• Lord, we praise You for the promise of Your Holy Spirit.
• We praise You that Your Spirit is imparted to all who ask.
• Thank You that the Holy Spirit can bring unity among church members.

• Lord, please show us what sins we need to confess in our hearts. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Forgive us when we do not fully open our hearts to the working of the Holy Spirit.
• Forgive us for not always living and working in unity with others.

• Father, help us to see our need of the Holy Spirit. May Your Spirit guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
• May we have humble hearts that will “pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
• Please give us the Holy Spirit to teach us all things and bring to our remembrance all that You have said to us (John 14:26).
• Lord, may Your Holy Spirit help us in our weakness and teach us how to pray (Romans 8:26).
• Lord, may our church lift up Christ and Him crucified and coming again. Give us a burden for lost souls.
• Please bless our worldwide evangelistic outreach during the coming year. We pray especially for Total Member Involvement evangelism efforts in Japan, Zambia, and the Philippines.
• We pray for a spiritual revival among Seventh-day Adventist young people who attend public colleges and universities worldwide. May they become vibrant ambassadors for Christ.
• Lord, please bless the work of Adventist Mission. Give our workers wisdom as they coordinate church planting around the world and seek funds to send Global Mission pioneers into unreached areas.
• Bless the faithful church members who support Your work, whether their donations are large or small. Please inspire each of us to give from our hearts and experience the blessings of faithful stewardship.
• Please bless the efforts of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries as they equip chaplains and volunteers to minister in prisons, hospitals, the military, and other settings.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May they let the Holy Spirit work in their lives.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here

• Thank You, God, for giving us so many promises about Your Holy Spirit
• Thank You for Your promise in Luke 11:13: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
• Thank You that Your Holy Spirit guides us into truth.

“Sweet, Sweet Spirit” (SDA Hymnal #262); “Spirit of God” (SDA Hymnal #266); “Live Out Thy Life Within Me” (SDA Hymnal #316); “I Need Thee Every Hour” (SDA Hymnal #483); “Seek Ye First”; “Draw Me Nearer” (SDA Hymnal #306); “Hover O’er Me, Holy Spirit” (SDA Hymnal #260); “Baptize Us Anew” (SDA Hymnal #258).

• Lord, we praise You for who You are—You are powerful, wise, merciful, and loving.
• We praise You for calling each of us to be holy.
• We praise You because You have the power to make us holy.

• Lord, please show us which sins we need to confess openly and which we need to confess privately. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Forgive us for times we have tried to overcome sin in our own strength.
• Forgive us for times we have failed to reveal Your character to others. May our lives always show that we are set apart by You and belong to You.

• Father, please show us what it means to be holy. Reveal to us Your holiness.
• Show us how to strive for “the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
• Lord, may our “whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
• Please create in each of us a clean heart (Psalms 51:10).
• Please show us how we can glorify You in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20).
• Bless the Adventist Development and Relief Agency as they meet the needs of the poor and forgotten.
• Lord, please strengthen our faith and lead us to spend more time in Bible study and prayer. Let us walk with You daily as Enoch did.
• Please turn our hearts toward eternal values rather than the distractions of this world. Protect us from worldly influences that threaten our daily spiritual experience.
• Father, let Your will be done in our lives and in our church, rather than our own will. Make us humble, teachable, and willing to embrace Your plans.
• Please lead each of us to crucify self and live by the power of Jesus. We ask especially that You lead our young people to dedicate their entire lives to Your service.
• We pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May they open their hearts so You can make them holy.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• Lord, thank You that we have been washed, sanctified, and justified “in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
• Thank You that You can give us new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26).
• Thank You that we are sanctified by Your Word (John 17:17).

“Live Out Thy Life Within Me” (SDA Hymnal #316); “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #290); “Take Time to Be Holy” (SDA Hymnal #500); “Wholly Thine” (SDA Hymnal #308); “I Would Be Like Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #311); “Whiter Than Snow” (SDA Hymnal #318).

• Lord, we begin by praising You for who You are—for Your matchless character and divine love.
• We praise You for the example of Jesus, who was clothed with humility.
• We praise You because You dwell “in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).

• Father, please show us any sins we need to confess privately. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Forgive us for times when we did not have humble hearts.
• Forgive us for times when pride did not allow us to fully admit our guilt and need of You.

• Lord, please teach us what it means to “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
• Please show us how to take Your yoke upon ourselves and learn from You, for You are meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29).
• We ask You to show us the areas in life where we need to learn humility.
• Lord, please raise up godly, humble church leaders who portray Christlike character in their words and actions. And show us how to support our leaders with prayer, encouragement, and willing service.
• May our church faithfully and fully proclaim the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14. Give us wisdom to place the righteousness of Christ at the core of these messages.
• Please bless our efforts as we set up “centers of influence” in large cities of the world. Give us eyes to see the real needs of each city. Give us creativity to meet those needs. Show us how to lovingly lead others to You.
• Lord, we ask You for revival and reformation in our own lives, our families, our church, and our community. Begin by changing our hearts so that Your grace can flow through us to others.
• Lord, please inspire Seventh-day Adventists around the world to pray as never before. Let us plead together for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit. We ask You for the promised fulfilment of Joel 2, Hosea 6, and Acts 2.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May they humble themselves and allow the Holy Spirit to teach them.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• Lord, thank You for this promise: “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:9, NIV).
• We thank You for Jesus, who “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).
• Thank You that humility goes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).

“Live Out Thy Life Within Me” (SDA Hymnal #316); “I Need Thee Every Hour” (SDA Hymnal #483); “Moment by Moment” (SDA Hymnal #507); “I Surrender All” (SDA Hymnal #309); “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” (SDA Hymnal #462); “Lord I Want to Be a Christian” (SDA Hymnal #319).

God warned Moses not to approach irreverently. The removal of shoes symbolized the respectful attitude necessary for true worship.

Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252) In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience chamber of an earthly ruler. . . . God is greatly to be reverenced; all who truly realize His presence will bow in humility before Him. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252)

To be clothed with humility does not mean that we are to be dwarfs in intellect, deficient in aspiration, and cowardly in our lives, shunning burdens lest we fail to carry them successfully. Real humility fulfills God’s purposes by depending upon His strength. (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 270)

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

God works by whom He will. He sometimes selects the humblest instrument to do the greatest work, for His power is revealed through the weakness of men. We have our standard, and by it we pronounce one thing great and another small; but God does not estimate according to our rule. We are not to suppose that what is great to us must be great to God, or that what is small to us must be small to Him.

All boasting of merit in ourselves is out of place. . . . The reward is not of works, lest any man should boast; but it is all of grace. . . . There is no religion in the enthronement of self. He who makes self-glorification his aim will find himself destitute of that grace which alone can make him efficient in Christ’s service. Whenever pride and self-complacency are indulged the work is marred. . . .

The Christian who is such in his private life, in the daily surrender of self, in sincerity of purpose and purity of thought, in meekness under provocation, in faith and piety, in fidelity in that which is least, the one who in the home life represents the character of Christ—such a one may in the sight of God be more precious than even the world-renowned missionary or martyr. . . . (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 270)

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” All heaven enters into co-partnership with those who come to Christ for eternal life, submitting themselves to him as those who have made a surrender of all to God. God requires his servants to stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, striving in his power to keep the principles of truth pure and uncorrupted. They must never step aside from the path of self-denial and humility which every true Christian must travel. As they thus co-operate with God, Christ is formed within, “the hope of glory.” Clad in his meekness and lowliness, they find their highest joy in doing his service. Earthly ambition gives way to a desire to serve the Master. (Review and Herald, May 11, 1897, par. 14)

We need to draw nigh to God, and see if there are not jealousies and evil surmisings that are keeping the Saviour away. Selfishness and selfsufficiency close the door of the heart against Jesus, saying, “I want not thy way but my way.” Humble yourselves under the hand of God, and He will lift you up. Your simple, heartfelt confessions of hard-heartedness, worldliness, and love of display and pleasure will be heard by God, and these sins will be seen as they appear in the sight of a holy God. (Testimonies to Southern Africa, p. 78)

The Lord has men of his appointment whom he will use in his work so long as they allow themselves to be used in accordance with his good pleasure. He can never use any one who is seeking to humble some one else. Humble yourselves, brethren. When you do this, it is possible for holy angels to communicate with you, and place you on vantage ground. Then your experience, instead of being faulty, will be filled with happiness. Seek to relate yourselves in harmony with God’s leadings, and then you will be susceptible to the moving of his Holy Spirit. (North Pacific Union Gleaner, March 23, 1910, par. 5)

• God, we praise You for who You are—You are righteous, pure, and strong.
• Thank You that You are willing to give us Christ’s robe of righteousness.
• We praise You that “the work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever” (Isaiah 32:17).

• Lord, please show us the sins we need to confess to You.
• Forgive us for times when we wore our own robes of righteousness instead of taking Christ’s robe of righteousness.
• Forgive us for our self-sufficiency.

• Lord, please lead us to accept Christ’s robe of righteousness.
• Help each of us to realize that “all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Help us to see our own righteousness as You see it.
• Please teach us how to “flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace” (2 Timothy 2:22).
• Please teach us to “not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” in order that “the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled” in us (Romans 8:4).
• Please grow in us the fruit of righteousness.
• Please protect our young people from worldly temptations. Turn their eyes toward Jesus.
• Father, please teach us how to share the Bread of Life with others. When we are weak, give us Your strength. When we are fearful, give us Your courage.
• We pray for a renewed focus on studying Daniel, Revelation, and other prophecies. Please give our church members solid hope for the future and a clear understanding of the controversy between Christ and Satan.
• Lord, teach us to study Your Word for ourselves every day. Inspire more members to participate in “Believe His Prophets” by reading the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy together as a world church.
• Help each of us to value and seek out the inspired wisdom given to our church in the Spirit of Prophecy writings. May these counsels lead us more deeply into Your Word, the Bible.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May the Holy Spirit change their hearts and minds.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• Lord, thank You that all who desire Christ’s righteousness may have it freely.
• Thank You for the life and death of Jesus, which give us access to Your righteousness.

“What a Wonderful Savior” (SDA Hymnal #335); “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (SDA Hymnal #334); “There Is a Fountain” (SDA Hymnal #336); “Jesus Saves” (SDA Hymnal #340); “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #290); “Take the World, but Give Me Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #329); “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” (SDA Hymnal #343).

The Robe is a symbol of Christ’s righteousness that covers our nakedness when we accept it.

All that have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of Christ. Not one soul that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. His word is pledged: “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. The promise given to Joshua is made to all: “If thou wilt keep My charge, . . . I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.” Zechariah 3:7. Angels of God will walk on either side of them, even in this world, and they will stand at last among the angels that surround the throne of God. (Counsels for the Church, pp. 351, 352) It is the righteousness of Christ that makes the penitent sinner acceptable to God and works his justification. However sinful has been his life, if he believes in Jesus as his personal Saviour, he stands before God in the spotless robes of Christ’s imputed righteousness. (Faith and Works, p. 106) And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. (Philippians 3:9) The sinner so recently dead in trespasses and sins is quickened by faith in Christ. He sees by faith that Jesus is his Saviour, and alive forevermore, able to save unto “the uttermost [all] that come unto God by Him.” In the atonement made for him the believer sees such breadth and length and height and depth of efficiency—sees such completeness of salvation, purchased at such infinite cost, that his soul is filled with praise and thanksgiving. He sees as in a glass the glory of the Lord and is changed into the same image as by the Spirit of the Lord. He sees the robe of Christ’s righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven, wrought by his obedience, and imputed to the repenting soul through faith in His name. When the sinner has a view of the matchless charms of Jesus, sin no longer looks attractive to him; for he beholds the Chiefest among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely. He realizes by a personal experience the power of the gospel, whose vastness of design is equaled only by its preciousness of purpose. (Faith and Works, pp. 106, 107) As the people of God afflict their souls before Him, pleading for purity of heart, the command is given, “Take away the filthy garments” from them, and the encouraging words are spoken, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” The spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness is placed upon the tried, tempted, yet faithful children of God. The despised remnant are clothed in glorious apparel, nevermore to be defiled by the corruptions of the world. Their names are retained in the Lamb’s book of life, enrolled among the faithful of all ages. They have resisted the wiles of the deceiver; they have not been turned from their loyalty by the dragon’s roar. Now they are eternally secure from the tempter’s devices. Their sins are transferred to the originator of sin. (Counsels for the Church, p. 353) A general faith is not enough. We must put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and wear it openly, bravely, decidedly, exhibiting Christ, and not expect too much of finite man, but keep looking unto Jesus, and become ravished with the perfections of His character. Then we shall individually make manifest the character of Jesus, and make it evident that we are invigorated by the truth; because it sanctifies the soul and brings into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (Reflecting Christ, p. 108) The truly righteous, who sincerely love and fear God, wear the robe of Christ’s righteousness in prosperity and adversity alike. Self-denial, selfsacrifice, benevolence, kindness, love, patience, fortitude, and Christian trust are the daily fruits borne by those who are truly connected with God. Their acts may not be published to the world, but they themselves are daily wrestling with evil, and gaining precious victories over temptation and wrong. (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 31) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24, ESV) Each one will have a close struggle to overcome sin in his own heart. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work; because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep looking at them, when we should look to Jesus and put on the robe of His righteousness. Everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self. (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 31) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3, KJV)

• Lord, we begin by praising You for who You are—You are strong, patient, and able to save.
• We praise You for carrying us through difficult times.
• We thank You that we can have lasting peace and joy in You.

• Lord, show us the sins we need to confess openly and the ones we need to confess privately. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Forgive us for times we tried to succeed on our own instead of allowing You to carry us.
• Thank You that You forgive us according to 1 John 1:9

• Lord, please carry us when we are weak.
• May Your strength be made perfect in our weakness (1 Corinthians 12:9).
• Father, please help our hearts not to be troubled (John 14:1).
• Help us to trust the promise that You made in Isaiah 41:10—that You will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with Your righteous right hand.
• Please carry the young people of our churches and families through these challenging times.
• Show us the people around us who may be hurting. Please carry them through their difficulties.
• Lord, show us how to submit our lives completely to You. Make us one in Christ. Unify us in proclaiming the last loud cry to the world.
• Lord, You have blessed our church with tremendous understanding of biblical truth. May we share it humbly and joyfully with the world around us.
• Father, please bless the efforts of small groups and house churches around the world. We ask You to raise up even more faithful members to witness about Jesus and His beautiful character in their own neighborhoods.
• Lord, teach us how to proclaim our beliefs with clarity, creativity, and biblical authenticity. May the love of Jesus be at the core of everything we believe.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May they see their need and open their hearts to the Holy Spirit.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• God, we thank You that “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
• Thank You that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
• Thank You that You are answering the prayers we pray according to Your will.

“He Leadeth Me” (SDA Hymnal #537); “I Will Early Seek the Savior” (SDA Hymnal #539); “Savior, Like a Shepherd” (SDA Hymnal #545); “Be Thou My Vision” (SDA Hymnal #547); “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” (SDA Hymnal #551).

As the high priest carried the ephod on his shoulders, so our High Priest carries our burdens, strengthens us in our trials, and enables us to witness for Him even in difficult circumstances.

Our precious Saviour has invited us to join ourselves to Him and unite our weakness with His strength, our ignorance with His wisdom, our unworthiness with His merit. (The Faith I Live By, p. 96)

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

For the disheartened there is a sure remedy—faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. Are you tempted to give way to feelings of anxious foreboding or utter despondency? In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. The apostle Paul has testified: “He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. . . . Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10. (Prophets and Kings, p. 164)

The strength of those who love and serve Him will be renewed day by day. His understanding will be placed at their service, that they may not err in the carrying out of His purposes. There is to be no despondency in God’s service. Our faith is to endure the pressure brought to bear upon it. God is able and willing to bestow upon His servants all the strength they need. He will more than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in Him. He will give them the wisdom that their varied necessities demand. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, pp. 10, 11)

Of ourselves, we can neither obtain nor practice the religion of Christ; for our hearts are deceitful above all things; but Jesus Christ, the great physician of souls, who, with unerring skill, can read the heart of man better than he himself can, has shown us how we may be cleansed from sin. “My grace is sufficient for thee,” he says to those who mourn their inefficiency. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Every burden is considered by the one who bids us follow him, before it is placed upon our shoulders. To every tried, tempted soul, Christ says, I am able to strengthen you for the duties of the Christian life. Looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, we shall catch the light of his countenance, reflect his image, and grow up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Our religion will be attractive, because it will possess the fragrance of the righteousness of Christ. We shall be happy; for our spiritual meat and drink will be to us righteousness and peace and joy. (Review and Herald, May 4, 1897, par. 11)

It is a great thing to be right with God, the soul in harmony with its Maker. Amid the contagion of evil example, which by its deceitful appearance would lure the soul from duty, angels will be sent to our rescue. But if we invite temptation, we can not have divine aid to keep us from being overcome. The three worthies endured the fiery furnace, for Jesus walked with them amid the flames. If they had, of themselves, walked into the fire, they would have been consumed. Thus it will be with us. If we do not deliberately go into temptation, God will sustain us when the temptation comes. (Signs of the Times, Sept. 2, 1897, par. 11)

The Lord will raise up men, and place his Spirit upon them, and prepare them for the work which must be done. He himself, the God of truth, will qualify them to bear a fresh, living testimony for him. They will be witnesses for God. They will not spring up from their own prompting; they will be constrained by the Spirit of God to volunteer to advocate truth. God will sustain them. He sees what is needed, and year by year he arranges for his plan of operation. He will not allow men to drift as they choose. If men will be men, God will work in and through them. (Review and Herald, May 25, 1897, par. 11)

• Lord, we begin by praising You for who You are—our Protector and Defender.
• Thank You for the great privilege of being witnesses for You.
• Thank You that when You call us to serve, You also give us the strength and abilities to do so.

• Father, please show us which sins we need to confess privately. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Forgive us for times when we were not willing to serve You.
• Forgive us for times when we refused to be a witness for You.

• Lord, please give us hearts willing to serve You.
• Teach us how to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
• Please help us see the opportunities You give us for serving You.
• We ask that You give us the right words to witness for You when opportunities arise.
• Lord, help us to serve only one master (Matthew 6:24).
• Please let our families reveal Your love in our homes and communities. We ask You to bring harmony into homes, heal broken relationships, protect the vulnerable from abuse, and reveal Your sanctifying power in seemingly hopeless situations.
• Lord, we pray for the thousands of Global Mission pioneers who are planting churches among unreached people. Many of them work alone or in difficult situations, so we pray for their safety, wisdom, and success.
• Bless the efforts of the Adventist Professionals’ Network. Give them divine opportunities to disciple the educated and elite in the world’s urban areas.
• We ask for special protection for church members who face daily harassment or threats to their freedom because of their religious beliefs. We pray for their wisdom and courage.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May they open their lives to Your Holy Spirit and become witnesses for You.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• Thank You, Lord, for shaping our characters through our service to You.
• Thank You for the joy that comes with witnessing for You.
• Thank You that Christ has already given us an example of how to serve.

“Give of Your Best to the Master” (SDA Hymnal #572); “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (SDA Hymnal #573); “Let Your Heart Be Broken” (SDA Hymnal #575); “So Send I You” (SDA Hymnal #578); “This Little Light of Mine” (SDA Hymnal #580).

For the high priest to be girded with his sash meant that he was fully arrayed in his garments and ready to serve. Likewise, we should always be prepared to serve and witness.

God’s people are to be distinguished as a people who serve Him fully, whole-heartedly, taking no honor to themselves, and remembering that by a most solemn covenant they have bound themselves to serve the Lord, and Him only. (Christian Service, p. 236)

What is it to serve God?—It is to resemble Him in character, to imitate Him. To serve God is to obey Him, to keep His commandments, to make an open confession of standing, not under the black banner of the great apostate, but under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Those who serve God strive earnestly to obey His will. Thus they show to what army they belong. (Signs of the Times, Feb. 1, 1899, par. 3) Whatever the line of work in which we engage, the word of God teaches us to be “not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,” “knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Romans 12:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:24. (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 346)

Always be ready to give to others the light you have received. Avow your principles of action; scorn concealment. Unfurl your colors; for you are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Shun not responsibility. You can not serve God and Baal. God desires His sons and daughters to stand bravely for the right, that the world may know where they will be found in the time of trial. (Signs of the Times, Aug. 1, 1900, par. 4) The Lord desires you to be soul-winners; therefore, while you should not force doctrinal points upon the people, you should “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15. Why fear?— Fear lest your words should savor of self-importance, lest unadvised words be spoken, lest the words and manner should not be after Christ’s likeness. Connect firmly with Christ, and present the truth as it is in Him. (Manual for Canvassers, p. 34)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

God desires every believer to be a soulwinner; and He will bless all who look to Him in confidence for wisdom and guidance. As they move guardedly, walking in wisdom’s way, and remaining true to the Lord God of Israel, the purity and simplicity of Christ, revealed in the life-practice, will witness to the possession of genuine piety. In all that they say and do, they will glorify the name of Him whom they serve.

The believer who is imbued with a true missionary spirit, is a living epistle, known and read of all men. The truth goes forth from his lips in no feigned words. His piety and zeal and consecrated judgment grow with the passing days, and the unbelieving world sees that he is in living communion with God, and is learning of Him. The words spoken by converted lips are accompanied by a power that touches the cold hearts of unbelievers; for even those who know not God are enabled to distinguish between the human and the divine.

My brethren and sisters, do you feel the sanctifying power of sacred truth in your heart and life and character? Have you the assurance that God, for the sake of His dear Son, has forgiven your sins? Are you striving to live with a conscience void of offense toward God and man? Do you often plead with God in behalf of your friends and neighbors? If you have made your peace with God, and have placed all upon the altar, you may engage with profit in soul-winning service. (Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, pp. 212, 213)

Let our words be gentle as we seek to win souls. God will be wisdom to him who seeks for wisdom from a divine source. We are to seek opportunities on every hand. We are to watch unto prayer, and be ready always to give an answer to every one who asks a reason for the hope that is in us. Lest we shall impress unfavorably one soul for whom Christ has died, we should keep our hearts uplifted to God, so that when the opportunity presents itself, we may have the right word to speak at the right time. If you thus undertake to work for God, the Spirit of God will be your helper. The Holy Spirit will apply the truth spoken in love for the soul. The truth will have quickening power when spoken under the influence of the grace of Christ. (The Publishing Ministry, p. 307)

• Lord, we praise You for who You are—You are a God of love, peace, and unity.
• We praise You for the example of unity that existed among the disciples after Pentecost.
• We thank You that You can bring unity to churches and families today.

• Father, please show us which sins to confess openly and which to confess privately. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Please forgive us for times when we have promoted disunity in the body of Christ through words or actions.
• Thank You that You forgive us according to 1 John 1:9.

• Lord, please bring Your people “to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
• Help us not to do anything “through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).
• Lord, please give us humble hearts and love for people who are difficult to live with or work with.
• Lord, please show each of us whether we are preventing unity in our church or family relationships. Please soften our hearts and bring us unity according to Your plan.
• We pray for unity among the leaders of our local church and world church.
• May every Seventh-day Adventist worldwide catch the vision of Total Member Involvement. Let each one of us become active in personal witnessing, small-group outreach, or public evangelism.
• Please send Your Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of Adventist World Radio listeners, especially in large urban areas. May church members be faithful to follow up and disciple those who are seeking You.
• Bless the collaboration of our church organization and supporting ministries in the great work of evangelistic outreach. May Your servants work together with love for each other and for You.
• Lord, please show us how to send more truth-filled literature (both printed and electronic) into our communities. Raise up literature evangelists, student volunteers, authors, media specialists, and financial supporters to spread words of hope and life.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May they let the Holy Spirit work in their lives.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• Lord, thank You for Jesus, who prayed for our unity in John 17.
• Thank You that unity in the church helps the world believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 17:21)

“God Is So Good”; “Higher Ground” (SDA Hymnal #625); “ ’Tis Love That Makes Us Happy” (SDA Hymnal #579); “Not I, But Christ” (SDA Hymnal #570); “Standing on the Promises” (SDA Hymnal #518); “Like Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #492).

The 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel were kept in the breastplate close to the heart of the High Priest. From this we learn how important it is for us to press together, to be united in Christ’s love, and to reveal this love to people, inside and outside the church.

The secret of our success in the work of God will be found in the harmonious working of our people. There must be concentrated action. Every member of the body of Christ must act his part in the cause of God, according to the ability that God has given him. We must press together against obstructions and difficulties, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart. If Christians were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under the direction of one Power, for the accomplishment of one purpose, they would move the world. (Christian Service, p. 75)

There is no higher work than evangelistic canvassing, for it involves the performance of the highest moral duties. Those who engage in this work need always to be under the control of the Spirit of God. There must be no exalting of self. What have any of us that we did not receive from Christ? We must love as brethren, revealing our love by helping one another. We must be pitiful and courteous. We must press together, drawing in even cords. Only those who live the prayer of Christ, working it out in practical life, will stand the test that is to come upon all the world. Those who exalt self place themselves in Satan’s power, preparing to receive his deceptions. The word of the Lord to His people is that we lift the standard higher and still higher. If we obey His voice, He will work with us, and our efforts will be crowned with success. In our work we shall receive rich blessings from on high and shall lay up treasure beside the throne of God. (The Colporteur Evangelist, p. 25)

Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Philippians 2:2, 3)

There is too much of an independence of spirit indulged in among the messengers. This must be laid aside, and there must be a drawing together of the servants of God. There has been too much of a spirit to ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Said the angel, “Yea, thou art thy brother’s keeper. Thou shouldst have a watchful care for thy brother, be interested for his welfare, and cherish a kind, loving spirit toward him. Press together, press together,” God designed that man should be open-hearted and honest, without affectation, meek, humble, with simplicity. This is the principle of heaven; God ordered it so. (Gospel Workers [1892], p. 259)

There is too much coldness and indifference—too much of the “I don’t care” spirit—exercised among the professed followers of Christ. All should feel a care for one another, jealousy guarding each other’s interests. “Love one another.” Then we should stand a strong wall against Satan’s devices. Amid opposition and persecution we would not join the vindictive ones, not unite with the followers of the great rebel, whose special work is to accuse the brethren, to defame and cast stain upon their characters.

Let the remnant of this year be improved in destroying every fiber of the root of bitterness, burying them in the grave with the old year. Begin the new year with more tender regard, with deeper love, for every member of the Lord’s family. Press together. “United, we stand; divided, we fall.” Take a higher, nobler stand than you ever have before. (Our High Calling, p. 370)

If Satan can excite criticism among any of the Lord’s professed people, then it is communicated like leaven from one to another. Give the spirit of criticism no quarter, for it is Satan’s science. Accept it, and envy, jealousy, and evil surmisings of one another follow.

Press together, is the command I hear from the Captain of our salvation. Press together. Where there is unity, there is strength. All who are on the Lord’s side will press together. There is need of perfect unity and love among believers in the truth, and anything that leads to dissension is of the devil. The Lord designs that His people shall be one with Him as the branches are one with the vine. Then they will be one with each other. (Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 351, 352)

Let everyone seek to answer the prayer of Christ: “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee.” Oh, what unity is this! and says Christ: “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 488, 489)

• Lord, we praise You for who You are—our Guide and Friend.
• Thank You that the Bible makes very clear Your will for us.
• We praise You for sending Jesus, who came to reveal the will of God to us.

• Father, please show us which sins to confess privately. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Forgive us for times we were unwilling to follow Your will written in Your Word.
• Thank You that You forgive us according to 1 John 1:9.

• Lord, help us to remember that Your plans for us are plans “of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
• We pray for hearts that delight to do Your will, not our own.
• May we each follow the example of Jesus, who came not to do His own will but to do the will of His Father (John 6:38).
• Lord, grant wisdom when we seek Your will for specific situations. May we seek You and obey Your Word.
• We pray for young people to understand Your will regarding the choice of life partner.
• Please lead and show Your will to those You have appointed as church leaders.
• We pray for wide distribution of Bible study guides, pamphlets, and books such as Steps to Christ. May these materials plant the seed of truth in people’s hearts and lead them to study God’s Word.
• May our church members, pastors, and leaders around the world feed on God’s Word every day. May we also seek You daily in personal prayer. Remind us that without You, we can do nothing.
• Lord, make us willing to follow You in every part of our lives. When we need to take the next step of obedience, show us what that is.
• Please revive our Sabbath School attendance around the world. Lead members and visitors to experience life-changing fellowship, mission, Bible study, and local outreach.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May the Holy Spirit reveal Your will to each one of them.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• Lord, thank You that You are willing to reveal Your will to us.
• Thank You that when we trust in You with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, and when we acknowledge You in all our ways, You will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5, 6).
• Thank You that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

“I Surrender All” (SDA Hymnal #309); “Take My Life and Let It Be” (SDA Hymnal #330); “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” (SDA Hymnal #567); “Open My Eyes That I May See” (SDA Hymnal #326); “Make Me a Captive, Lord” (SDA Hymnal #568).

The Urim and Thummim were placed on the shoulders of the High Priest and revealed God’s will to His people. It is essential for us to understand the work of Christ on our behalf and His will for our life today.

Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual must stand in his lot, at the end of the days. (Evangelism, p. 222)

In the smallest as well as the largest affairs of life the first question should be, “What is God’s will?” “To obey is betterthan sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” Christ calls upon His children to rid themselves of all selfishness, all covetousness, all impurity. “Come unto Me,” He says, “and I will give you rest.” Yield yourselves to My training. Submit your will to My will, your way to My way. Let your life be one with My life. So shall you gain treasure that will endure unto life eternal. (Signs of the Times, Feb. 19, 1902, par. 13)

What is God’s will? What shall I do to glorify God? I am pledged to serve my Saviour with undivided affection. I count everything but dross that I may win Christ. Heaven, eternal life, is worth everything to me, and Christ has died that I might come into possession of the eternal weight of glory. . . . (That I May Know Him, p. 203)

Every effort made to break away from the power of a bad habit is manly. It is God’s will that we should, by determined effort, rise to the dignity of a pure life, gaining in spiritual strength, and obtaining moral power through the exercise of the faculties which God has given us. There is joy in the presence of the heavenly angels when the youth gain decided victories in the name of Jesus. (The Youth’s Instructor,Nov. 12, 1896, par. 6) “This is the will of God,” the apostle Paul wrote, “even your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3. The sanctification of the church is God’s object in all His dealings with His people. He has chosen them from eternity, that they might be holy. He gave His Son to die for them, that they might be sanctified through obedience to the truth, divested of all the littleness of self. From them He requires a personal work, a personal surrender. God can be honored by those who profess to believe in Him, only as they are conformed to His image and controlled by His Spirit. Then, as witnesses for the Saviour, they may make known what divine grace has done for them. (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 559)

“This is the will of God” concerning you, “even your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Is it your will also? Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. God demands of you entire conformity to His law. This law is the echo of His voice saying to you, Holier, yes, holier still. Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ. Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness, the work of which God’s word declares is peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever. (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 566)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Ample provision has been made that the people of God may attain perfection of character. The apostle says, “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” Let every individual draw for himself from the inexhaustible source of all moral and intellectual power, in order that he maywork the works of righteousness. Through the cross of Calvary every facility is furnished whereby man may be in union with his fellow men, and in harmony with Christ in God. The Father says that he will love those who believe that Christ died for them, even as he loves his only begotten Son. The cross of Christ isthe assurance that we may be complete in him. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” In Christ is excellence, in him is intellectual greatness and moral efficiency. (Review and Herald,Nov. 30, 1897, par. 9)

God bids you with one hand, faith, take hold of His mighty arm, and with the other hand, love, reach perishing souls. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Follow Him. Walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Walk even as He walked. This is the will of God, even your sanctification. The work you have to perform is to do the will of Him who sustains your life for His glory. If you labor for yourselves, it can profit you nothing. To labor for others’ good, to be less selfcaring and more in earnest to devote all to God, will be acceptable to Him and be returned by His rich grace. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 170)

• Lord, we praise You that Jesus is our Intercessor.
• Thank You that as we approach You through the virtue of Christ’s merits, we are clothed with His priestly vestments.

• Father, please show us the sins that we need to confess privately. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Forgive us for times we have not fully appreciated the intercession of Jesus. May we lean on His grace.
• Thank You that You forgive us according to 1 John 1:9.

• Lord, help us to understand and appreciate the intercession that Jesus is making for us.
• Please give us a burden to intercede for others in prayer. Show each of us whom to pray for.
• We pray for parents who are interceding for children who do not love You. We pray that they will keep praying and not give up.
• We pray for those who feel hopeless. May they learn to give Jesus their burdens.
• Lord, we pray for people who are not coming to church anymore. Help us to welcome them with Your love when they return.
• Please strengthen the outreach ministries of each local church, such as Women’s Ministries, Men’s Ministries, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries, Pathfinders, Adventurers, and Adventist Community Services. Show us how to be Your hands and feet to others.
• Lord, may a mighty revival of primitive godliness sweep Your church in the final days. May we stand for truth though the heavens fall.
• Please bless the witness of Seventh-day Adventist media ministries, including social media. Help us to strive for excellence as we reach twenty-first century people with the everlasting gospel.
• Lord, give us a sense of wonder and gratitude as we contemplate the world You created. May we faithfully honor the biblical truth of creation and teach our young people to sense Your power and love in nature.
• Teach us to follow Christ’s selfless example by meeting the daily needs of people close to us. Equip us to serve as medical missionaries, community volunteers, and friends to the needy.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May they open their hearts to the Holy Spirit.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• Father, thank You that because Christ is interceding for us, we have a hope and a future.
• Thank You that the Spirit “makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
• Thank You that Jesus “is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

“What a Wonderful Savior” (SDA Hymnal #335); “There Is a Fountain” (SDA Hymnal #336); “Jesus Saves” (SDA Hymnal #340); “I Must Tell Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #485).

The censer and the incense are a symbol of Christ’s intercession for us.

As our Intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 156)

Christ, as our Mediator, at the right hand of the Father, ever keeps us in view, for it is as necessary that He should keep us by his intercessions as that He should redeem us with His blood. (Our High Calling, p. 50)

I am so thankful that we can trust in God. And the Lord is honored when we trust in Him, bringing to Him all our perplexities. . . . The Lord Jehovah did not deem the principles of salvation complete while invested only with His own love. By His own appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our Intercessor, His office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. To them He gives power, by virtue of His own merits, to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransom by His blood, by receiving and welcoming Christ’s friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and mediation of His Son. . . .

What condescension! What a privilege is granted us! Christ is the connecting link between God and man. . . . As we approach God through the virtue of Christ’s merits, we are clothed with His priestly vestments. He places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He puts His merits as sweet incense in a censer in our hands in order to encourage our petitions. He promises to hear and answer our supplications. Yes; Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. He also has become the medium of blessing between God and man. He has combined divinity and humanity. (In Heavenly Places, p. 77)

And as Christ intercedes for us, the Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing forth prayer and penitence, praise and thanksgiving. The gratitude which flows from human lips is the result of the Spirit striking the chords of the soul, awakening holy music.

The prayer and praise and confession of God’s people ascend as sacrifices to the heavenly sanctuary. But they ascend not in spotless purity. Passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by the righteousness of the great High Priest, they are not acceptable by God. Christ gathers into the censer the prayers, the praise, and the sacrifices of his people, and with these he puts the merits of his spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the incense of Christ’s propitiation, our prayers, wholly and entirely acceptable, rise before God, and gracious answers are returned. (The Youth’s Instructor, April 16, 1903, par. 11, 12)

God’s appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace is itself the highest attraction because occupied by One who permits us to call Him Father. But God did not deem the principle of salvation complete while invested only with His own love. By His appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed with our nature. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 363)

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15, 16)

No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting the supplication before the Father as His own request.

As Christ intercedes in our behalf, the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, to be enjoyed and to be communicated to others. “Ask in My name,” Christ says; “I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved Me. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace; wherefore, ‘ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.’” John 16:24. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 364)

• Lord, we thank You that You have revealed to us the signs of Your second coming.
• We praise You that Jesus is coming again to take us to be with Him forever.

• Lord, please show us which sins to confess openly and which to confess privately. We claim Your victory over those sins.
• Forgive us for becoming too comfortable in this world and failing to notice the signs of Your coming.
• Thank You that You forgive us according to 1 John 1:9

• Lord, we pray for the people around us who do not realize You are coming soon. Please awaken their hearts.
• Please show us the things in our lives that are not surrendered to You. We give these things to You and ask You to change our hearts.
• Please continue to shape our characters and prepare us for Your coming.
• Lord, draw close to people who are afraid of Your second coming. May they surrender their lives to You.
• Please use each of us to tell others the good news of Your coming.
• Show us how to meet the practical and spiritual needs of refugees. May our church be known for our love of all people, no matter who they are or where they come from.
• We especially pray for refugees from countries that are closed to the gospel. As we meet their needs and lead them to know You, please open doors so they can return to their countries and share God’s love with others.
• Father, please give us a heightened sense of urgency in our work for You. Let us live with daily hope that Jesus is coming soon to make all things well.
• Lord, bless the work of Seventh-day Adventist educators worldwide. Strengthen our schoolteachers, parents, youth leaders, and Sabbath School teachers as they prepare a generation of youth for Your service.
• We ask You to bless the work of Special Needs Ministries. Give us compassion as we meet the needs of those who are deaf or blind and those who have physical or mental challenges.
• Lord, we pray for the seven (or more) people on our individual prayer lists. May they see their need and open their hearts to the Holy Spirit.
• We also pray for the personal needs of those gathered here.

• Lord, thank You for Your promise: “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
• Thank You that You have people in every city who are hopefully looking to heaven.
• Thank You that You are working in the hearts of the people we are praying for.

“Joy By and By” (SDA Hymnal #430); “I Shall See the King” (SDA Hymnal #426); “The Glory Song” (SDA Hymnal #435); “How Far from Home” (SDA Hymnal #439); “I’m a Pilgrim” (SDA Hymnal #444); “Lo, What a Glorious Sight Appears” (SDA Hymnal #446); “O, When Shall I See Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #448).

The bells on the garment of the High Priest gave the people an audible sign that he was alive and interceding for them in the Most Holy Place. As Christ intercedes for us in the Most Holy Place, even though we cannot hear the bells on His garment, we should pay attention to signs that He is about to finish His work as High Priest and come back as a Judge and King.

Only once a year could the high priest enter into the most holy place, after the most careful and solemn preparation. No mortal eye but that of the high priest could look upon the sacred grandeur of that apartment, because it was the especial dwelling-place of God’s visible glory. The high priest always entered it with trembling, while the people waited his return with solemn silence. Their earnest desires were to God for his blessing. Before the mercy-seat, God conversed with the high priest. If he remained an unusual time in the most holy, the people were often terrified, fearing that because of their sins, or some sin of the priest, the glory of the Lord had slain him. But when the sound of the tinkling of the bells upon his garments was heard, they were greatly relieved. He then came forth and blessed the people. (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, pp. 274, 275)

As Jesus moved out of the most holy place, I heard the tinkling of the bells upon His garment; and as He left, a cloud of darkness covered the inhabitants of the earth. There was then no mediator between guilty man and an offended God. (Early Writings, p. 280) Christ had bidden his people watch for the signs of his advent, and rejoice as they should behold the tokens of their coming King. “When these things begin to come to pass,” he said, “then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” He pointed his followers to the budding trees of spring, and said: “When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” (Luke 21:28, 30, 31.) (The Great Controversy [1888], p. 308)

Christ on the Mount of Olives had spoken to His disciples of His second advent to the world. He had specified certain signs that were to show when His coming was near, and had bidden His disciples watch and be ready. Again He repeated the warning, “Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Then He showed what it means to watch for His coming. The time is to be spent, not in idle waiting, but in diligent working. (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 325)

There are in the world today many who close their eyes to the evidences that Christ has given to warn men of His coming. They seek to quiet all apprehension, while at the same time the signs of the end are rapidly fulfilling, and the world is hastening to the time when the Son of man shall be revealed in the clouds of heaven. Paul teaches that it is sinful to be indifferent to the signs which are to precede the second coming of Christ. Those guilty of this neglect he calls children of the night and of darkness. He encourages the vigilant and watchful with these words: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 260)

We feel deeply over the present state of the church whose members have long possessed a knowledge of those events which are to transpire near the close of time in fulfillment of prophetic history. Christ is coming in power and great glory, and the dead are to be “judged out of those things which are written in the books, according to their works.” The One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling his head, is soon to cease his work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom his people have looked will assume his right,—the office of Supreme Judge. “The Father . . . hath committed all judgment unto the Son. . . . And he hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” It was he, says Peter, who was ordained to “judge the quick [the living] and the dead.” “He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained.” (Review and Herald, Jan. 1, 1889, par. 1)

There is nothing holy in staying awake and praying a whole night or part of a night. However, night might be the only time when people are not busy or in a rush. We believe that your purpose should not be to stay up the whole night but to pray as long as necessary and until you have prayed for all the things you feel God wants you to pray for.

We suggest that several people lead out during the night. Be sure to have some breaks. As a leader, you can sense the atmosphere and know when a break is needed andwhen you need to move on to the next section of prayer. We suggest that you take a ten-minute break at least every ninety minutes. You can also incorporate the reading of Bible passages into your prayer time. You may want to do all of the suggested items or only some of them, depending on what it is best for your group. Feel free to change the order.

Here is our suggested format for the night of prayer:

• Start with a session of praise. Praise God in your prayers and also through songs.
• Take some time for confession,making sure that nothing is hindering God from hearing you. Give people time for private confession and have a time of corporate confession. Encourage the people to confess private sins privately and to confess publicly the public sins. In Daniel 9:1-19 we read about Daniel, who interceded and publicly confessed the sins of God’s people. Encourage people to confess publicly the sins of the church.
• Pray for the needs of those present at the prayer meeting. So many people are hurting or in need of prayer, or know someone else who is in desperate need of prayer. Make a circle, put a chair in the middle, and invite those who have a special prayer request to come one by one and share their requests. Then gather around the person and have two or three people pray for the person’s specific need and claim God’s promises. You will be surprised at how many people are hurting and in need of prayer.
• Divide the group in two.Have the females pray in one room and the males in another. Have a female leader for the female group and a male leader for the male group. Many times there are personal needs that cannot and should not be shared with everyone. It is easier to share with those of the same gender.
• After you come back together, pray for the list of needs found below. These are suggested prayer requests from the world church. Don’t feel that you must rush through the entire list. You may want to divide into small groups and have each group pray for a portion of the list.
• Pray for the seven people you have prayed for during these ten days.
• Choose a Bible passage and pray through it.
• Close the prayer time with another session of praise and thanksgiving.

• Lord, may our church lift up Christ and Him crucified and coming again. Give us a burden for lost souls.
• Please bless worldwide evangelistic outreach during the coming year. We pray especially for Total Member Involvement evangelism efforts in Japan, Zambia, and the Philippines.
• We pray for a spiritual revival among Seventh-day Adventist young people who attend public colleges and universities worldwide. May they become vibrant ambassadors for Christ.
• Lord, please bless the work of Adventist Mission. Give our workers wisdom as they coordinate church planting around the world and seek funds to send Global Mission pioneers into unreached areas.
• Bless the faithful church members who support Your work, whether their donations are large or small. Please inspire each of us to give from our hearts and receive the blessings of faithful stewardship.
• Please bless the efforts of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries as they equip chaplains and volunteers to minister in prisons, hospitals, the military, and other settings. May they bring hope and spiritual healing to Your forgotten children.
• Bless the work of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency as they meet the needs of the poor and forgotten.
• Lord, please strengthen our faith and lead us to spend more time in Bible study and prayer. Let us walk with You daily as Enoch did.
• Please turn our hearts toward eternal values rather than the distractions of this world. Protect us from worldly influences that threaten our daily spiritual experience.
• Father, let Your will be done in our lives and in our church, rather than our own will. Make us humble, teachable, and willing to embrace Your plans.
• Please lead each of us to crucify self and live by the power of Jesus. We ask especially that You will lead our young people to dedicate their entire lives to Your service.
• Lord, please raise up godly, humble church leaders who portray Christlike character in their words and actions. And show us how to support our leaders with prayer, encouragement, and willing service.
• May Your church faithfully and fully proclaim the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14. Give us wisdom to place the righteousness of Christ at the core of these messages.
• Please bless our efforts as we set up “centers of influence” in large cities of the world. Give us eyes to see the real needs of each city. Give us creativity to meet those needs. Show us how to lovingly lead others to Your Word.
• Lord, we ask You for revival and reformation in our own lives, our families, our church, and our community. Begin by changing our hearts so Your grace can flow through us to others.
• Lord, please inspire Seventh-day Adventists around the world to pray as never before. Let us plead together for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit. We ask You for the promised fulfillment of Joel 2, Hosea 6, and Acts 2.
• Please protect our young people from worldly temptations. Turn their eyes toward Jesus and help them dedicate daily time to prayer and Bible study.
• Father, please teach us how to share the Bread of Life with others. When we are weak, give us Your strength. When we are fearful, give us Your courage.
• We pray for a renewed focus on studying Daniel, Revelation, and other prophecies. Please give our church members solid hope for the future and a clear understanding of the controversy between Christ and Satan.
• Lord, teach us to study Your Word for ourselves every day. Inspire more members to participate in “Believe His Prophets” by reading the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy together as a world church.
• Help each of us to value and seek out the inspired wisdom given to our church in the Spirit of Prophecy writings. May these counsels lead us more deeply into Your Word, the Bible.
• Lord, show us how to submit our lives completely to You. Make us one in Christ. Unify us in proclaiming the last loud cry to the world.
• Lord, You have blessed our church with tremendous understanding of biblical truth. May we share it humbly and joyfully with the world around us.
• Father, please bless the efforts of small groups and house churches around the world. We ask You to raise up even more faithful members to witness aboutJesus and His beautiful character in their own neighborhoods.
• Lord, teach us how to proclaim our fundamental church beliefs with clarity, creativity, and biblical authenticity. May the love of Jesus be at the core of everything we believe.
• Please let our families reveal Your love in our homes and communities. We ask You to bring harmony into homes, heal broken relationships, protect the vulnerable from abuse, and reveal Your sanctifying power in seemingly hopeless situations.
• Lord, we pray for the thousands of Global Mission pioneers who are planting churches among unreached people. Many of them work alone or in difficult situations, so we pray for their safety, wisdom, and success.
• Bless the efforts of the Adventist Professionals’ Network. Give them divine opportunities to disciple the educated and elite in the world’s urban areas.
• We ask for special protection for church members who face daily harassment or threats to their freedom because of their religious beliefs. We pray for their wisdom and courage. May we also be inspired to live as witnesses in a world that does not know You.
• May every Seventh-day Adventist worldwide catch the vision of Total Member Involvement. Let each one of us become active in personal witnessing, small-group outreach, or public evangelism.
• Please send Your Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of Adventist World Radio listeners, especially in the large urban areas of the world. May church members be faithful to follow up and disciple those who are seeking You.
• Bless the collaboration of our church organization and supporting ministries in the great work of evangelistic outreach. May Your servants work together with love for each other and for You.
• Lord, please show us how to send more truth-filled literature (both printed and electronic) into our communities. Raise up literature evangelists, student volunteers, authors, media specialists, and financial supporters to spread words of hope and life.
• We pray for wide distribution of Bible study guides, pamphlets, and books such as Steps to Christ. May these materials plant the seed of truth in people’s hearts and lead them to study God’s Word.
• May our church members, pastors, and leaders around the world feed on God’s Word every day. May we also seek You daily in personal prayer. Remind usthat without You, we can do nothing.
• Lord, make us willing to follow You in every part of our lives. When we need to take the next step of obedience, show us what that is. Fill our lives with Your power.
• Please revive our Sabbath School attendance around the world. Lead members and visitors to experience life-changing fellowship, mission, Bible study, and local outreach.
• Please strengthen the outreach ministries of each local church, such as Women’s Ministries, Men’s Ministries, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries, Pathfinders, Adventurers, and Adventist Community Services. Show us how to be Your hands and feet to others.
• Lord, may a mighty revival of primitive godliness sweep Your church in the final days. May we stand for truth though the heavens fall.
• Please bless the witness of Seventh-day Adventist media ministries, including social media. Help us to strive for excellence as we reach twenty-first century people with the everlasting gospel.
• Lord, give us a sense of wonder and gratitude as we contemplate the world You created. May we faithfully honor the biblical truth of creation and teach our young people to sense Your power and love in nature.
• Lord, teach us to follow Christ’s selfless example by meeting the daily needs of people close to us. Equip us to serve as medical missionaries, community volunteers, and friends to the needy.
• Show us how to meet the practical and spiritual needs of refugees. May our church be known for our love of all people, no matter who they are or where they come from.
• We especially pray for refugees from countries that are closed to the gospel. As we meet their needs and lead them to know You, please open doors so they can return to their countries and share God’s love with others.
• Father, please give us a heightened sense of urgency in our work for You. Let us live with daily hope that Jesus is coming soon to make all things well.
• Lord, bless the work of Seventh-day Adventist educators at all levels around the world. Strengthen our schoolteachers, parents, youth leaders, and Sabbath School teachers as they prepare a generation of youth for Your service.
• We ask You to bless the work of Special Needs Ministries. Give us compassion as we meet the needs of those who are deaf or blind and those who have physical or mental challenges.
• We ask You to raise up medical missionaries to plant churches among the 830 people groups within the 11 countries of East-Central Africa Division.
• We ask You to raise up young people to plant churches for the 750 people groups within the 13 countries of Euro-Asia Division.
• We ask You to raise up urban missionaries to plant churches for the 806 people groups within the 20 countries of Inter-European Division.
• We ask You to raise up an army of workers to plant churches for the 948 people groups within the 38 countries of Inter-American Division.
• We ask You to raise up martyrs willing to work among the 746 people groups within the 20 countries of Middle East North Africa Union.
• We pray for Adventist business leaders to witness for Christ’s love among the 691 people groups within the 8 countries of Northern-Asia Pacific Division.
• We ask You to prepare young professionals to plant churches for the 789 people groups within the 9 countries of North American Division.
• We ask You to open opportunities for training church planting missionaries for the 676 people groups within the 9 countries of South American Division.
• We pray for the 541 people groups within the 18 countries of Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division.
• We pray for God to prepare volunteers to serve the 70 people groups within the Israel Field.
• We pray for God to call retired teachers and educators to minister to the 2,566 people groups within the 14 countries of Southern AsiaPacific Division.
• We ask You to raise up prayer warriors to intercede for the 2,568 people groups within the 4 countries of Southern Asia Division.
• We ask You to raise up prayer warriors to intercede for the 893 people groups within the 25 countries of Trans-European Division.
• We ask You to raise up nurses and doctors to plant new churches among the 1,978 people groups of the 22 countries in West-Central Africa Division.
• We ask You to raise up youth to make disciples among the 1,459 people groups within the 20 countries of South Pacific Division.
• We ask for wisdom in reaching secular cultures that have no interest in religion of any kind. Let Your Holy Spirit break down the walls that surround their hearts.
• Lord, show us how to share the gospel with Muslim people groups. We pray that they hear and respond to Your offer of grace.
• We pray for people groups in Asia, including Buddhists and Hindus. Many have never heard the name of Jesus. Give us special wisdom for understanding their needs and reaching their hearts.
• Bless us as we reach out to people enslaved by spirit worship, idolatry, and animistic beliefs. Help us to understand their worldview and introduce them to a personal Savior.
• Lord, give us success in reaching the 10/40 Window, a part of the world with so little Christian influence. Open hearts to receive the good news of Jesus. May the people see Your love in our lives.

This final Sabbath should be a time of great rejoicing in all that God has done for you and your church during the Ten Days of Prayer. Design your day to celebrate God’s goodness and mighty power. Consider how you have experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the past ten days. This Sabbath is an opportunity to rejoice in what He has done, is doing, and will do.

The needs of each congregation are unique, so please work with local leaders to develop a specific plan for your church. Some suggested items to include in your final Sabbath church service:

• Biblical Teaching on Hebrews 4:14-16: This could be a sermon or homily, or the passage could be used as a basis for weaving together stories of how God has worked during the Ten Days of Prayer.
• Testimonies: Include ample time for testimonies of answered prayer. Those who have participated in the Ten Days of Prayer should have many stories they can share with the congregation, but encourage them to be brief so that everyone can participate. Others may also have stories. It might be good to have some testimonies pre-planned, in addition to having an open sharing time.
• Prayer Time: Invite the whole congregation to join in a time of united prayer. You could lead the congregation through an interactive prayer similar to what you have used throughout the week. You can pray over a specific passage together. This could be done with people in small groups or with everyone praying together. Another option would be to have several different kinds of prayer throughout the service—praying the Scriptures, small-group, individual, congregational, silent, and so on.
• Singing: This is a day to rejoice in all God has done, and music is a great way to celebrate. If a certain song has become a theme song for your group, make sure to sing that with the whole congregation.
• Future Plans: If God has led you toward a special outreach or ministry through the Ten Days of Prayer, let your church family know about your plans and invite them to join in.
• Children/Youth: A children’s story about prayer would certainly be appropriate. Also, if you have had any children or youth involved with the regular prayer meetings, have them share their testimonies and/or lead out in a prayer time.
• Flexibility: Make sure to be flexible in your plans so that you can follow the Holy Spirit’s leading throughout the service.

All scripture NKJV

• “Ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain. The Lord willmake flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, grass in the field for everyone.” Zech. 10:1 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. . . . And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 14:26; 16:8 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater worksthan these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14 “So he answered and said to me: Thisisthe word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 4:6

• “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. 4:16 “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24 “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Ps. 50:15 “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.” Matt. 18:19 “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matt. 21:22 “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13, 14 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” John 16:23, 24 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14, 15

• “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Gen. 18:14 “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Ex. 14:14 “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it isimpossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27 “He who calls you isfaithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thess. 5:24 “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” Job 42:2 “What then shall we say to these things? If God isfor us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31, 32 “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Num. 23:19 “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on t

• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh. 1:9
• “Behold, I amwith you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”Gen. 28:15
• “Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.” Ex. 23:20
• “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will findHimif you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deut. 4:29
• “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jer. 33:3
• “Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth.” Isa. 40:4, 5
• “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Ps. 32:8
• “And the Lord, He isthe One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8
• “Who isthe man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.” Ps. 25:12
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Prov. 3:5, 6
• “If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.” Isa. 58:10, 11
• “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isa. 65:24

• “Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I amthe Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.” Jer. 24:7
• “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” Deut. 30:6
• “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezek. 36:26
• “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6
• “Therefore, if anyone isin Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17
• “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the lifewhich I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20
• “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:23, 24

• “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—ourfaith.” 1 John 5:4
• “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Rom. 8:37
• “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57
• “Fear not, for I amwith you; be not dismayed, for I amyour God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isa. 41:10
• “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Eph. 6:16
• “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the lifewhich I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20
• “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phil. 2:13
• “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal. 5:16
• “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Rom. 16:20
• “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what isthat good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom. 12:2
• “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

• “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I amthe Lord who heals you.” Ex. 15:26
• “Your sandalsshall be iron and bronze; as your days,so shall your strength be.” Deut. 33:25
• “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Ps. 103:2- 5
• “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Prov. 3:7, 8
• “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, ourfaces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peacewas upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:3-5
• “Heal me, OLord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You aremy praise.” Jer. 17:14
• “‘For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord, ‘because they called you an outcastsaying: Thisis Zion; no one seeks her.’” Jer. 30:17
• “Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” Jer. 33:6
• “But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.” Mal. 4:2
• “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14, 15

• “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” Ps. 27:14
• “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outwardman is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:16-18
• “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Gal. 6:9
• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
• “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phil. 2:13
• “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:9

• “Do not fear, nor be afraid; have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there aGod besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.” Isa. 44:8
• “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Isa. 60:1
• “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:18
• “But the Lord said to me: Do not say, ‘I ama youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.” Jer. 1:7
• “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
• “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
• “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15

The garments of the high priest were of costly material and beautiful workmanship, befitting his exalted station. In addition to the linen dress of the common priest, he wore a robe of blue, also woven in one piece. Around the skirt it was ornamented with golden bells, and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet. Outside of this was the ephod, a shorter garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white. It was confined by a girdle of the same colors, beautifully wrought. The ephod was sleeveless, and on its gold-embroidered shoulder pieces were set two onyx stones, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Over the ephod was the breastplate, the most sacred of the priestly vestments. This was of the same material as the ephod. It was in the form of a square, measuring a span, and was suspended from the shoulders by a cord of blue from golden rings. The border was formed of a variety of precious stones, the same that form the twelve foundations of the City of God. Within the border were twelve stones set in gold, arranged in rows of four, and, like those in the shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the tribes. The Lord’s direction was, “Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.” Exodus 28:29. So Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repentant, believing soul. Saysthe psalmist, “I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me.” Psalm 40:17.

At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation.

The miter of the high priest consisted of the white linen turban, having attached to it by a lace of blue, a gold plate bearing the inscription, “Holiness to Jehovah.” Everything connected with the apparel and deportment of the priests was to be such as to impress the beholder with a sense of the holiness of God, the sacredness of His worship, and the purity required of those who came into His presence.

(Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 350, 351)