DAY OF'INTERCESSION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2659, 3 January 1916, Page 3

DAY OF'INTERCESSION

Yesterday was observed as a day of intercession in connection with tho war in the Anglican Churches of the Diocese of Wellington. In the course of his sermon at St. Paul's pro-Cathedral, at the morning service, the Rev. A. M. Johnson briefly reviewed the happenings of tho past year, and referred to some of the changes 'which have taken place in our ideas as regards tho war. A year ago people were prophesying as to when the struggle would be over. Ailother winter campaign was then regarded by most people as out of the question. But no one dares to prophesy now. The happenings of the vear 1915, with all its heroism willing sacrifices, should make us think and make us pray. Wo heave learnt many lessons. Wo do not • now despise _ tho poiver of our enemies. The spirit of jingoism and arrogance has gone. We have gained ill steadiness, and the sure conviction of tho righteousness of our cause has brought us nearer to God. We have learnt that a man's usefulness does not consist in the depth of his pocket, but in the service which he can render to his country. Special attention was given to the "Day of Intercession" in the Presbyterian Church. , The Rev. William Sbirer, preaching at St.' James's, Wellington South, on "Intercessions for All Men," said there was a special call at this time to give attention to this duty in private prayer, and in the public worship of the Church. We might be reminded of certain apparent anomalies and admitted mysteries, but in full view of all these true men and women, according to tho light they had, would continue to offer prayers of intercession. They knew that blessing came through the prayers of others. They desired' in reverent humility to join in these prayers of intercession. The preacher quoted the words of'S. D. Gordon, "Communion and petitiou are of necessity self-wide; intercession is world-wide in its reach." Examples were given of those who had made prayers of intercession so prominent m true religious life. Thousands ivere now, he believed, offering daily intercession for those who at home and abroad, in the spirit of self-sacrifice, were seeking to defend the Empire and gain victory for a righteous cause. Those for whom intercession was made wore many, far away, but those who prayed and thoso prayed for were alike in the presence of Him who "ever liveth'to make intercession."