How does the presence of unbelievers affect prayer meetings?
2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
Matthew 18:19-20 "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
"The enemy knows well that the united strength of all his forces is weakness when opposed against that of two or three faithful servants of Christ. Therefore he does not contend openly, but comes masked. He agrees with the little company of worshipers on many points of truth, and professes great love for the cause of God. He learns the language of Christian experience and fellowship, and gains position, confidence, and sympathy. But he is not correct in faith; unbelief is urged upon them, and the spirit of darkness prevails. Thus it has been for years; thus it will continue to be. The enemy will obtain advantage, and the children of light know not how much they lose by being ignorant of his devices. Prayers are hindered, faith is paralyzed, and a dead formality is the result. {RH January 27, 1885, par. 5} There can be no half-way work in the service of God. The Lord is a jealous God; and he requires the sincere affection and unreserved confidence of those who profess to worship him. He will not tolerate evil. Said the psalmist, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” But he listens to prayers that are offered in contrition and humility of soul. Sincere expressions of mutual faith, hope, and love will make the hour of social worship wholly profitable. But one sinner or deceiver in the meeting will do great harm. Better have a very few true-hearted worshipers than to have a much larger number composed of persons not in harmony with one another and with the truth. “Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” {RH January 27, 1885, par. 6}
In sharing the above quote, I am aware of the danger of misunderstanding.
The paragraphs come from an article entitled, "Thoroughness of Christian Work," and is about diligence in working in the city of Portland, Maine. Asking whether the members will "do their part to carry on the good work," Ellen White calls for the members to "fight manfully, not their own battles, but the battles of the Lord." She also reminds that Satan, aware of the strength of unity, will introduce disharmony in relationships and understandings of truth.
In this quotation she is not saying that only perfect people should pray. None of our prayers are good enough in and of themselves. That is why Jesus is praying and interceding for us in the Heavenly Sanctuary.
Nor is she suggesting that we should have a tribunal on the lives of the church members and only allow certain people to attend.
She is reminding us that cherished sin will get in the way of answers. Accordingly all of the people attending prayer meeting should be encouraged to seek to be right before God prior to attending.
She also makes a strong statement that disunity will get in the way of answers. Getting into right relationship with others is therefore also a necessary preparation for prayer meeting.
As a result, she says, "Better have a very few true-hearted worshipers than to have a much larger number composed of persons not in harmony with one another and with the truth."—Dan