Why United Prayer? (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for
them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the
midst of them.” Matt. 18:19, 20

“We are encouraged to pray for success, with the divine assurance that our prayers will be heard and
answered. . . . The promise is made on the condition that the united prayers of the church are offered, and
in answer to these prayers, there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to
private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and
for one another.”  Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, p. 303 (Letter 32, 1903, p. 5)
“Precious promise! Do we believe it? What marvelous results would appear if the united prayers of this company were to ascend to God in living faith!”Evangelism, p. 414
“When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. How often was the voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard and
then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now the day of God is nearer than when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous,and more fervent than in those early days.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 161

“Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1
“Brethren should stand shoulder to shoulder, uniting their prayers at the throne of grace, that they may
move the arm of the Omnipotent. Heaven and earth will then be closely connected in the work, and there
will be joy and gladness in the presence of the angels of God, when the lost sheep is found and restored.”
Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 210
“And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek
prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy. . . . And Aaron and Hur supported his hands.” Exod. 17:11, 12
“Those who meet together for prayer will receive an unction from the Holy One. There is great need of secret prayer, but there is also need that several Christians meet together and unite with earnestness
their petitions to God.” In Heavenly Places, p. 91
“In every church there should be stated seasons for united prayer for the advancement of this work. Let all
be united, having a specific object for their faith and entreaties.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, p. 294
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of
Jesus, and with His brothers.” Acts 1:14The goal of united prayer is to come into one accord so the Holy Spirit can fill us. In addition, we’ve been instructed to pray unitedly so God’s power can be unleashed and the Great Controversy finally ended.

What Is United Prayer? (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

If it is your desire to bring united prayer to your family, friends, and church members, but you’re not sure what united prayer really looks like, this handbook will provide concrete suggestions to jump-start your prayer efforts. The model we recommend works for groups as small as two or as large as hundreds, and it may be implemented in nearly any setting. It can also be used during a weekly prayer meeting or evangelistic series, as part of a church service, in an all-day prayer room format, or even within the family circle at home.
The Holy Spirit ultimately leads the flow of the prayer session; however, remembering that God is a God of
order, we lead united prayer in an organized manner. After a few instructions and introductory words, the
prayer leader begins helping the group walk through four prayer themes. The following suggested time
breakdown works well for a one-hour prayer session:

Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes

Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes

Confession: 5-10 minutes

Supplication: 20 minutes

Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes

While the prayer leader facilitates the transition from one theme to the next, the leader does not do all the praying. This is united prayer, and the goal is to get all the participants involved. We follow a conversational
approach. The floor is open for people to add to the group conversation with God as they are prompted by the Holy Spirit.

How to Close United Prayer (Praying for the Rain! United Prayer)

At the close of the prayer session, the leader should encourage participants to continue in prayer in the following ways:
1. Encourage participants to make united prayer a regular part of their lives. Share a copy of this mini handbook with them, if possible, so they can teach others.

2. Promote the 777 Prayer Initiative (prayer for the Holy Spirit at 7 A.M. and 7 P.M., seven days a week in each local time zone, in order to create a global prayer chain).
3. Stress the importance of perseverance in prayer if we want to share the experience of the disciples in the upper room.
4. Ask people to share their testimonies if they were blessed by united prayer. This will help others to try it in the future. The leader may collect testimonies directly after the prayer session or encourage participants to share on the Revival and Reformation website (www.revivalandreformation.org) for the encouragement of others worldwide.
5. Remind participants to follow through on the convictions that God laid on their hearts during prayer, no matter how difficult they may be. We can pray, but if we continue in the same sinful, selfish ways after the prayer is over, what gain is there?

Prepare Your Heart (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

It is critical that you, as the prayer leader, be prepared and come to the prayer session with a heart emptied of self and filled with the Holy Spirit. The one who waits to prepare until the last minute will not be as effective as the one who comes to the prayer session after having spent quality time in the presence of God.
“An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in
moneymaking, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that

engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him. ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ Ps. 46:10. Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher.
With their burdens they return to their work. These workers can never attain the highest success until they
learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal
of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart willbe lightened. Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him—this is our need.”Education, p. 260, 261

“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace
can be substituted and the health of the soul be preserved. . . . Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage
in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God.” Messages
to Young People, p. 249

Let the Holy Spirit Lead (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

The prayer leader naturally feels the responsibility to lead and keep things moving. However, as already stated, each prayer session is a group conversation with God, and as such, we must expect the occasional
lull in conversation. These periods of silence may feel awkward, but they are not to be feared. The Holy Spirit uses these times to speak to hearts.  Also, it may be during these moments that the more timid find the opportunity to pray. As a leader, resist the urge to dominate by jumping in immediately to keep the prayer time moving. Allow the Holy Spirit to work and dictate the pace.

Keep Individual Prayers Short (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

It’s important for you as the leader to model short, concise prayers, and the group will follow your example.
There may be one or two (or a few) who will not pay any attention to the guidelines you share, and once they start praying, they may go on and on. Just be patient and bear with them. Remember, the main point is that they are praying! “Make short prayers in meetings, and lengthy prayers when you talk and commune with God in your closet.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, p. 130“Learn to pray short and right to the point, asking for just what you need.” Our High Calling, p. 130

The Four Themes of Prayer (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

The Bible contains many examples of the four themes we emphasize in prayer. These examples can be found in both the Old and New Testaments and, most importantly, in Jesus’ own example of prayer. These 

themes are deeply profound, yet they can also be understood by a child. The Lord’s Prayer: Matt. 6:9-13

“Our Father which art in heaven (praise/worship), Hallowed be thy name (praise). Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (supplication for God’s will). Give us this day our daily bread

(supplication for personal needs). And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (confession and humility). And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (supplication for spiritual victory): For thineis the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever (praise/thanksgiving).” (KJV) “The Lord’s Prayer was not intended to be repeated merely as a form, but it is an illustration of what our prayers should be—simple, earnest, and comprehensive. In a simple petition tell the Lord your needs and express gratitude for His mercies. Thus you invite Jesus as a welcome guest into your home and heart.” Child Guidance, p. 524  

“We are too sparing of giving thanks.  If the lovingkindness of God called forth more thanksgiving and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of God and have more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear your prayers, change your present order and mingle praise with your petitions. When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that He will consider your wants.” Testimonies to the Church, vol. 5, p. 317 More examples of these themes:Nehemiah’s Prayer: Neh. 1:5-11Children of Israel’s Prayer: Neh. 9 Solomon’s Prayer: 1 Kings 8

Daniel’s Prayer: Dan. 9:3-20 Before/After Pentecost: The Book of Acts

The Sanctuary Model

1. Thanksgiving: We are instructed to “Enter into 

His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts 

with praise.” Ps. 100:4

2. Confession: The first stop inside the sanctuary is 

the Altar of Sacrifice. Here we confess our sins and 

confess our belief in Christ, claiming His sacrifice 

made at the cross. Confession is also a prerequisite 

for receiving the Rain that we desire from Heaven. 

2 Chron. 6:26, 27; Lev. 4:26; Rom. 10:9-13.

3. Confession & Cleansing: Moving to the Laver, 

we ask God to cleanse us (baptize us) through the 

power of His Word, and we accept the forgiveness 

He offers. Ex. 30:18-21; Eph. 5:26.

4. Supplication for Holy Spirit: Then, entering 

the Holy Place, we come to the seven-branch 

Candlestick. Here we ask God to baptize us and 

fill us with His Holy Spirit. Rev. 1:12; Luke 11:13.

5. Supplication for Spiritual and Physical Bread: At 

the Table of Showbread, we ask God to supply our 

needs. Most importantly, He is the spiritual bread 

of life. However, He also promises to provide for 

our physical bread and temporal needs. John 6:35; 

Isa. 33:16; Phil. 4:19.

6. Supplication Through Our Intercessor: At the 

Altar of Incense, Christ’s righteous prayers cover 

our own, making them acceptable to God. Then, 

covered by His righteousness, we are able to 

intercede with Him for others. Rom. 8:26, 34; Isa. 

59:16; Phil. 1:3-6.

7. Thanksgiving in Worship and Praise: Finally, as 

we bow in God’s presence, reflecting on all that He 

has done for us, worship and praise again springs 

from our lips. Like the disciples after Pentecost, 

our greatest desire is to testify of what we have seen 

in Christ. Ps. 150:1, 2; Heb. 10:19-23. 

What will be the result of such prayers?

In the Old Testament, God dwelt in the physical sanctuary, or temple. Now, we are God’s temple (1 Cor. 

3:6). When we confess our sins (1 John 1:9) and turn to Him in true praise, His Spirit will fill our lives. There 

will be no room for self or self-righteousness to stand any longer. His glory will fill this place! “Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord . . . that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.” 2 Chron. 5:13, 14“The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God’s right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned.” Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 344“If we would offer up acceptable prayer, we should realize that in our petitioning we are in the audience chamber of the Most High. . . . It means much to pray to our Heavenly Father. We come to lay our imperfect tribute of thanksgiving at His feet in acknowledgment of His love and mercy, of which we are wholly undeserving. We come to make known our wants, to confess our sins, and to present to Him His own promises.” Review and Herald, May 28, 1895, par. 2“No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holyatmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul. It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works aredependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant 

renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 159

Counterfeit Revival Culture (Praying for rain! United prayer)

We do not promote or support any of the non-biblical prayer disciplines or methods of prayer rooted in the

spiritual formation movement, mysticism, or the occult—such as contemplative prayer, centering prayer, repetitive prayers, prayer labyrinths, etc. Mark Finley writes, in the book Lord, Revive Us Again, “Satan’s concern in the last days is not the unsaved world. He already has them in his grasp. His concern is Christians. By bringing deceptions into the church, he will mislead millions” (p. 75).“Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. . . . The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he [Satan] will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious

guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world. . . . There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God’s word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not bestowed. . . . ‘Ye shall know them by their fruits.’” The Great Controversy, p. 464

Genuine Revival Awareness (Praying for rain! United prayer)

In our zealousness to avoid the counterfeit spirit of revival, we need to be careful not to quench the true! “There is at the present time almost a universal state of unbelief in regard to the operations of the Holy
Spirit, especially in the manifestation of the gifts. Unbelief shuts the Spirit of God away from the mind. It quenches the Spirit, and leaves the masses exposed to the delusions of these last days. Again, those who by unbelief quench the spirit in these last days will be illy prepared to share in the great blessings which God promises by the prophet Joel, quoted by Peter (Acts 2:17, 18). ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my spirit, and they shall prophesy.’ The ‘Former Rain’ was given on the day of Pentecost, and enjoyed by the early Christians, to cause the Gospel seed to germinate and take root. The ‘Latter Rain’ is coming to ripen the golden harvest for the garner of God. Take care, dear

reader, lest unbelief in you quench the Spirit, and shut you away from this great blessing designed for “them that believe.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 19“
The baptism of the Holy Ghost as on the day of Pentecost will lead to a revival of true religion and to the performance of many wonderful works. Heavenly intelligences will come among us, and men will speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Spirit of God. But should the Lord work upon men as He did on and after the day of Pentecost, many who now claim to believe the truth would know so very little of the operation of the Holy Spirit that they would cry, ‘Beware of fanaticism.’ Theywould say of those who were filled with the Spirit, ‘These men are full of new wine’ (Acts 2:13). . . . The great sin of those who profess to be Christians is that they do not open the heart to receive the Holy Spirit. When souls long after Christ, and seek to become one with Him, then those who are content with the form of godliness exclaim, ‘Be careful, do not go to extremes.’. . . But while we should be careful not to go into human excitement, we should not be among those who will raise inquiries and cherish doubts in reference to the work of the Spirit of God.”  Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 322“‘Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of  great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.” Joel 2:12, 13 When we humble ourselves before God’s throne, confess our sins, and intercede for others, our hearts will break, and there will sometimes beweeping! However, the real sign that God is bringing true revival to our midst will be the transformation that takes place in our lives. “Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 146

Hindrances to Prayer (Praying for rain! United prayer)

• ‡ We pray in unbelief. Jas. 1:6, 7; Mark 11:24
• ‡ We pray according to our own will. 1 John 5:14
• ‡ We seek the gift rather than the Giver. Jas. 2:23
• ‡ We pray prayers to feed our own lusts. Jas. 4:3
• ‡ We live in disobedience. Isa. 59:1, 2; Ps. 66:18
• ‡ We give up in prayer too easily. Luke 18:1-8
• ‡ We are judgmental toward others. Luke 6:37
• ‡ We are not able to forgive. Mark 11:26
• ‡ We have unresolved quarrels. Matt. 5:23, 24 
• ‡ We turn a deaf ear to those in need. Prov. 21:13
• ‡ We lack honor in our family. 1 Pet. 3:7
• ‡ We have not learned to abide in Christ. John 15:7

“When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers.
We are so erring and shortsighted that we sometimes ask for things that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good - that
which we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all things as they really are.
When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers.” Prayer, p. 102
“As activity increases and men become successful in doing any work for God, there is danger of trusting to
human plans and methods. There is a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith. Like the disciples, we are in danger of losing sight of our dependence on God, and seeking to make a savior of our activity. We need to look constantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His power which does the work. While we are to labor earnestly for the salvation of the lost, we must also take time for meditation, for prayer, and for the study of the word of God. Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient for good.”  The Desire of Ages, p. 362

The need to persevere (Praying for rain! United Prayer)

“I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He said, ‘Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith.’” Early Writings, p. 73“ There must be earnest prayer. Weaken the hands of the enemy by wrestling with God in prayer.”  Pacific Union Recorder, June 5, 1902

“[Jacob’s] victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer.  All who will lay hold of God’s promises as He did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God—how few know what it is. . . . When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God.” The Great Controversy, p. 621

“The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. . . . Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence?” Steps to Christ, p. 94“Could we see all the activity of human instrumentality, as it appears before God, we would see that  only the work accomplished by much prayer, which is sanctified by the merit of Christ, will stand the test of the judgment.” Christian Service, p. 263

“Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that everyone who would make his lifework a success must understand. Christ says, ‘What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’ Mark 11:24. He makes it plain that our asking must be according to God’s will; we must ask for the things that He has promised, and whatever we receive must be used in doing His will. The conditions met, the promise is unequivocal.” Prayer, p. 105“ We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray.” The Great Controversy, p. 622

“It is a part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask.” The Great Controversy, p. 525

“Day after day is passing into eternity, bringing us nearer to the close of probation. As never before we must pray for the Holy Spirit to be more abundantly bestowed upon us.” Gospel Workers, p. 288 “While their united prayers were ascending in faith to Heaven, the answer came. The place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were endowed anew with the Holy Spirit.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 67

Forward on our Knees, Praying for Rain!

Breaking News — Adventist Church's official statement regarding Angus T. Jones

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North has released an official statement on Angus T. Jones, the star of "Two and Half Men." George Johnson, the communication director for the Adventist Church in North America emailed the statement to A Sabbath Blog.

You can read it here:

November 27, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: George Johnson, communication director, (240) 338-2219

RE: Official Statement Regarding Angus T. Jones and the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Angus T. Jones, an actor of the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men, became a member of a local Seventh-day Adventist congregation in the San Fernando Valley area in June of 2012. On October 8, Jones was interviewed on a show called Turning Point, produced by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in which he discussed his faith journey. The interview will air on Hope Channel (DirecTV channel 368) this Friday, November 30, at 8:00 p.m. ET. Currently, you can view an online version at http://sda.biggytv.com/watch/Turning_Point:_Angus_T._Jones/specials/

“We are happy that Angus has joined the Seventh-day Adventist family and has found a place in which he feels comfortable to worship and grow his faith,” said George Johnson, communication director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. “Recently, Angus made some statements concerning his spiritual journey and expressed his views concerning the television program Two and a Half Men. These comments are of a personal nature, reflecting his views after having undergone changes during his spiritual journey. We welcome him with open arms to the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church family and are excited about his commitment to God through his recent baptism at his church.”

Many inquiries have come to the Church regarding the Forerunner Chronicles interview. We are unable to offer information because Forerunner Chronicles is not a ministry operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its host is not a pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

About the Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant church with approximately 17 million members worldwide in 209 countries, which includes more than 1.1 million members in North America. The Seventh-day Adventist Church encourages people to develop their minds through education, their bodies through healthful living, and their spiritual connection to God through personal study of the Bible. The Church also tries to make a positive impact on the human condition through community service and worldwide development disaster relief initiatives.