Praying for the Latter Rain

All times are proper times for prayer. This we learn from that brief injunction, "pray
without ceasing." 1Th 5:17. (See also Ac 12:15; Ro 1:9; 2Ti 1:3).

And there are times that prayer is particularly needed and customarily offered. One of
these was a scene of out-door worship by those learning the Word of God. "And on the
Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and
we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither." Ac 16:13.

And there is a special time of earth's history when the Latter Rain waits to fall on God's
people. We live in that time, the time of the blotting out of forsaken sins, styled "the times
of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." Ac 3:19.

During this special time God's people are bidden to pray for the promised refreshing.

Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall
make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the
field. Zec 10:1

At the Western Youth Conference we aim to do as bidden.

For this reason the schedule is peppered with opportunities for group prayer. Please join
us for seasons of petition.

And if you can not join at one time or another, bear in mind that as the land around a bush
flaming with God's presence was sacred, the land around living saints in communion with
God is also. If Christ's presence makes a holy place, then our outdoor prayer meetings are
sanctuaries.

Walk quietly in the sanctuary. Whisper at a distance and be silent when near. Make the
atmosphere a welcome one for angels that never take God's name in vain.

You have friends to talk to? People to see? You have a Friend to pray to and you have
come here to see Him. If possible, save your chatting with other friends for times not set
aside for the Holy Communion of prayer.

You have arrived late? We are so glad you are here. Dodge the eyes of those that will be
glad to see you. Find a place to prayerfully prepare yourself for the message and postpone
visiting until the service is closed.

For there are some things we should have learned as children that now we must learn as
adults:

Another precious grace that should be carefully cherished is reverence. True

reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a
realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen the heart of every
child should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer and the
services of public worship the child should be taught to regard as sacred
because God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and
demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. {Ed 242.3}