This year 1998 is coming to its close. As we glance retrospectively to the days that have passed, we can say with the prophet: “Ebenezer, . . . Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12. It is by God’s mercy that we have been brought safely to another week of prayer. The Lord has been very gracious to every one of us; He has preserved our lives, and has granted us health and strength. He has provided our daily bread, clothing, dwelling place, and much more. His patience has been manifested in that He has given us another opportunity to experience a deeper and truer consecration in the coming year, more than we have had in the year just passing into eternity.

“The Christian Family” is the subject for this week of prayer.We thank God for the Christian families that are among us, because they are as shining lights in society. In order to have good churches and a good society, practical Christianity in the family is the only answer. During this week of prayer special provisions should be made for those who are unable to come to the meetings because of different circumstances (sickness, isolation, etc.). They should not be forgotten. Let some of the officers of the church be appointed to take the readings to them.

Differences that might exist among the brethren should be settled before the week of prayer. Evil surmisings, evil speaking, and criticizing, which bar the working of the Holy Spirit, should be overcome and forsaken. Our hearts should be cleansed and our consciences purged from all evil, so that the Spirit of God may work powerfully among His people.We should not let the arm of the Lord go until we feel that we are really blessed, as did Jacob.

Sabbath, December 12, is suggested to be a specialday of fasting and supplication. Although some

brethren are not able to fast, those who can are invited to join the whole worldwide church in this service of fasting and prayer. The time usually devoted for the meal should be employed with seasons of prayer. On the last day of the week of prayer, Sunday, December 13, a special offering will be collected and used to spread the work of God in foreign missions.We appeal to the brethren to bring to the Lord an offering with sacrifice, not just an ordinary offering. The blessings of the Lord will be upon all who cheerfully bring to Him a thanksgiving offering. When the offering is collected, Bible texts or hymns of praise in which all may take part, may be presented.

It is our earnest prayer that the Lord may richly bless all who take heed of the messages of this week of prayer. May the Lord help us all, and bless our families, so that we may stand as a bulwark against the tide of corruption prevailing in the world.We sincerely wish that the coming year may be a blessed one.