Often when we need to be reminded, “It’s time,” it’s because we’ve got to shift our frame of mind from where it’s been to where it needs to go. If we were really ready to do something, it might not be necessary to mention the time at all—things would just seamlessly flow from one to another.

But with this Week of Prayer, we are all reminded that “It’s Time” for us to be more proactive in some things that we evidently have not been thinking about enough. If we had really been thinking of them, the world could be a very different place.

God has blessed His people with the tremendous privilege to hear, be empowered, live, and proclaim the last message of mercy to be given to a fallen planet:

“The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of [the Bridegroom’s] character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.”1

Over the years, we have been blessed with various means and ways to carry out this task. Have we appreciated the resources entrusted to us as we should? It has been observed: “The missionary movement is far in advance of the missionary spirit.”2

Now we see that things are becoming more difficult, and “the work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances.”3

Yes, it’s time for many things to happen on our part—the sooner the better. We are at the very door of eternity. On which platform will we stand? For which side will we speak? It’s time for the Spirit of Christ to be poured out without measure upon a people who are hungering and thirsting to receive it and share it with a world that is dying for it.

“On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the praying disciples, and they testified as to its source to all, wherever they went.

“The missionary spirit was poured out in unlimited supplies, and the disciples testified of a crucified and risen Saviour, and convinced the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come. They did just as their risen Lord had directed them to do, and began at Jerusalem to publish the gospel, in the very place where the deepest prejudice existed, and where the most confused ideas prevailed in regard to Him who had been crucified as a malefactor. Three thousand received the message, and were converted. They were not intimidated through persecution, imprisonment, and death; but they continued to speak with all boldness the words of truth, setting before the Jews the work and mission and ministry of Christ, his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension; and believers were added daily to the Lord, both of men and women.”4

Are we willing to heed the prophetic clock telling us plainly that it’s time to pray and take action in harmony with our prayers—or do we vainly try to stifle and silence the alarm under a pillow while we snooze on? The choice is ours—and the decision is now. Are we willing to be emptied of selfishness and filled with the Holy Spirit?

“It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . .

“My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit, God stands back of every promise He has made.”5

“We must pray that God will unseal the fountain of the water of life. And we must ourselves receive of the living water. Let us, with contrite hearts, pray most earnestly that now, in the time of the latter rain, the showers of grace may fall upon us. At every meeting we attend our prayers should ascend, that at this very time God will impart warmth and moisture to our souls. As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain. If we pray for the blessing in faith, we shall receive it as God has promised.”6

May our hearts be sublimely softened with the outpouring love of our wonderful Saviour during this Week of Prayer and be bountifully energized with His awesome creative power to redeem the time! Amen.