THE CALL TO PRAYER

Evening Star, Issue 24290, 3 September 1942, Page 4

THE CALL TO PRAYER

INTERCESSORY SERVICES His Majesty tho King appointed to-day, tho third anniversary of the outbreak of war, as a day of national prayer throughout the Empire. During the day in Dunedin thousands of citizens have flocked to their churches at His Majesty’s bidding. In the Town Hall two civic intercessory services, arranged by the Otago branch of the National Council of Churches, at the request of the mayor, Mr A. H, Allen, wore held. On each occasion there was a very • large congregation. The first service was led by Dean Crnickshank, who read an explanatory statement prepared by the council. The text was as follows: “ Tho Otago Regional Committee of the National Council of Churches desires this meeting to grasp the fact that the privileges of intercession carry great responsibilities. In presuming to pray for others, wo must see that we ourselves are striving to obey God with all our powers of body, mind, and soul. Prayer consists in bringing our wills into conformity with God’s will. That is a life-long task of great difficulty, not an effort of 25 minutes (extremely helpful as that may be), in response to the summons of His Majesty, our earthly King. Prayer is a mental attitude of obedience to God, and a reliance on_ His mercy and His grace, our source of unfailing power. It is to be ‘ without ceasing ’ (our lives are our prayers). It is to be unselfish, it is to be heart searching, not bombarding the Lord to do our will, but beseeching Him that we may do His will.” The second service was conducted by the Rev. J. Ewen Simpson, and in the absence of the mayor, Mr D. C. Cameron occupied tho chair on both occasions. OTHER SERVICES. In First Church intercessory services, arranged by tho Presbytery of Dunedin, were held every half-hour, and were conducted by ministers from various churches and representatives of the P.W.M.U., tho Theological students, and young people’s Bible class. In St. Paul’s Cathedral, there were celebrations of holy communion at 7.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m., and an intercessory service at 3.30 p.m. In St. Joseph’s Cathedral Mass was said at 6.45 am. and 9 a.m., and throughout the day worshippers made visits to the Blessed Sacrament. At the Dowling Street Citadel services were conducted by tho Salvation Army.

At the Rotary Club luncheon the speaker was the Rev. W. Allen Stevely, who took as his subject, ‘ National Prayer.’ This evening further intercessory services will be held in many of the churches. AUCKLAND. There _ was a crowded attendance at the citizens’ intercessory service in the Town Hall this morning. The mayor, Mr Allum, presided, and the service was conducted by representatives of the leading non-episcopal churches. The principal speaker, the Rev. J. D. Smith, made a plea for a new sense of personal responsibility for that portion of the common effort which falls to each citizen. He expressed gratitude to the King for his leadership. Services were also held during the day at the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches and at the Synagogue.—Press Association.