The young people's prayer-meeting and its improvement

Front matter

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Preface

If ' 'books are born, not made," I can truly say that this little volume is no exception to the rule. It is not the mechanical combination of words and sentences, but the offspring of Experience and Observation.

In its pages I have endeavored to state clearly and to explain fully, as far as I have gone, how to make the young people's prayer -meetings more interesting and profitable.

It may at first appear to some that I have entered too much into detail, but I think it will be conceded at once by all for whom I have written — the young people in Christ of all religious dedominations — that nothing has been explained too fully.

I am quite sure that we, whose duty it is to ininstruct the people, give them credit for knowledge they do not possess ; and this I say without thought of casting any reflection whatever on

them for their lack of understanding. The re-

6 Preface.

flection, if any, is rather upon those whose duty it is to impart instruction. We seem to forget that it has taken "precept upon precept; line upon line; here a little, and there a little,'' to give to us the comparatively small amount of information we possess; so we only offer "hints and suggestions, ' ' to those whom we should instruct, which are often as meaningless to them as the hieroglyphics on an Egyptian obelisk.

Let it be borne in mind , then , that I have not written for the young people of the past, but for those of the present and future — not for the experienced, but for the inexperienced, and let the value of the book be determined accordingly.

And now, little book, may God bless you on your mission of usefulness to the young men and young women, and to the boys and the girls, who have pledged, or shall pledge, themselves to be loyal to ' 'Christ and the Church. ' '

Cal. OgburNo

Riverside, Cal, Feb. 3, 1894.

Contents

Introduction. v . . . . u

Chapter I. Who Should Not Attend?

The ill-behaved— Hobby-riders, whether old or young— The habitually lugubrious— The hypercritical— The super-sensitive— Members of ' 'Mutual Admiration Societies. ' ' 17

Chapter II. Who Should Attend? *

All who are mentioned in the preceding chapter, after they reform— The officers of the church— Old people who are still young in spirit— The pastor— All Christian young men and young women— All young people who are in sympathy with the purpose of the meeting. ... 25

Chapter III. Securing Attendance

Increase the number of active members— Increase the number of associate members — Look after the absent — Have the meetings announced from the pulpit— Make use of the printing-press— Advertise the meeting in the local papers — Post invitations in hotels, depots, etc. — Distribute cards— Extend personal invitations— Use tact- House to house canvassing — Talk the meeting up — Make the meeting interesting 3i

Contents.

Chapter IV. The Social Committee And The Prayer

MEETING.

All the work of this committee auxiliary to the prayer-meeting— Members should go early— Act as a reception committee— See that the room is neat and tidy— Be bright and " sunshiny "—Greet all at the door— Act as ushers— Fill up the front seats, if you can— Introduce strangers 49

Chapter V. The Prayer -meeting Committee And Its Work

Prepare a list of topics — Secure leaders— Conduct or be present at a "leaders' conference' '— Have the general oversight of the meetings— Prevent long pauses— Assist in arranging an order of exercises— Suggestive programs 54

Chapter VI. The Work Of The Music Committee

Its importance— Co-operate with the leader in selecting appropriate hymns— Arrange for a little special singing- Give a brief history of familiar songs— Relate incidents connected with their use — Call for favorite hymns — Supplement hymns with a verse or two of some Bible song — Start hymns impromptu — Sing with the spirit — Be on time— Organize a "chorus choir"— Sing the gospel, and get others to sing it , 63

Chapter VII. The Leader's General Preparation

Preparation very necessary— Questions to be correctly an- • swered — General preparation never finished— More important than special preparation— A liberal education —

Contents.

A knowledge of God's Word— The cultivation of piety- Be prayerful— Cultivate every Christian virtue and grace— Dr. Beecher's sermon 74

Chapter VIII. The Leader's Special Preparation

Peculiarly forcible questions— Study the subject and texts — Subdivision of the topic — Arrangement of the program — Selection of an appropriate Scripture lesson— The choice of appropriate texts— Quotations from popular author— Prayer— Dr. Clark's advice— Attention to details 83

Chapter IX. Leading The Meeting

Froebel's maxim— Come early— Begin on time— Be master of the situation— Never scold— "I'm not prepared" — Speak briefly and to the point— Leaving the meeting in the hands of the society — Request to " verse-readers" —Discourage desultory Bible reading— Speak distinctly— "Ten minutes more"— Close on time or before— Have a "wider margin." 95

Chapter X. Preparing To Take Part

* c Those awful pauses"— Thorough preparation— Two special reasons for being prepared— Study the subject and the Bible— Compare text with text— Memorize choice texts— Study the prayers of the men of God- Talk about the meeting with others— Write upon the subject— " Only an idea, my dear"— Prof. Greenleaf's request— Gather up illustrations— "Pray without ceas- 'ing"— Audience fright 105

10 Contents.

Chapter XI. Taking Part

The first essential— " The true ■worshiper' '—Two commendable ways— Silent prayer— Audibly means audibly— Be natural, if you can— "Talking to kill time"— Vary the manner of participation — Take the part assigned — Do not tell how you feel— Sentence prayers— Participation by attentive listening 120

Chapter XII. The Consecration Meeting

The thermometer of the society— Repeating lessons learned before — The roll-call— An objection considered— How to keep the meeting out of ruts— The two purposes of the meeting — Self-examination and reconsecration — One duty performed does not release from others— Collective consecration— Rev. F. E. Clark quoted 131

PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS.

A catechetical meeting— Missionary meeting No. 1— Missionary meeting No. 2 — An evening .with hymn-writers and their hymns 156

The Use of the Blackboard in the Young People's Prayer -Meeting. 175

Introduction

The work of the young people has become so important that it cannot be passed in silence. The time was when grave and thoughtful men stood in doubt of it. Not wishing to stand in the way of any force to be operated in favor of the cause of Christ, and fearing, on the other hand, that the inexperience and want of discipline on the part of the leaders would cause it to fail of its purpose, and so leave the cause its adherents loved weaker than it found it, they said nothing. Their plan was , ' ' Let be , and see if Elias will come and help him ;' ' ' 'Let it alone, for if it is from men it will come to nought, but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it. ' '

But the time of waiting is over. We know now that it is a power for good. Nor do we endorse it because of its rapid growth and great numbers , but because its aims are right, its workers are willing and active, and its plans are wise.

1. The commission, ' 'Let him who hears say, (11)

12 Introduction.

Come, ' ' calls on all who know the Lord to participate in the work of turning the world to God. It is not a question of age nor sex, but of knowing the Lord, and ability and desire to work in his cause.

2. What individuals and classes of disciples can do to the best advantage in the service of their Master can, many times, be learned by trial. The ability of the Endeavor workers, for instance, has now been sufficiently tested. No reasonable doubt now remains as to this being a legitimate field, and one of the best which, at this time, they can occupy.

3. These earnest workers are nearer the young people who are out of Christ than the pastor or the older members of the church. Hence they can reach them easier and do them more good than any others.

4. They are more active in the work than are the older members. Their hope is stronger and their blood is warmer. They will go when and where the older ones will not and can not go. And the pastor who does not have the assistance of a young people's society is unfortunate, to say the least. The only pure church is the one that is active in the service of the Lord. Where

Introduction. 13 all are workers there will be no grumblers , and no cases of discipline.

5. The effects of this movement are the diffusion of Biblical knowledge, the adoption of practical methods for the evangelization of the world, and the unity of all the people of God. As they have no creed but Christ, they cease to feel the influence of sectarianism. Maturing under these conditions , they will ever work and pray for the unity of the people of God.

6. I have long felt the need of a work which would set before these enthusiastic workers for Christ principles and orders which would assist them in their work. And I am delighted in the prospect before me. The book to which you are now introduced has been carefully written by Cal. Ogburn, of Riverside, California. I remember him as one of the best and most faithful of my students in Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. lam charmed with the book itself: it is just the work which is needed at the present time; its characteristics are correctness, clearness, adequacy, force, brevity. May the blessing of God rest and remain upon the book, the author, and the many thousands who read it and follow its wise -hearted suggestions.

D. R. DUNGAN.

Young People's Prayer-Meeting

THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S PRAYER-MEETING AND ITS IMPROVEMENT.

Chapter I. Who Should Not Attend?

HThe prayer-meeting should have for its * object the cultivation of the devotional spirit. If persons without this desire are in the majority, or if there are even enough of them present to make their presence felt, they will injure or ruin the meeting. They create an atmosphere that is decidedly malarious. The devotional sentiment is soon poisoned and dies.

It has often happened, and will doubtless happen again, that a meeting that has been planned for and prayed over by a devout few, and has been looked forward to with joy, has been made a miserable failure by those being present who were en-

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tirely out of sympathy with the purpose of the meeting. Who, then, should come to a young people's prayer-meeting? This is a vexed question, and one that it is difficult to settle practically. No rule can be made that will always be effective. No two communities or congregations of young people are exactly alike. Sanctified common sense must be used in all cases in deciding this matter. It is safe to say, however, that persons should not come who are ill-behaved when present. It is a sad fact that there are those who think themselves young men and young women, and who would be greatly insulted if they should be charged with lacking the principal element of true manhood or womanhood — due respect for the house and people of God — who attend the meetings with more or less regularity and, as regularly as they come, misbehave in. a shameful manner. Prayer-meetings have been laughed and whispered out of existence. Save the "giggling girls" and the "smart young fellows," who are usually with them, if you can, but do not sacrifice the prayer-meeting. Patience, even, sometimes ceases to be a virtue. If the meetings are losing in interest from time to time, silent forbearance with the disturbers must end.

Sometimes to have a pious middle-aged or elderly member of the church attend the meetings and sit near those who are in the habit of misbehaving will obviate the necessity for doing anything more to secure good order. Care should be taken, if this is done, to select some one in whom they have the utmost confidence as to his being a true Christian. Not to do this is to make a bad matter much worse.

If this does not effect a reformation, it is better to ask the pastor or one or more of the elders or deacons to talk to them privately about their lack of respect for the people who meet to worship God, than for the young people to take the case in hand. Unless you are quite certain there are young people in the society who have great influence over them, turn the whole matter over to the official board of the church, where it properly belongs.

Hobby-riders, whether old or young, should stay away. Theoretically it would be very appropriate to have a placard above the door bearing the words, "No admittance to religious cranks and hobby-riders," but practically it would be perfectly useless to do so, for they would be the last persons in the world to apply it to themselves. About the only way to deal effectually with them is to tell them privately and plainly, face to face, that the prayer-meeting is not the place for them to parade their pet chargers; that nobody cares who Cain's wife was, or what became of " the lost ten tribes of Israel." They may take offense and remain away altogether. If so, congratulate yourselves that " their room is better than their company." It is utterly impossible to reform a chronic religious crank — one who is forever dilating upon some wild theory. Do not waste time and patience in trying to bring about a reformation, for "Ephraim is joined to his idols: let him alone."

All who are habitually lugubrious should not come. Fortunately for themselves and others this is a very limited class. But one or two can kill a prayer-meeting. His very appearance is sad and dolorous. You would think he had lost all his friends but for the absence of the antiquated crape hat-band, and you even feel like presenting him with a whole bolt of crape, thinking that probably in his extreme sorrow he had overlooked that sacred badge of mourning and index to a broken heart. The whole congregation cannot sing, "Joy to the World " or "Blessed Assurance " loud enough to drown his deep sighs. Occasionally he places his handkerchief to his face to absorb the solitary, and to him very welcome, tear that steals down his cheek. He knows that death or some impending disaster is near at hand. These are very degenerate days to him. He looks only on the dark side of everything. If he calls for a hymn to be sung it is "Hark from the Tomb." His favorite passage of Scripture is Ps. 90:10. His favorite poem Burns' "Man was made to Mourn." He cannot understand why anyone, and especially young people, should be so light-hearted. He is an east wind to the prayer-meeting. Keep him away.

The hypercritical should not attend. There are a few persons in every community who seem to have been born in the "objective case." Nothing suits them. They are never happy, but the nearest approach to it is when they can find, or make, which it is not hard for them to do, an opportunity to unmercifully criticise some one. They are as often found at the prayer-meeting as anywhere, and invariably for the one purpose for which they live — to criticise. They are nothing if not critical. These self-appointed critics will tell you the singing was perfectly awful, the prayers dull and prosy, the remarks of the leader rambling and disjointed, though he, as often probably she, neither sang, or prayed, or uttered a single sentence. She seldom does. She does not attend for that purpose. You can tell that by the turn of her nose and the curl of her lip, which indicate anything but a devotional spirit. She is not present at every meeting. Her refined ethical nature can not bear the strain. She is sure to be present, however, at all special meetings and upon all important occasions. Bless her dear life! how much occasion she gives for the cultivation of at least one Christian virtue — patience.

Super-sensitive people should absent themselves from the prayer-meeting. How uncomfortable they are, even in the house of God. They are always being slighted by some one or everyone. The more attention they receive the more they demand. They are more exacting than Shylock. They will not tolerate any recognition of others, for it is always at their expense. Poor, silly, sensitive, selfish soul ! How I pity you ! I know you are rather a rare specimen, and for that reason you would probably be more comfortable in a dime museum than at a young people's prayer-meeting. I advise you, therefore, to place yourself on exhibition in some third-rate "museum of wonders."

All who belong to any " Mutual Admiration Society" should remain away. The motto of these societies is not "For Christ and the Church," but, "You compliment me, and I'll compliment you." If self-praise is half scandal, then the fulsome flattery of each other by the members of these societies is all scandal. It is a shameful, sinful thing to do. Avoid hypocrisy as you would the deadliest poison, as in fact it is. Never bestow an empty, meaningless compliment. Neither by hint or insinuation, or in any other manner, indicate your desire to receive such. Be too Christ-like to ever do anything to receive praise of men. Compliment the deserving in an honest, modest way, but do not flatter them. If at any time inclined to be anything but true and honest in the sight of God in this matter, read Matt. 25: 1-33.

Chapter II. Who Shall Attend?

T^his question is quite as important as * the one discussed in the preceding -chapter. There should be no imitation of the old man's prayer for salvation — "Me and my wife, my son and his wife, we four and no more" — in answering this question. There should be nothing selfish or clannish connected with it. The prayer-meeting must not be for the benefit (?) of a select few. It should he entirely in the interest of all for whom a young people's prayer-meeting is by its very name intended. All should attend who will assist either directly or indirectly in making it more interesting and profitable, or who will be benefited by being present.

All who are mentioned in the preceding chapter should attend, but with the express understanding that they first reform. Why should anyone by his constant misbehavior disturb and annoy others who are worshiping God? Why should the religious crank repeatedly canter about on his carefully-groomed steed to the utter disgust of those who must witness his monotonous performance? Why should the "graveyard Christian" be there to pour into unwelcome ears his doleful story? Why should the captious, caviling critic, like some hundred-eyed Argus, be present with his compound microscope to magnify the faults and shortcomings of others? Why should the "sensitive plant" come when she knows so well how the slightest touch will cause her such intense pain? And why should the members of the "Mutual Admiration Society" be at the meeting with their selfish pride and vanity? Certainly the folly and sinfulness of such conduct only need to be pointed out, seen and realized to lead to repentance and reformation.

' 'Oh, wad some power the giftie gie us To see oursels as ithers see us,

It wad from mony a blunder free us , And silly notion. ' '

The officers of the church should be present. Sometimes it is urged as an objection against the Y. P. S. C. E. that " it has a tendency to alienate the young people from the church." A very strange thing indeed when its motto is, "For Christ and the Church;" when a clause in the pledge, without which there can can be no true Christian Endeavor Society, binds the members to "support their own church in every way, especially by attending all her regular Sunday and mid-week services;" and when Article IX. of the model constitution, which has been adopted by most societies, declares that "this society being a part of the church, the pastor, deacons, elders or stewards, and Sunday-school superintendent shall be ex-officiis honorary members. Any difficult question may be laid before them for advice."

I think it is quite possible that this objection has been raised by persons who did not fully understand the principles of the society, or it may have been occasioned by Endeavorers not being true to their pledge. In either case let the officers of the church attend the prayer-meeting and render what assistance they can to make it more helpful to all. This their experience and good judgment will enable them to do in many ways. They can probably render the greatest assistance as the aged woman helped the young women who had banded themselves together in a missionary society. She was always present at their meetings, but remained silent. When asked why she attended so regularly, her reply was, i 'To smile on them." Let the officers be at the meeting, not to "run it," but to encourage the young people. Go and "smile on them." It will be like smiling at a mirror — they will smile back at you. Old people, who are still young in spirit, might attend occasionally with pleasure and profit both to themselves and the young members. It might be better for them to take the advice sometimes given to children, "Be seen, not heard," especially for much speaking. Engage heartily in the singing and responsive reading, but do not take any further part, especially if there are enough young people present to fully occupy the time, unless invited to do so, and then be brief— please be very brief. Do not "feel slighted" if you are not invited to "say a word." The leader means no disrespect toward you. Remember the meeting is for young people. You are there to encourage and help them by your presence.

The pastor should be present at the meeting. This is to both pastor and society a matter of great importance. How can the pastor keep in touch with the young people of his congregation to guide and help them in their religious life if he is habitually absent from their prayer-meetings? If he cannot attend — which is hardly possible — he should give the reason for being absent. Fellowpastor, do not allow your young people to believe that you have not interest enough in their welfare to attend their meetings. If they have that opinion of you, your power over them for good is at an end.

Sometimes it is claimed that the presence of the pastor is embarrassing. If this claim is ever justly founded there must be something wrong in the relation between that pastor and his young people. This is an unnatural condition. Are the children embarrassed in their father's presence? No more should the young members of the church be in their pastor's presence.

The trouble when it exists may be on the side of the pastor principally, and that too without his being conscious of it. In taking part from time to time in the young people's prayer-meetings, he may display his knowledge of Greek and Hebrew in his exegesis of Scripture, may delve into the mysteries of the sciences, or explore the mazes of metaphysics, quite forgetful of the fact that he is addressing young people. They soon come to the conclusion that they ara in the presence of one who is vastly their superior, and that to attempt to say anything will only display their lack of wisdom, and they very naturally feel embarrassed. The remedy is at hand and is easily applied. The preacher should come down from the throne where he has unintentionally placed himself, and be one of the young people.

On the other hand the principal cause of embarrassment may be a misunderstanding of the pastor by the young people. They do not confide in him as they should; do not realize that his chief object in being present at their meetings is to help and encourage them; that he would be the last person in the world to criticise or find fault with any attempt on their part, however blundering and awkward it might be, to take part in the meeting. A careful consideration of this matter will remove all occasion for embarrassment.

It is well for the pastor sometimes to lead the meeting, taking his turn as one the young people. He should be cordial in his manner, and his remarks should be simple and brief. He should endeavor to make every one present feel that it would be a pleasure to take part in the meeting, and he should try to make it easy for them to do so. He should leave many loose ends that can be easily taken hold of by others. Avoid conveying the impression in the beginning that " we are about to have an awfully solemn time."

All Christian young men and young women should come. Not only those who are members of the society, but all who are Christians. There is some danger of laying such stress on the society that young Christians who are not members of it will not feel that they are welcome at the prayer-meeting. In making the announcements of the meeting, from time to time, all Christian young people ought to receive a cordial invitation to attend. And when they come they should be made to feel "at home," and be invited to take part in the meeting.

All young people who are in sympathy with the object of the meeting should be present. This will include not only the associate members, but many others who have not signed the pledge.

As far as it is possible, give each one present something appropriate to do to make the meeting more interesting. Everyone should have a hymn book whether he can sing or not. Bibles should be provided for all. Many will read quotations if handed to them with the request to do so. Strive to use every person in such a way that he will contribute to the profitableness of the meeting. This should be planned for by the leader and Prayer-meeting Committee when arranging the program or order of exercises for the meeting. This is an important matter, and ought to receive due attention at the proper time.

Chapter III. Securing Attendance

TVTot the least factor in a successful

* ^ prayer-meeting is a large attendance.

Double the number of persons present

and, other things being equal, you will

more than double the interest and power

of the meeting. A young man said, "I

will be one of a dozen to take part, but I

cannot be one of a few." To be sure it

is very possible to have an interesting and

profitable meeting when there are but

few present, for it is the assurance of the

Master that "Where two or three are

gathered together in my name, there am I

in the midst of them." Matt. 18 :20.

The most essential thing of all is to

meet in the name of Christ. Then the

greater the number of such persons there

are together the better for the interest of

the meeting.

To secure a larger attendance, increase (34)

the number of active members in the society. These are pledged " to be present at, and to take part, aside from singing, in every Christian Endeavor prayer-meeting." If they are true to their pledge, as all real Endeavorers are, they can always be relied on.

Somebody asked an old soldier who was in charge of a gun commanding an important point at the Battle of Waterloo, what he could see while the battle was in progress. " See," said he, "nothing but smoke and dust." "What did you do? " " Stood by my gun."

That is what everyone does who has taken the Christian Endeavor pledge in good faith. He stands by the prayer-meeting.

Wayland Hoyt has beautifully observed concerning the "typical prayer-meeting of the New Testament," an account of which is given in the second chapter of Acts, that "it was an attended prayer-meeting. 'TJiey were all with one accord in one place.' Peter was not absent because it happened to be a little hot, and

James was not away because it happened to be a little cool, and Bartholomew was not away because it happened to be a little wet, and Matthew was not away because his toga was a little worn, and Mary was not absent because her veil had gotten to be a little out of style, and Salome and Andrew did not refuse to fill their places because just then there happened to be a party in Jerusalem, and James the Less was not away because he thought that Peter was taking a little too much to himself and was just a little officious. Not for any reasons like these or for any other reasons imaginable was any one away. It was an attended prayer-meeting. They were all with one accord in one place. Oh, the enthusiasm of numbers ! Oh, the holy contagion of religious elbow touch! Oh, the power of presence! And this typical prayer-meeting had all these. It was an attended prayer-meeting."

Increase the number of associate members. These "promise to attend the prayer-meetings of the society habitually," and by taking part in many appropriate ways, besides their presence being helpful and stimulating to others, they add very much to the interest of the meeting. Their presence should be an incentive to the active members to make the meetings as interesting as possible, with the end in view that they may be led thereby to take a decided stand for Christ. This should never be lost sight of by those who are already Christians.