Week of Prayer at the Paradise Valley (Cal.) Sanitarium
By C. H. Castle
This occasion at this institution was a very interesting one, and we believe it was also profitable. A committee of four was appointed to plan for the meetings. A plan was suggested differing somewhat from the usual course, which seemed to meet the approval of all. As the helpers are very busy during the day, our services were held in the evening, from seven to eight. The meetings were begun and closed promptly at the appointed time, which feature was much appreciated by all. Not one service was allowed to drag. Different leaders were appointed to conduct the services as their minds were directed, and each was to choose an associate, so that every reading was divided, being read by two individuals, thus bringing varied talent into the service. Usually one or two stanzas of a hymn were sung at the change of readers. On one evening, in addition to the reading, a prayer service would be the order of meeting; at another time a testimony meeting, thus avoiding a sameness. In order to allow all or a large proportion of those in attendance to participate in the service, only sentence prayers were offered. Whether praying or speaking, no time was allowed to be wasted. The attendance was about thirty-five, varying but little from this number. Nearly every person took some part in the service. Singing was a prominent feature of the program. On Sabbath, owing to regular meetings held at National City, our attendance was reduced nearly half. Notwithstanding this fact, we had an excellent meeting, and at the conclusion of the reading we engaged in a very interesting social service; following this the annual offering was taken up, which amounted to over one hundred and fifteen dollars. Only once during the week had this matter been referred to, and then but briefly mentioned. Altogether, the week of prayer was a spiritual feast. One blessed result of the meetings was that one lady, a patient for ten months, gave herself to the Lord, making a complete surrender. This brought great rejoicing to all. This week marks a bright spot in the experience of many here. All felt to consecrate themselves anew to this grand and glorious work, that the coming of our blessed Saviour may be hastened.