Greatest Thing in the World life as it was meant to be." And when he a transparent, authentic individual By Henry Drummond raises obedience to the level of grace and who could love and trust even in the (Barbour, 1994) love, I can hear Willard's brethren accuse midst of pain. I don't remember if it was my interest him of legalism. His counter would be: in love that brought me to this book, or "The greatest danger to the Christian By Becky Wang-Cheng, cohost of the maybe it was the book that broadened church today is that of pitching the Lifestyle Magazine television program. She my interest in love. But this small book, message too low." lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and reads which is really a sermon by this This clear call to discipleship is to her three sons for evening worship—and pastor/author, captured my heart the way seldom heard among today's evangelical even the teenagers enjoy it. few books have. Protestants. Paul's words on love from 1 Corin- Mighty Prevailing Prayer thians 13 are masterfully unfolded in By Charles E. Bradford, former president of By Wesley Duewel ways that open his paean to love like a the North American Division prior to his (Zondervan, 1990) flower. The world's intoxication with retirement. He now lives in Florida. I had hardly begun reading this book "selfish love" cannot compare with Paul's when I had the profound sense that principle of agape love, which is an Inside Out here was a powerful book through expression of God's character. And By Larry Crabb which God wanted to speak deeply to Drummond makes clear the depth of the (NavPress, 1988) my heart. As Duewel describes prayer, disparity that exists between agape love C. S. Lewis once observed that "we he sees a God eager for us to approach and any other kind. read to know we are not alone." In 1988, Him with intense intercession and at the very point in my life when I felt dramatic petitions. His greatest desire is By Gordon Bietz, president of Southern most alone and confused, Inside Out was to respond to our requests with regular, Adventist University, Collegedale, published. Written by Larry Crabb, a remarkable answers. Tennessee. clinical psychologist who teaches at On a scale of 1 to 10, this book is an Grace Seminary, it mentions that 11. But take your time. Don't even The Spirit of the Disciplines Christians are often trained to deny pain, begin reading it if you face the pressure By Dallas Willard but "a core sadness that will not go away of other deadlines. (HarperCollins, 1991) is evidence not of spiritual immaturity, Dallas Willard captures the essence of but of honest living in a sad world." By Ruthie Jacobsen, coordinator of prayer Jesus' message, which is radical repen- Too many of us feel that we should ministries for the North American Division tance and change of lifestyle. "We can not only be good, but feel good, or we of Seventh-day Adventists. become like Christ by . .. following Him are not true Christians. He explains in the overall style of life He chose for that the denial of inner pain leads to My Utmost for His Highest Himself.... We must believe that He compulsive sinful habits, pretense By Oswald Chambers knew how to live." rather than integrity, performance (Discovery House, 1994) Willard recommends such things as rather than trust in God, and self- Next to the Bible and Ellen White's "solitude, silence, prayer, simple and protection rather than love. masterpiece, The Desire of Ages, the book sacrificial living, intense study, medita- On the other hand, "people who that has most significantly affected my life tion upon God's word and God's ways, embrace their hurt are able to pursue has been a volume I've read from nearly and service to others." A powerful God more passionately" and achieve real every day since January 1, 1988. A survey antidote for a church that misunder- change from the inside out. of clergy in the United States indicated stands grace. By reading this book, I learned to that next to the Bible, it is the one book Willard's challenge to the church is stop pretending to others, and most found most frequently in their libraries. to be a transforming community, turning important, to myself, that I had it all Now reading it through for the its "local assemblies into academies of together and to let God mold me into ninth time, I can personally testify to

36 (740) ADVENTIST REVIEW the soul-stirring spiritual impact of families, I ministered to a person who level. Clark recommends the Lord's Oswald Chambers' classic, My Utmost had ministered to me for years! Prayer as the place to begin this for His Highest. Chambers has master- journey toward the heights. fully joined the New Testament's By Jose V. Rojas, director of youth min- relational passion for Jesus Christ with istries for the North American Division of By Leona Glidden Running, professor the Scripture's compelling call for Seventh-day Adventists. emerita of biblical languages at the Seventh- radical discipleship. Over and over he day Adventist Theological Seminary at returns us to Calvary and a "brooding I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes Andrews University, Berrien Springs, on the tragedy of God" (p. 330). The By Glenn Clark Michigan. result is a life-energizing collection of (Harper, 1937) daily readings (gathered posthumously I first became acquainted with this Not Knowing Where by his widow) that has become for me book years ago. In the first chapter, "Hind's By Oswald Chambers soul food in the highest sense. Feet That Lead to High Places," Clark tells (Oswald Chambers Publications, 1989) Without hesitation I recommend this of meeting several glowing people whose This practical exposition of Genesis is volume to all who have become weary lives had been transformed by an a "must read" devotional book. It's a with the pablum of spiritual fare that too encounter with a white-haired man who book replete with godly wisdom that often bloats the devotional diet. If ever gave them a secret. Finally Clark himself powerfully transformed my life. there was an hour that summoned our encountered the man and heard the In this spiritual journey through the first utmost for His highest, wouldn't it be secret—"He maketh my feet like hind's book of the Bible, "we see faith's reactions this one? feet and setteth me upon my high places." to God's call, to clashing circumstances, to Even more than the male deer's feet, the claims of companions and culture, to By Dwight Nelson, senior pastor of the the hind's rear feet track perfectly with the subtle temptations of the adversary, and Pioneer Memorial church, on the campus of the front feet and are safe on high, to the terrific cost of friendship and Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, narrow, dangerous trails. "As the feet of fellowship with God." Michigan. the hind are to the mountains, so is the Read and learn, as I did, that "it is mind of man to the heights of life; and not what a man achieves, but what he A Field Guide for Wilderness Living as the rear feet of the hind are to the believes and strives for that makes him By Catherine Gearing front feet, so is the subconscious mind of noble and great." And grow into (Southern Publishing Association, 1973) man to the conscious mind." someone great for our God. I read this book when I was 13 years Years later I learned how to apply old, and I enjoyed expanding my the lessons of this book, became truly By Hyveth Williams, senior pastor of the knowledge of plants and herbs that are integrated, and my life has since been Campus Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church good for food and medicine. By 1976, on a higher, much more satisfying in Loma Linda, California. when I began canvassing in the Community Crusade Against Drug Abuse program in San Francisco, I had some great recipes for preparing wild plants. I was also learning about a Effortless Bible ministry that combines healthful living Memorization with Bible work. One night that summer my roommate Series are Available for: and I made an emergency visit to the • Young Children (3-8) Universty of California at San Francisco • Teens & Adults Medical Center. A woman was scheduled to have surgery the next day, and she Learn entire chapters with out all the work. wanted someone to pray with her. Word for word songs of great Bible passages After we prayed, the woman enable the whole family to easily learn remarked that she believed we had been and remember those chapters and passages sent by God to comfort her and help you've always wanted to memorize prepare her for the next morning's For a free brochure please call or write us at: surgery. As we visited, she said, "My THY WORD CREATIONS name is Catherine Gearing. Have you Rt. 76 Box 28 ever read the book A Field Guide to Glenville, WV 26351 Wilderness Living?" 1-800-347-WORD My eyes filled with tears. In a "What a joy to do scripture memorization when the children hospital room, far from each of our request it." —Mother of a 3 year old

ADVENTIST REVIEW (741) 37 00 Whily" fo 00e

Finding your way in devotion

BY DIANE FORSYTH

flin he poet Awhadi of Kerman was sitting on his porch one night, bent over a vessel. The Sufi Shams-e-Tabrizi happened to pass by. "What are you doing?" he asked the poet. "Contemplating the moon in a bowl of water" was the reply. "Unless you have broken your neck, why don't you look directly at the moon in the sky?"' It's a good question. One that deserves an answer as we consider the devotional life. The word "devotion" is often used to designate something secondhand. A "devotional" book is a secondhand look at a Bible verse through the eyes of the book's author. For some, a devotion has become three small paragraphs following a Scripture verse. They "have a devotion" each morning—like an instant spiritual breakfast, or Christian fast food.

38 (742) ADVENTIST REVIEW 4! i*awA4:4 IldrISBM*211TWil

ADVENTIST REVIEW (743) 39 By contrast, Frank Laubach, a yet at any one time we tend to as both the desire of our heart that twentieth-century missionary in the emphasize one of the three. draws us into an encounter with God Philippines, practiced abiding in the The modes of learning are: hand, and also what happens on the way to, presence of Christ. In the early stages of head, and heart.' The three spiritual and in the midst of, that encounter. learning to do this, he wrote: "Last paths are: the good (service); the true Whenever we respond to the desire Thursday night I was listening to a (knowing); and the beautiful for God that He planted in us, that is phonograph in Lumbatan and allowing (desiring). Or "The Path of Selfless our devotion. It doesn't matter which my heart to commune when something Action," "The Path of Wisdom and spiritual path we happen to be on at broke within me, and I longed to lift my Reflection," and "The Path of the moment, or in what learning own will up and give it completely to Complete Devotion." mode we are. Devotion happens in God. How infinitely richer this direct first- For all who are willing, each path the garden, at the computer, in the hand grasping of God Himself is, than the leads to a firsthand encounter with God library, or at the store. It happens old method which I used and recommended and parallels the other two paths. We whether we're preparing a legal for years, the reading of endless devotional learn and express our devotion with document, repairing a car, or books."' Reading a devotional book just hand, head, and heart. We need to let changing diapers. It happens in doesn't do for us what a firsthand our understanding of devotion expand to solitude and in service. Devotion can encounter with God does. include all three paths and all three happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone modes of learning. As we do, devotion who is willing. The Pathways to an Encounter will be liberated from the mistaken Being part of a happening is With God notion that it is "a subjective experience something we all do; being creative There are three recognized paths to that may be OK for the 'touchy-feely' about it may not be "for" all of us. So a firsthand encounter with God. They people, but not for me, thank you." don't worry about being creative. parallel what educators call the three The more fully we understand Simply ask, "What's the best way for modes of learning. We utilize all three, devotion, the more we will recognize it me to participate in this happening

Writing From Your Week: integrate all aspects of our lives. Nothing is off-limits: Home. Work. Friendships. Family. Health. Community. Our lives are Getting Started in a Journal not compartmentalized into sacred and secular, as if God Have you ever picked up one of those blank books in a were interested in some aspects of our lives but not others. bookstore display and wondered why anyone would pay A journal helps us bring all our concerns under the umbrella good money for a book full of blank pages? If you were of the spiritual life. even slightly tempted to take it home, you might be ready Sometimes you might want to simply record what's to give journal writing a try. happening—diary style. Or you can choose a particular event But what will you do when you get it home? Will it just sit or situation and reflect on it. What effect is this having on there blankly on your bedside table? If you're a beginner at your soul? on your relationship with others? with God? What journal writing, here are some suggestions to help you get patterns are you seeing in your life? What needs are you started: discovering? What do you have to be thankful for? First of all, don't think that a blank book is your only As you examine the people and events that fill your option. Some people prefer to do their writing in spiral- ordinary days, you're bringing your life before God and seeking bound notebooks or loose-leaf binders. Still others do their to understand His leading. What is God asking you to do writing on a computer. The tools of the trade are remarkably here? What would be the Christlike response there? God calls simple—experiment a bit. Find what works for you, us to serve Him in concrete, practical ways. His love is not an something comfortable, easy to handle, and appealing. abstraction. He presents Himself to us in the form of people Next, just start. You don't have to be profound, just to love and bids us love them. write. You don't have to worry about spelling or grammar Journaling then becomes a form of prayer that soon rules, just write. Your audience is yourself and God. overflows the boundaries of the page. By habitually bringing So what do you write? our daily lives, and everything that fills them, before God, Start with the present moment. What is the day and we learn to live, day by day, in His presence. time? Where are you? How has your day gone? What's going on in your life this week? As you write, you will likely Beverly Beem is chair of the English see ideas to think through, questions to pursue, Department at Walla Walla College, in College connections to make. Writing tends to be generative; the Place, Washington. She conducts workshops more you write, the more you'll have to write. in journaling as a tool in spiritual renewal. By focusing on the present moment, journaling can help

40 (744) ADVENTIST REVIEW Do It for Yourself to "be still, and know." If the idea of a one-day retreat appeals to you, here are Some of my best friends are books. I stumbled across some suggestions: be clear about your expectations of the this special "friend" in a used book store. I was made day. Read books that will clarify what you can expect. ready for it by the circumstances of my life at the time. Decide how long your retreat will be. Initially I would Something was missing. I was trying to make sense of my suggest that you not make it too long. vocation after years of being a minister. Will you enter into retreat alone? or in the company of The book, Spirituality for Ministry, by Urban T. Holmes, was others? Being alone alone is more difficult than being alone written by a minister for ministers. The book jacket promised "a with others. much-needed, wise, and practical guide to spirituality for today's How much silence? How much reading? Where will you go? pastors." I bought it and read it, and knew immediately that I had The beach? The mountains? A retreat house? What kind of crossed over into a new and wondrous place. I realized I needed fast will help you in your intentionality to be available to God? to spend more time in learning to listen to God—and this book Carry with you the belief that God is faithfully pursuing was a beginning guide. you, and that a one-day retreat provides a minilab for you to Following the suggestion of the author, I decided to go learn what it means to be alone with God. on a "retreat," a new concept for me then. I found a retreat Above all, don't tell anyone that you're going to do it. Or center where I could receive some guidance on learning that you did it. Just do it! how to practice "listening prayer." I'll never forget that first retreat. It was a miserable Peter Luna is on the pastoral staff of the experience. I learned just how noisy my mind was. The Glendale City Seventh-day Adventist Church in isolated retreat center provided a freedom from external southern California. noises, but what could I do with the much louder internal noises? A major awareness was born. I'm still learning how called devotion?" to them and make our home with ordering our mental life on more than Keep in mind whom and what you them" (John 14:23, NRSV). one level at once. On one level we may are responding to. Devotion is a Knowing, loving, living with the be thinking, discussing, seeing, response to God and to the work of the abiding presence of God is the calculating, meeting all the demands of Holy Spirit, who is already active in foundation of devotion. It's the external affairs. But deep within, behind your heart (that is, at the center of beginning of a lifelong adventure. Find the scenes, at a profounder level, we your whole being). As you read these friends who do it and learn from them. may also be in prayer and adoration, possible responses, ask, "How might I Thomas Kelly said: "There is a way of song and worship, and a gentle use or adapt this idea?" Also ask, "What other possibilities would I add to this list?" Getting down to Practicing the Presence of God In a 1970 Review and Herald article, the solid Biblical T. E. Unruh wrote, "To develop a basis of consciousness of the abiding presence of God is life's greatest imperative."' I Seventh-day read, underscored, saved, and still have that article. "Yes! That's it! Do it!" Adventist belief. That's how the article struck me. And I've done it ever since. These Last Days I can cultivate a willingness for Bible Study Guides closeness to God, whether or not I actually sense or feel it. I can't create or give the gift of God's presence. I can only receive and respond to it. I believe Now at your Jesus, who said, "I am with you always" Adventist Book Center (Matt. 28:20, NRSV) and "Those who 800/765-6955 love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come

F. t A 41

Prayer Changes Lives.

od comes to us through prayer in powerful and unique ways, and the stories we tell of salvation are the stories of prayer. In every Adventist congregation the power of prayer is the Prayer Ministries power to change lives, to change the old into the new, and to open new Touch Every ways for God's grace and power. Church, Every Member, Every NAD Prayer and Heart. Ministry Conferences Focus on the Power ofPrayer.

ayer is truly the key to understanding the work God is housands of believers have partici- doing in His church and in our pated in weekend Prayer and Ministry lives. Through prayer we Conferences throughout the division. In receive a clearer vision of the these spiritual retreats, new lives of devotion mission of God's church and and effective witness are born, and commu- of how through lives of faith- nities of prayer and support are created. The fulness and devotion we may Prayer and Ministry Conferences are ongo- impact the world for God. ing ministry, and there is a Conference scheduled in your area in the near future. Call for details.

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What People are Saying: For more information about a Prayer and Ministry Conference near you, or for more information his Prayer Conference gave me the on North American Division tools to hear God's voice in a new way Prayer Ministries, call and to be able to act on that voice." ,1-800-732-7587. Ask for 'Prayer - NEW ENGLAND PHYSICIAN A/ .nistries." "One of the best things I did was to bring my church members with me." PASTOR FROM GEORGIA or write - North American Division Prayer "The Holy Spirit is working as God's peo- Ministries ple come together in little circles to study the Bible and to pray. Praise the Lord!" 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver - LAY LEADER, LOCAL CHURCH 'ng, MD 20904 USA Two Special Division-Wide Prayer Eventsfor Young People:

September 25-28, 1997 Teen Prayer and Ministry Conference Southwestern Adventist University

December 31, 1997-January 3, 1998 NORTH AMERICAN Inter-Collegiate Prayer and Ministry Conference DIVISION Southern Adventist University PRAYER MINISTRIES receptiveness to divine breathings."' homecomings." A pastor who makes a that prayer is dominant desire. God is Do it for a day or a week. Then, point of drinking plenty of water not misled by well-planned words that while continuing to do it, read about throughout the day connects each drink don't express my real desire. It's my how others have done it. Do it another with remembering God's presence. "settled cravings" or "controlled week. Then, as you do it, talk to In addition to everyday reminders, passions" that matter.8 someone who is doing it too. Do . . . do you can plan reminders for particular I'm not so good at praying; but my and read . . . do and compare notes. days. Briefly scan the activities heart is. "We do not know what we Repeat this cycle over and over. It's an planned for the day and notice if there ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself unending, amazing adventure that will are times when you will be likely to intercedes for us with groans that words lead you to all kinds of ways to be with forget God's presence. Then think of cannot express. And he who searches God in moments both busy and something to help you remember. In our hearts knows the mind of the involved, quiet and renewing. other words, plan for these "little Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for homecomings," as well as for your the saints in accordance with God's Little Homecomings appointments and projects. "Most will" (Rom. 8:26, 27, NIV). The Spirit At any moment we may be "grace- important, you can pray for the grace of God goes straight for our heart of fully returned home to the present of homecomings in the day ahead. Ask hearts, and the will of God finds moment and reminded of love."6 An God to remind you of God."' lodging and expression. We can learn extremely busy church administrator the Spirit's language if we will. We can decided to be reminded of God each Heart Prayer let our heart's prayer be expressed. time he walked through a doorway. An From my friend LaVonne Neff's People of God through the centuries office worker, frustrated when she had to father, Norval Pease, I learned about have done what is called "heart prayer." wait a minute for her computer, Harry Emerson Fosdick. He's the first During the times set aside just for accepted the delays as ready-made "little one who made it really clear to me prayer and meditation we can discover a

How to Take the Boredom ■ Vary the content and format. Don't do the same thing night after night. For example, discuss ways to serve others Out of Family Worship on Sundays. Read a continuing story on Mondays. Do a Valuegenesis research calls family worship the most creative writing assignment on Tuesdays. Explore the life of important missing factor in Adventist families today. Ellen a Bible character on Wednesdays. Play a Bible game on White referred to it as "the most interesting and enjoyable Thursdays. Sing together on Fridays. On Sabbath evening, exercise of the home life" (Child Guidance, p. 521). She also discuss your beliefs on various topics. Your creativity will be said it should be "the sweetest and most helpful" time of the rewarded with interest and anticipation. day (Messages to Young People, p. 341). But most parents To ensure variety, keep a list of activities your family enjoys can't think of what to do. And most kids find it boring. doing together. Be sure to include art projects (coloring, Here are five simple principles to help make family making banners, discussing Bible scenes from great artists), worship the meaningful, happy, interesting experience it mission stories, nature activities, audio and video programs, was meant to be: computer games, and journaling. Interview grandparents ■ Establish a regular time. Agree on a time when you about their favorite Bible verses and about when they became can relax together for a few moments without feeling the Christians. Study Bible books together. Search Psalms and distraction of other pressures, including hunger and Proverbs for wisdom for today. Videotape a television program homework. First thing in the morning, right after supper, just about a family and discuss how decisions are made on TV, before bedtime—whatever works best for your family. what values are suggested, and how the program would be ■ Keep it short. You can accomplish what you want to do different if the family included God in their lives. Memorize, (making Jesus' presence real in your home and arousing and paraphrase, and personalize your favorite Bible verses. strengthening a love for Bible study) in 15 minutes or less. Explore chronology (Which came first: Jehoshaphat's choir or "Short and spirited," and "brief and full of life," is the way Gideon's army? Who lived first: Esther or Jochebed?). Ellen White described it (Child Guidance, pp. 521, 522). The possibilities are endless. Enlist the help of your ■ Focus on the kids. Be sure you know what's happening children. And put an end, once and for all, to family worship in the lives of your children. Ask questions that can be easily boredom. answered from their perspective. Use illustrations that come from their world. Discuss topics that interest them. Stuart Tyner is director of the Hancock Center ■ Involve everyone. Don't lecture. Don't read and tell for Youth Ministry in the School of Religion at everyone else to sit still. Don't even take all the La Sierra University, Riverside, California. responsibility for the planning. Help your children discover the delight of participation.

44 (748) ADVENTIST REVIEW word, a phrase, or a metaphor that expresses our deepest longing. Then, during the rest of the day, in the midst of all our activities, we can return to this word, phrase, or metaphor and let it express our heart's prayer. This is something like having a phrase from a song or jingle stay with you and keep replaying itself in your mind. That's heart prayer. It's utterly simple, infinitely adaptable. "If you find yourself working hard at this kind of prayer, trying to hold on to something or flee from something, it is time to relax and turn homeward to the grace of God once more. Find your personal power and strength in desire and consecration, not in manipulation."'

Silence and Solitude Quality devotion will inevitably involve silence. "Right speech comes October 1-15, 1997, out of silence, and right silence comes Spring, Summer and out of speech." Silence, like speech, Fall 1998. is for everyone, and speech and silence can each be adapted to individual needs and interests. Unfortunately, we have been educated and conditioned for one and rarely for the other. Few of us have received even a fraction of the same ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ quantity or quality of education and Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis ♦ ♦ conditioning in silence as we have in Philadelphia Laodicea Mediterranean ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ speech. This seriously compromises the Cappadocia Galatia Ankara Byzantium Istanbul quality of our devotion. Yet we have long known better. Here is one clear call to silence: "All who are under the training of God need the quiet hour for communion with their own hearts, with nature, and with God. . . . They need to have :7. ••• a personal experience in obtaining a ...... knowledge of the will of God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul TWO WEEKS IN THE For more makes more distinct the voice of God. information LAND OF THE BIBLE. please call He bids us, 'Be still, and know that I Walking in the am God.' Psalm 46:10." " footsteps of Apostle Lois Campbell In order to experience this more Paul. History, archae- 1-800-730-0405 fully, we can each prayerfully discover ology, photography, or Melek Jones where we are in this matter of silence, worship, prayer, friend- 770-322-6146 and where we want to be. Gently notice ship, building bridges, 7204 Treehills Parkway the ways silence is, and isn't, a part of delicious Turkish food Stone Mountain your life. Is there a time or place in your GA 30088 normal day that you can expect quiet?

ADVENTIST REVIEW (749) 45 What does silence mean to you? Have It makes sense to want the temple to be possibilities. They include: journaling, you noticed the difference between in the best possible condition—that's a observing nature, music in conjunction external and internal silence? What given. Now let the same wonder-filled with prayer and silence, day-long does internal silence mean to you? A fact call you to even more than the retreats, praying the Psalms, asceticism time to think? A time to talk audibly to basics of healthful living. You yourself in routine daily life," seeing God in the God? A time to be still and listen? are God's temple, and God's Spirit lives in person I am with, and paraphrasing a One of the many resources that you. How does a body respond to being psalm according to today's experience. may be helpful is Dallas Willard's book God's temple? For even more suggestions, see the The Spirit of the Disciplines. His The body is made for motion. It's a Religion section of the June 29, 1993, sections "Solitude" (pp. 160-162) and living, moving, dynamic temple that Woman's Day magazine, pages 40-45. "Silence" (pp. 163-165) are insightful, God inhabits. How can my movements This article is rich with ideas and encouraging, and in touch with be increasingly hospitable to God's examples. It is titled "Food for the contemporary realities. indwelling presence? When I walk, Spirit, 50 Ways to Grow in Grace All Remember, silence is adaptable. when I run, when I play, work, sit, and Day Long." I wouldn't have thought to Don't expect to be silent in the same stand—I am a dynamic temple in look there for such an excellent list of ways, for the same lengths of time, or motion. Can I move in ways more simple, doable suggestions, but a friend with the same results as others. But hospitable to God? One could get gave it to me. Thank you, Helen Chin! gently discover the appropriate place quite self-conscious and awkward As you find increasingly meaningful for silence in your life. Choose to about this. Let's not. But let's ways to encounter God firsthand, know respect and learn silence and solitude. prayerfully, gently, allow for some that all the how-to's are simply They can be acts of devotion that will wonder-filled possibilities. suggestions. The important thing is for enrich all your other devotion. Notice the ways you already use you to respond with gentleness, courage, your body in intentionally worshipful and honesty to the Spirit of God in your Body Prayer postures: folded hands, bowed head, life. Divine love calls you to respond in Here's a question that has great closed eyes, kneeling. It can enrich you love. Your life is a prayer for you to potential for expanding and enriching to discover ways other people of God know, express, and be satisfied by more your devotion: In what way does my through the centuries have expressed fully all the time. • body express my devotion? devotion in their bodies. The psalmists "Don't you know that you yourselves didn't just sit or kneel with bowed ' Anthony de Mello, Taking Flight (New York: Doubleday, 1988), p. 65. are God's temple and that God's Spirit heads and folded hands. 'Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach, lives in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16). The idea of Practicing His Presence (Auburn, Maine: being God's temple has often been And Many More Christian Books, 1973), p. 9. In Ralph M. Coupland, "Model of Holistic related to living the healthful lifestyle. Many more suggestions are rich with and Authentic Teaching and Learning." (Italics supplied.) ' T. E. Unruh, "The Presence of Jesus—The Great Imperative," Review and Herald, Mar. 19, 1970, p. 7. Thomas R. Kelly, A Testament of Devotion (New York: Harper & Row, 1941), p. 35. Gerald May, The Awakened Heart (San Francisco: Harper-San Francisco, 1991), p. 133. lthough they both Ibid. , p. 135. attended the same s Harry Emerson Fosdick, The Meaning of SDA college at the same Prayer (Chicago: Association Press, 1962), pp. time, John and Daleana 136, 141. ("Danowsld") Corbin never May, p. 166. met and married until they 10 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together (New York: Harper & Row, 1954), p. 78. joined Adventist Contact. " Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing John says, "This is a mar- (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., riage made in heaven." 1905), p. 58. We also introduced " Elizabeth Ann Dreyer, "Asceticism John's grandfather, Peter Reconsidered," in Weavings 6, No. 2 (1991). Corbin, to his wife, Bessie. Peter was 84, and eAdventat Bessie was 79. Experienced as a pastor, Would you like to be P.O. Box 5419 one of our many suc- Bible teacher, and chaplain, Takoma Park, MD 20913 U.S.A. Diane Dunlap Forsyth con- odal Phone: (301) 589-4440 cess stories? 104111' tinues her ministry by edu- cating about and nurturing spiritual life.

46 (750) ADVENTIST REVIEW Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Hebrews 13:3

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