Question

Can Prayer Meetings Be Used To Avoid Making Important Decisions?

Bible Answer

Malachi 2:13-14 (NKJV) 13 And this is the second thing you do:
You cover the altar of the Lord with tears,
With weeping and crying;
So He does not regard the offering anymore,
Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands.
14 Yet you say, “For what reason?”
Because the Lord has been witness
Between you and the wife of your youth,
With whom you have dealt treacherously;
Yet she is your companion
And your wife by covenant.

Inspired Answer

"There are solemn and important decisions to be made at this meeting, and God wants every one of us to stand in right relation to Him. He wants us to do a great deal more praying and <a great deal> less talking. He wants us to keep the windows of the soul opened heavenward. The threshold of heaven is flooded with the light of God’s glory, and God will let this light shine into the heart of everyone who at this meeting will stand in right relation to Him. {Ms29-1901 (March 28, 1901) par. 14}   Some have said that they thought that at this meeting several days ought to be spent in prayer to God for the Holy Spirit, as at the day of Pentecost. I wish to say to you that the business which may be carried on at this meeting is just as much a part of the service of God as prayer. The business meeting is to be just as much under the dictation of the Spirit as the prayer meeting. There is danger of our getting a sentimental, impulsive religion. Let the business transacted at this meeting stand forth in such sacredness that the heavenly host can approve it. We are to guard most sacredly the business lines of our work. Every line of business carried on here is to be in accordance with the principles of heaven." {Ms29-1901 (March 28, 1901) par. 15}

Further Thoughts

The context of this statement is a General Conference meeting when delay tactics were being used to prevent needed changes being made. It is possible to "cover the altar" with our tears, all the while avoiding to do the things that God has commanded.