Prayer

Ellen G. White

Copyright © 2011, Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-61253-753-5
 Table of Contents
Information about this Book

Preface
Chapter 1—God Invites Us To Pray
Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer
Chapter 3—God Hears Prayer
Chapter 4—Prayer And Soul Winning
Chapter 5—God’s Promises Concerning Prayer
Chapter 6—The Prayer Of Faith
Chapter 7—Prayer And Obedience
Chapter 8—Prevailing Prayer
Chapter 9—Prayer Power
Chapter 10—Reasons to Pray
Chapter 11—Answered Prayer
Chapter 12—Prayer and Revival
Chapter 13—Men and Women of Prayer
Chapter 14—Daily Prayer
Chapter 15—Jesus’ Example in Prayer
Chapter 16—Private Prayer
Chapter 17—Prayer in the Home Circle
Chapter 18—Prayer and Worship
Chapter 19—Attitudes in Prayer
Chapter 20—Praying In The Name of Jesus
Chapter 21—Divine Guidance Through Prayer
Chapter 22—Prayer for the Sick
Chapter 23—Prayer for Forgiveness
Chapter 24—Intercessory Prayer
Chapter 25—Angels and Prayer
Chapter 26—Counterfeit Prayers
Chapter 27—Satan and Prayer
Chapter 28—Prayer in the Last Days
Chapter 29—The Privilege of Prayer
Chapter 30—The Lord’s Prayer
Chapter 31—Asking to Give
Chapter 32—Faith and Prayer
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 Preface
The Scriptures admonish us to “pray without ceasing.” This does not
mean that we are to spend all of our time on our knees in formal prayer. It
does mean that we must live and serve our Lord in the atmosphere of
prayer.
Prayer is the channel of communication between our souls and God.
God speaks to us through his word; we respond to him through our prayers,
and he always listens to us. We cannot weary or burden Him by our
frequent heart to heart communications.
We have come to serious times. Events in our world call upon every
follower of Christ to be totally in earnest in our relationship with God. To
strengthen this relationship and satisfy our emotional and spiritual needs,
we must learn the power of prayer. We must plead with the Lord, like the
disciples of old, saying, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
That God is willing and ready to hear and to respond to our heartfelt
prayers under all circumstances is profoundly reassuring. He is a loving
Father who is interested both when things are going well and when the
vicissitudes of life deal us devastating, tough, and terrible blows. When we
feel like crying out, “God, where are You?” It is good to know that He is
just a prayer away.
One writer has said, “more things are wrought by prayer than this world
dreams of.” It is also true of the church. “A revival of true Godliness among
us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be
our first work” (Selected Messages 1:121). God will do things for us when
we pray that He will not do if we do not pray (The Great Controversy, 525).
We acknowledge that we need the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. But this
can be accomplished only as we pray individually and collectively. When
God’s people pray earnestly, sincerely, individually, and collectively, God
will answer. Great things will happen in and among God’s people. And the
world will feel the impact as the Holy Spirit comes to equip and empower
his people.
We believe this book will find a ready reception among people of all
backgrounds. As we read the selections from Ellen G. White on the vital
subject of prayer, we will find our hearts strangely and warmly stirred.
These messages will hit home to our souls. Conviction on many points
expressed will find lodgment in our hearts, evoking an echoing response to
measure up to God’s call to a deeper and richer prayer life.
“Our Heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of his
blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless
love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little. God is ready and willing to
hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children.... Why should the
sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in
the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse where are treasured the
boundless resources of omnipotence?” (Steps to Christ, 94, 95).
Board of Trustees of the Ellen G. White Estate [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
 Chapter 1—God Invites Us To
Pray
Linked with God through prayer—It is a wonderful thing that we can
pray effectually; that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering
their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this,—to be
linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of
speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the
Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way,
and He says, I am at thy right hand.
We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in
companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may
breathe out our heart’s desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word
cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the
soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of
machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.
Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage,
increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not
come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the
way and at the time that will best [8] meet your need. The prayers you offer
in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to
your expectations, but always for your good.—(Gospel Workers, 258.)
Jesus invites us to pray—The Lord gives us the privilege of seeking
Him individually in earnest prayer, of unburdening our souls to Him,
keeping nothing from Him who has invited us, “Come unto Me, all ye that
labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Oh, how grateful we
should be that Jesus is willing and able to bear all our infirmities and
strengthen and heal all our diseases if it will be for our good and for His
glory.—(Medical Ministry, 16.)
 “Come unto Me,” is His invitation. Whatever your anxieties and trials,
spread out your case before the Lord.—(The Desire of Ages, 329.)
Tell Jesus all your needs—There are few who rightly appreciate or
improve the precious privilege of prayer. We should go to Jesus and tell
Him all our needs. We may bring Him our little cares and perplexities as
well as our greater troubles. Whatever arises to disturb or distress us, we
should take it to the Lord in prayer. When we feel that we need the presence
of Christ at every step, Satan will have little opportunity to intrude his
temptations. It is his studied effort to keep us away from our best and most
sympathizing friend. We should make no one our confidant but Jesus. We
can safely commune with Him of all that is in our hearts.—(Testimonies for
the Church 5:200, 201.)
Opening the heart to a friend—Prayer is the opening of the heart to
God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God
what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring
God down to us, but brings us up to Him.
When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He
directed them to present their daily needs before God, [9] and to cast all
their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions
should be heard, is assurance also to us.—(Steps to Christ, 93.)
God welcomes us to his audience chamber—We come to God by
special invitation, and He waits to welcome us to His audience chamber.
The first disciples who followed Jesus were not satisfied with a hurried
conversation with Him by the way; they said, “Rabbi, ... where dwellest
Thou? ... They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that
day.” John 1:38, 39. So we may be admitted into closest intimacy and
communion with God. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most
High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1. Let those
who desire the blessing of God knock and wait at the door of mercy with
firm assurance, saying, For Thou, O Lord, hast said, “Everyone that asketh
receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be
opened.”(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 131.)
An exalted privilege—When in trouble, when assailed by fierce
temptations, they [God’s children] have the privilege of prayer. What an
exalted privilege! Finite beings, of dust and ashes, admitted through the
mediation of Christ, into the audience chamber of the Most High. In such
exercises the soul is brought into a sacred nearness with God, and is
renewed in knowledge, and true holiness, and fortified against the assaults
of the enemy.—(An Appeal to Mothers, 24.)
Prayer is both a spiritual necessity and a privilege—Those who have
professed to love Christ, have not comprehended the relation which exists
between them and God, ... They do not realize what a great privilege and
necessity are prayer, repentance, and the doing of the words of Christ.—
(Selected Messages 1:134.)
Prayer enables us to live in the sunshine of his presence—It is our
privilege to open our hearts, and let the sunshine of Christ’s [10] presence
in. My brother, my sister, face the light. Come into actual, personal contact
with Christ, that you may exert an influence that is uplifting and reviving.
Let your faith be strong and pure and steadfast. Let gratitude to God fill
your hearts. When you rise in the morning, kneel at your bedside, and ask
God to give you strength to fulfil the duties of the day, and to meet its
temptations. Ask Him to help you to bring into your work Christ’s
sweetness of character. Ask Him to help you to speak words that will
inspire those around you with hope and courage, and draw you nearer to the
Saviour.—(Sons and Daughters of God, 199.)
Our prayers never burden or weary God—There is no time or place
in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing
that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer.
In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may
send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah
when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion
may be found wherever we are. We should have the door of the heart open
continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a
heavenly guest in the soul.
Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we
need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may
close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the
soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts
are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier
atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with
heaven.
 We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller
comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to
fill the hearts of God’s children; and that this may be accomplished, we
should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things.
Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath
of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every
unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower
turns to the sun. [11]
Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before
God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the
hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. “The Lord
is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:11). His heart of love is
touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him
everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for
He holds up worlds. He rules over all the affairs of the universe.
Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to
notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there
is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel.... The relations between
God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another
soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He
gave His beloved Son.—(Steps to Christ, 99, 100.)
A foretaste of heaven—Rest yourself wholly in the hands of Jesus.
Contemplate His great love, and while you meditate upon His self-denial,
His infinite sacrifice made in our behalf in order that we should believe in
Him, your heart will be filled with holy joy, calm peace, and indescribable
love. As we talk of Jesus, as we call upon Him in prayer, our confidence
that He is our personal, loving Saviour will strengthen and His character
will appear more and more lovely.... We may enjoy rich feasts of love, and
as we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste of
heaven. Wait upon the Lord in faith. The Lord draws out the soul in prayer,
and gives us to feel His precious love. We have a nearness to Him, and can
hold sweet communion with Him. We obtain distinct views of His
tenderness and compassion, and our hearts are broken and melted with
contemplation of the love that is given to us. We feel indeed an abiding
Christ in the soul. We abide in Him, and feel at home with Jesus. The
promises flow into the soul. Our peace is like a river, wave after wave of
glory rolls into the heart, and indeed we sup with Jesus and He with us. We
have a realizing sense of the love of God, and we rest in His love. [12]
No language can describe it, it is beyond knowledge. We are one with
Christ, our life is hid with Christ in God. We have the assurance that when
He who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory.
With strong confidence, we can call God our Father.—(The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary 3:1147, 1148.)
Prayer brings freshness to spiritual life—Our life is to be bound up
with the life of Christ; we are to draw constantly from Him, partaking of
Him, the living Bread that came down from heaven, drawing from a
fountain ever fresh, ever giving forth its abundant treasures. If we keep the
Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and
praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our
prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with
a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will
come to us a sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts
will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with
Enoch. When this is in truth the experience of the Christian, there is seen in
his life a simplicity, a humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart, that show
to all with whom he associates that he has been with Jesus and learned of
Him.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 129, 130.)
A place to flee that is always open—The way to the throne of God is
always open. You cannot always be on your knees in prayer, but your silent
petitions may constantly ascend to God for strength and guidance. When
tempted, as you will be, you may flee to the secret place of the Most High.
His everlasting arms will be underneath you.—( In Heavenly Places, 86.)
The secret of spiritual power—Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the
secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted and
the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate
contact with the Wellspring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of
the religious experience. [13] Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in
prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose
your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious
experience lacks health and vigor....
It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually, that unworthy,
erring mortals possess the power of offering their requests to God. What
higher power can man desire than this,—to be linked with the infinite God?
Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter
words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We may speak
with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand.—
(Messages to Young People, 249, 250.)
Secret prayer the soul of religion—Do not neglect secret prayer, for it
is the soul of religion. With earnest, fervent prayer plead for purity of soul.
Plead as earnestly, as eagerly, as you would for your mortal life, were it at
stake. Remain before God until unutterable longings are begotten within
you for salvation, and the sweet evidence is obtained of pardoned sin.—
(Spiritual Gifts 2:264.)
Every sincere prayer is heard—As yet the disciples were
unacquainted with the Saviour’s unlimited resources and power. He said to
them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name.” John 16:24. He
explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and
grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make request
for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire
in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be
fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary
where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one
awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His
own perfection.
The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction,
but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. [14] There is no one
living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source
whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall
ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
“In My name,” Christ bade His disciples pray. In Christ’s name His
followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made
for them, they are of value in the Lord’s sight. Because of the imputed
righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ’s sake the
Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of
the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they
believe.—(The Desire of Ages, 667.)
 Angels mark our prayers and influence us for good—When you rise
in the morning, do you feel your helplessness and your need of strength
from God? and do you humbly, heartily make known your wants to your
heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have
not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously
doing wrong and exerting an influence which will lead others to do wrong,
your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course,
choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.
If you feel in no danger, and if you offer no prayer for help and strength
to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray; your neglect of duty will
be marked in the book of God in heaven, and you will be found wanting in
the trying day.—(Testimonies for the Church 3:363, 364.)
Like Moses, we may enjoy intimate communion with God—That
hand that made the world, that holds the mountains in their places, takes
this man of dust,—this man of mighty faith,—and mercifully covers him in
a cleft of the rock, while the glory of God and all His goodness pass before
him. Can we marvel that the “excellent glory” reflected from Omnipotence
shone in the face of [15] Moses with such brightness that the people could
not look upon it? The impress of God was upon him, making him appear as
one of the shining angels from the throne.
This experience, above all else the assurance that God would hear his
prayer, and that the divine presence would attend him, was of more value to
Moses as a leader than the learning of Egypt, or all his attainments in
military science. No earthly power or skill or learning can supply the place
of God’s immediate presence. In the history of Moses we may see what
intimate communion with God it is man’s privilege to enjoy. To the
transgressor it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But
Moses was not afraid to be alone with the Author of that law which had
been spoken with such awful grandeur from Mount Sinai; for his soul was
in harmony with the will of his Maker.
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith
will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence
of the divine love and care for him.—(Gospel Workers, 34, 35.)
Pray with holy boldness—“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in
you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” When you
pray, present this promise. It is our privilege to come to Him with holy
boldness. As in sincerity we ask Him to let His light shine upon us, He will
hear and answer us.—(Child Guidance, 499.)
Heaven is open to our petitions, and we are invited to come “boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
in time of need.” We are to come in faith, believing that we shall obtain the
very things we ask of him.—(.)
Ask for our needs—Every promise in the word of God furnishes us
with subject matter for prayer, presenting the pledged word of Jehovah as
our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing we need, it is our privilege to
claim through Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with [16] the simplicity of a
child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our temporal matters,
asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread of life and the
robe of Christ’s righteousness. Your heavenly Father knows that you have
need of all these things, and you are invited to ask Him concerning them. It
is through the name of Jesus that every favor is received. God will honor
that name, and will supply your necessities from the riches of His liberality.
—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 133.)
Ask and believe—As you ask the Lord to help you, honor your Saviour
by believing that you do receive His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at
our command. We have only to ask.
Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His
character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your
heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by
everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can
comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed
possible.—(The Ministry of Healing, 514.)
Go forward, trusting God—We are to encourage in one another that
living faith which Christ has made it possible for every believer to have.
The work is to be carried forward as the Lord prepares the way. When He
brings His people into strait places, then it is their privilege to assemble
together for prayer, remembering that all things come of God. Those who
have not yet shared in the trying experiences that attend the work in these
last days will soon have to pass through scenes that will severely test their
confidence in God. It is at the time His people see no way to advance, when
the Red Sea is before them and the pursuing army behind, that God bids
them: “Go forward.” Thus He is working to test their faith. When such
experiences come to you, go forward, trusting in Christ. Walk step by step
in the path He marks out. Trials will come, but go forward. This will give
you an experience that will strengthen your faith in God and fit you for
truest service.—(Testimonies for the Church 9:273.) [17]
 Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer
Prayer is as essential to life as daily food—Daily prayer is as essential
to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is temporal food to
physical well-being. We should accustom ourselves to often lift the
thoughts to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring it back; by
persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy. We cannot for one
moment separate ourselves from Christ with safety. We may have His
presence to attend us at every step, but only by observing the conditions
which He has Himself laid down.—(Messages to Young People, 115.)
Prayer is a spiritual necessity—Although Christ had given the
promise to His disciples that they should receive the Holy Spirit, this did
not remove the necessity of prayer. They prayed all the more earnestly; they
continued in prayer with one accord. Those who are now engaged in the
solemn work of preparing a people for the coming of the Lord, should also
continue in prayer.—(Gospel Workers, 371.)
They [Jesus’ disciples] had not heeded the repeated warning, “Watch
and pray.” At first they had been much troubled to see [18] their Master,
usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond
comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the
sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed
paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had
continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of
watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.—(The
Desire of Ages, 688.)
The experience of the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane contains a
lesson for the Lord’s people today.... They did not realize the necessity of
watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation. Many
today are fast asleep, as were the disciples. They are not watching and
praying lest they enter into temptation. Let us often read and give careful
study to those portions of God’s Word that have special reference to these
last days, pointing out the dangers that will threaten God’s people.—(In
Heavenly Places, 97.)
Prayer is the life of the soul—Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of
the soul. Family prayer, public prayer, have their place; but it is secret
communion with God that sustains the soul life.—(Education, 258.)
Prayer necessary for spiritual health—Several times each day
precious, golden moments should be consecrated to prayer and the study of
the Scriptures, if it is only to commit a text to memory, that spiritual life
may exist in the soul. The varied interests of the cause furnish us with food
for reflection and inspiration for our prayers. Communion with God is
highly essential for spiritual health, and here only may be obtained that
wisdom and correct judgment so necessary in the performance of every
duty.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:459.)
Christ’s example shows the necessity of prayer—If those who sound
the solemn notes of warning for this time could realize their accountability
to God, they would see the necessity for fervent prayer. When the cities
were hushed in midnight slumber, when every man [19] had gone to his
own house, Christ, our example, would repair to the Mount of Olives, and
there, amid the overshadowing trees, would spend the entire night in prayer.
He who was Himself without the taint of sin,—a treasure-house of blessing;
whose voice was heard in the fourth watch of the night by the terrified
disciples upon the stormy sea, in heavenly benediction; and whose word
could summon the dead from their graves,—He it was who made
supplication with strong crying and tears. He prayed not for Himself, but
for those whom He came to save. As He became a suppliant, seeking at the
hand of His Father fresh supplies of strength, and coming forth refreshed
and invigorated as man’s substitute, He identified Himself with suffering
humanity, and gave them an example of the necessity of prayer.
His nature was without the taint of sin. As the Son of man, He prayed to
the Father, showing that human nature requires all the divine support which
man can obtain that he may be braced for duty and prepared for trial. As the
Prince of Life, He had power with God, and prevailed for His people. This
Saviour, who prayed for those that felt no need of prayer, and wept for those
that felt no need of tears, is now before the throne, to receive and present to
His Father the petitions of those for whom He prayed on earth. The
example of Christ is for us to follow. Prayer is a necessity in our labor for
the salvation of souls. God alone can give the increase of the seed we sow.
—(Gospel Workers, 28, 29.)
Jesus urged the necessity of prayer—He [Jesus] urged upon men the
necessity of prayer, repentance, confession, and the abandonment of sin. He
taught them honesty, forbearance, mercy, and compassion, enjoining upon
them to love not only those who loved them, but those who hated them,
who treated them despitefully. In this He was revealing to them the
character of the Father, who is long-suffering, merciful, and gracious, slow
to anger, and full of goodness and truth.—(Christian Education, 74.)
Prayer a necessity to daniel—Daniel was subjected to the severest
temptations that can assail the youth of today; yet he was [20] true to the
religious instruction received in early life. He was surrounded with
influences calculated to subvert those who would vacillate between
principle and inclination; yet the word of God presents him as a faultless
character. Daniel dared not trust to his own moral power. Prayer was to him
a necessity. He made God his strength, and the fear of God was continually
before him in all the transactions of his life.—(Fundamentals of Christian
Education, 78.)
Spiritual advance depends on prayer—If there were more praying
among us, more exercise of a living faith, and less dependence upon some
one else to have an experience for us, we would be far in advance of where
we are today in spiritual intelligence. What we need is a deep, individual
heart and soul experience. Then we shall be able to tell what God is doing
and how He is working. We need to have a living experience in the things
of God; and we are not safe unless we have this. There are some who have a
good experience, and they tell you about it; but when you come to weigh it
up, you see that it is not a correct experience, for it is not in accordance
with a plain Thus saith the Lord. If ever there was a time in our history
when we needed to humble our individual souls before God, it is today. We
need to come to God with faith in all that is promised in the Word, and then
walk in all the light and power that God gives.—(The Review and Herald,
July 1, 1909.)
Prayer needed daily—Religion must begin with emptying and
purifying the heart, and must be nurtured by daily prayer.—(Testimonies for
the Church 4:535.)
 It is just as convenient, just as essential, for us to pray three times a day
as it was for Daniel. Prayer is the life of the soul, the foundation of spiritual
growth. In your home, before your family, and before your workmen, you
should testify to this truth. And when you are privileged to meet with your
brethren in the church, tell them of the necessity of keeping open the
channel of communication between God and the soul. Tell them that if they
will find heart and voice to pray, God will find answers to their prayers.
[21] Tell them not to neglect their religious duties. Exhort the brethren to
pray. We must seek if we would find, we must ask if we would receive, we
must knock if we would have the door opened unto us.—(The Signs of the
Times, February 10, 1890.)
In the service of the Jewish priesthood we are continually reminded of
the sacrifice and intercession of Christ. All who come to Christ today are to
remember that His merit is the incense that mingles with the prayers of
those who repent of their sins and receive pardon and mercy and grace. Our
need of Christ’s intercession is constant. Day by day, morning and evening,
the humble heart needs to offer up prayers to which will be returned
answers of grace and peace and joy. “By him therefore let us offer the
sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving
thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with
such sacrifice God is well pleased.”(SDA Bible Commentary 6:1078.)
Like the patriarchs of old, those who profess to love God should erect
an altar to the Lord wherever they pitch their tent. If ever there was a time
when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now. Fathers and
mothers should often lift up their hearts to God in humble supplication for
themselves and their children. Let the father, as priest of the household, lay
upon the altar of God the morning and evening sacrifice, while the wife and
children unite in prayer and praise. In such a household Jesus will love to
tarry.
From every Christian home a holy light should shine forth. Love should
be revealed in action. It should flow out in all home intercourse, showing
itself in thoughtful kindness, in gentle, unselfish courtesy. There are homes
where this principle is carried out—homes where God is worshiped and
truest love reigns. From these homes morning and evening prayer ascends
to God as sweet incense, and His mercies and blessings descend upon the
suppliants like the morning dew.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 144.)
 In following Christ, looking unto Him who is the Author And Finisher
of your faith, you will feel that you are working under [22] His eye, that
you are influenced by His presence, and that He knows your motives. At
every step you will humbly inquire: Will this please Jesus? Will it glorify
God? Morning and evening your earnest prayers should ascend to God for
His blessing and guidance. True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence and
gives us the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist
temptation.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:615, 616.)
As the priests’ morning and evening entered the holy place at the time
of incense, the daily sacrifice was ready to be offered upon the altar in the
court without. This was a time of intense interest to the worshipers who
assembled at the tabernacle. Before entering into the presence of God
through the ministration of the priest, they were to engage in earnest
searching of heart and confession of sin. They united in silent prayer, with
their faces toward the holy place. Thus their petitions ascended with the
cloud of incense, while faith laid hold upon the merits of the promised
Saviour prefigured by the atoning sacrifice. The hours appointed for the
morning and the evening sacrifice were regarded as sacred, and they came
to be observed as the set time for worship throughout the Jewish nation.
And when in later times the Jews were scattered as captives in distant lands,
they still at the appointed hour turned their faces toward Jerusalem and
offered up their petitions to the God of Israel. In this custom Christians have
an example for morning and evening prayer. While God condemns a mere
round of ceremonies, without the spirit of worship, He looks with great
pleasure upon those who love Him, bowing morning and evening to seek
pardon for sins committed and to present their requests for needed
blessings.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 353, 354.)
Prayer connects us to heaven—Those who will put on the whole
armor of God and devote some time every day to meditation and prayer and
to the study of the Scriptures will be connected with heaven and will have a
saving, transforming influence upon those around them. Great thoughts,
noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty to God, will be theirs.
They will be yearning for [23] purity, for light, for love, for all the graces of
heavenly birth. Their earnest prayers will enter into that within the veil.
This class will have a sanctified boldness to come into the presence of the
Infinite One. They will feel that heaven’s light and glories are for them, and
they will become refined, elevated, ennobled by this intimate acquaintance
with God. Such is the privilege of true Christians.—(Testimonies for the
Church 5:112, 113.)
Prayer to be first activity of the day—Consecrate yourself to God in
the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, “Take me,
O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in
Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.” This
is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day.
Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His
providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into
the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the
life of Christ.—(Steps to Christ, 70.)
The very first out-breathing of the soul in the morning should be for the
presence of Jesus. “Without Me,” He says, “ye can do nothing.” It is Jesus
that we need; His light, His life, His spirit, must be ours continually. We
need Him every hour. And we should pray in the morning that as the sun
illuminates the landscape, and fills the world with light, so the Sun of
Righteousness may shine into the chambers of mind and heart, and make us
all light in the Lord. We cannot do without His presence one moment. The
enemy knows when we undertake to do without our Lord, and he is there,
ready to fill our minds with his evil suggestions that we may fall from our
steadfastness; but it is the desire of the Lord that from moment to moment
we should abide in Him, and thus be complete in Him.—(My Life Today,
15.)
Prayer is a duty—Nothing tends more to promote health of body and
of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to
resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as much a duty as it
is to pray.—(The Ministry of Healing, 251.) [24]
Prayer most needed when we least feel like praying—When we feel
the least inclined to commune with Jesus, let us pray the most. By so doing
we shall break Satan’s snare, the clouds of darkness will disappear, and we
shall realize the sweet presence of Jesus.—(Lift Him Up, 372.)
Darkness encloses those who neglect prayer—If the Saviour of men,
the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble,
sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.
Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His
blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless
love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to
hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is
much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God.
What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who
are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward
them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray
so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they
love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy;
and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can
give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the
companionship of His presence.
The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The
whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because
they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine
appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be
reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock
heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of
Omnipotence?—(Steps to Christ, 94.)
Avoid neglecting prayer—Watch, brethren, the first dimming of your
light, the first neglect of prayer, the first symptom of [25] spiritual slumber.
—(Testimonies for the Church 4:124)
You need to watch, lest the busy activities of life lead you to neglect
prayer when you most need the strength prayer would give. Godliness is in
danger of being crowded out of the soul through over-devotion to business.
It is a great evil to defraud the soul of the strength and heavenly wisdom
which are waiting your demand. You need that illumination which God
alone can give. No one is fitted to transact his business unless he has this
wisdom.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:560.)
Satan deceives those who do not pray—All who do not earnestly
search the Scriptures and submit every desire and purpose of life to that
unerring test, all who do not seek God in prayer for a knowledge of His
will, will surely wander from the right path and fall under the deception of
Satan.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:192.)
Temptation makes prayer a necessity—The strength acquired in
prayer to God, united with individual effort in training the mind to
thoughtfulness and caretaking, prepares the person for daily duties and
keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying. The
temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. In order
that we may be kept by the power of God through faith, the desires of the
mind should be continually ascending in silent prayer for help, for light, for
strength, for knowledge. But thought and prayer cannot take the place of
earnest, faithful improvement of the time. Work and prayer are both
required in perfecting Christian character.
We must live a twofold life—a life of thought and action, of silent
prayer and earnest work.... God requires us to be living epistles, known and
read of all men. The soul that turns to God for its strength, its support, its
power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear
perceptions of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual
hungering and thirsting after righteousness.—(God’s Amazing Grace, 317.)
[26]
Prayer needed now more than in the early days—We must be much
in prayer if we would make progress in the divine life. When the message
of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. How often was the
voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the
grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together
claiming the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard and then the
voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now the day of God is nearer
than when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous,
and fervent than in those early days. Our perils are greater now than then.
Souls are more hardened. We need now to be imbued with the spirit of
Christ, and we should not rest until we receive it.—(Testimonies for the
Church 5:161, 162.)
Seek the Lord with all the heart—Our prayers should be full of
tenderness and love. When we yearn for a deeper, broader realization of the
Saviour’s love, we shall cry to God for more wisdom. If ever there was a
need of soul-stirring prayers and sermons, it is now. The end of all things is
at hand. O that we could see as we should the necessity of seeking the Lord
with all the heart! Then we should find Him. May God teach His people
how to pray.—(God’s Amazing Grace, 92.)
Prayer is not time wasted—Every morning take time to begin your
work with prayer. Do not think this wasted time; it is time that will live
through eternal ages. By this means success and spiritual victory will be
brought in. The machinery will respond to the touch of the Master’s hand.
God’s blessing is certainly worth asking for, and the work cannot be done
aright unless the beginning is right. The hands of every worker must be
strengthened, his heart must be purified, before the Lord can use him
effectively.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:194.)
Few appreciate the privilege of prayer—We should watch and work
and pray as though this were the last day that would be [27] granted us.
How intensely earnest, then, would be our life. How closely would we
follow Jesus in all our words and deeds.
There are few who rightly appreciate or improve the precious privilege
of prayer. We should go to Jesus and tell Him all our needs. We may bring
Him our little cares and perplexities as well as our greater troubles.
Whatever arises to disturb or distress us, we should take it to the Lord in
prayer. When we feel that we need the presence of Christ at every step,
Satan will have little opportunity to intrude his temptations. It is his studied
effort to keep us away from our best and most sympathizing friend. We
should make no one our confidant but Jesus. We can safely commune with
Him of all that is in our hearts.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:200, 201.)
More prayer needed as the end approaches—Confederacies will
increase in number and power as we draw nearer to the end of time. These
confederacies will create opposing influences to the truth, forming new
parties of professed believers who will act out their own delusive theories.
The apostasy will increase. “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed
to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). Men and
women have confederated to oppose the Lord God of heaven, and the
church is only half awake to the situation. There needs to be much more of
prayer, much more of earnest effort, among professed believers.—(Selected
Messages 2:383.)
If there was ever a time when we should watch and pray in real earnest,
it is now. There may be supposable things that appear as good things, and
yet they need to be carefully considered with much prayer, for they are
specious devices of the enemy to lead souls in a path which lies so close to
the path of truth that it will be scarcely distinguishable from the path which
leads to holiness and heaven. But the eye of faith may discern that it is
diverging from the right path, though almost imperceptibly. At first it may
be thought positively right, but after a while it is seen to be widely
divergent from the path of safety, from the path which leads to holiness and
heaven.—(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 229.) [28]
Victory through daily prayer—Through daily prayer to God, they will
have wisdom and grace from Him to bear the conflicts and stern realities of
life, and come off victorious. Fidelity, and serenity of mind, can only be
retained by watchfulness and prayer.—(Messages to Young People, 80.)
Victory requires earnest prayer—The victory is not won without
much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is
not to be forced into cooperation with divine agencies, but it must be
voluntarily submitted.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 142.)
We must take time to pray—We should now acquaint ourselves with
God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest
and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than
neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial,
with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without
it. We must take time to pray.—(The Great Controversy, 622.)
Spend much time in prayer—Let much time be spent in prayer and
close searching of the word. Let all obtain the real facts of faith in their own
souls through belief that the Holy Spirit will be imparted to them because
they have a real hungering and thirsting after righteousness.... Let there be
more praying, believing, and receiving, and more working together with
God.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:65, 66.)
Pray as never before—Look unto Jesus in simplicity and faith. Gaze
upon Jesus until the spirit faints under the excess of light. We do not half
pray. We do not half believe. “Ask, and it shall be given you.” Luke 11:9.
Pray, believe, strengthen one another. Pray as you never before prayed that
the Lord will lay His hand upon you, that you may be able to comprehend
the length and breadth and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ,
[29] which passeth knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness
of God.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:214.)
Pray, yes, pray as you have never prayed before, that you may not be
deluded by Satan’s devices, that you may not be given up to a heedless,
careless, vain spirit, and attend to religious duties to quiet your own
conscience.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:144.)
Pray always—“Pray always;” that is, be ever in the spirit of prayer, and
then you will be in readiness for your Lord’s coming.—(Testimonies for the
Church 5:235.)
Need of much prayer—There is now need of much prayer. Christ
commands, “Pray without ceasing;” that is, keep the mind uplifted to God,
the source of all power and efficiency.—(Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, 510.)
Activity no substitute for prayer—As activity increases and men
become successful in doing any work for God, there is danger of trusting to
human plans and methods. There is a tendency to pray less, and to have less
faith. Like the disciples, we are in danger of losing sight of our dependence
on God, and seeking to make a savior of our activity. We need to look
constantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His power which does the work.
While we are to labor earnestly for the salvation of the lost, we must also
take time for meditation, for prayer, and for the study of the word of God.
Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sanctified by the merit
of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient for good.—(The
Desire of Ages, 362.)
Prayer needed to take unpopular stands—It takes moral courage,
firmness, decision, perseverance, and very much prayer to step out on the
unpopular side. We are thankful that we can come to Christ as the poor
suffering ones came to Christ in the temple.—(Evangelism, 240). [30]
Prayer needed to do God’s work—Much prayer and the most
vigorous exercise of the mind are necessary if we would be prepared to do
the work which God would entrust to us. Many never attain to the position
which they might occupy, because they wait for God to do for them that
which He has given them power to do for themselves. All who are fitted for
usefulness in this life must be trained by the severest mental and moral
discipline, and then God will assist them by combining divine power with
human effort.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:611.)
Prayer needed to understand truth—The themes of redemption are
momentous themes, and only those who are spiritually minded can discern
their depth and significance. It is our safety, our life, our joy, to dwell upon
the truths of the plan of salvation. Faith and prayer are necessary in order
that we may behold the deep things of God. Our minds are so bound about
with narrow ideas, that we catch but limited views of the experience it is
our privilege to have. How little do we comprehend what is meant by the
prayer of the apostle, when he says, “That he would grant you, according to
the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the
inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being
rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints
what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love
of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the
fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world
without end. Amen.”(The Review and Herald, November 17, 1891.)
Prayer needed in the home—Affection cannot be lasting, even in the
home circle, unless there is a conformity of the will and disposition to the
will of God. All the faculties and passions are to be brought into harmony
with the attributes of Jesus Christ. If the father and mother in the love and
fear of God unite their [31] interests to have authority in the home, they will
see the necessity of much prayer, much sober reflection. And as they seek
God, their eyes will be opened to see heavenly messengers present to
protect them in answer to the prayer of faith. They will overcome the
weaknesses of their character and go on unto perfection.—(The Adventist
Home, 315, 316.)
Prayer needed to maintain connection with God—Neglect the
exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as it is
deemed convenient, and you lose your connection with God. The Christian
life becomes dry, and the spiritual faculties have no vitality. The religious
experience lacks health and vigor.—(The Signs of the Times, July 31,
1893.)
Prayer needed for spiritual strength—The reason why some are
restless is, that they do not go to the only true source for happiness. They
are ever trying to find out of Christ that enjoyment which is found alone in
Him. In Him are no disappointed hopes. Oh how is the precious privilege of
prayer neglected! The reading of the word of God prepares the mind for
prayer. One of the greatest reasons why many have so little disposition to
draw near to God by prayer is, that they have unfitted themselves for this
sacred work by reading fascinating stories, which have excited the
imagination and aroused unholy passions. The word of God becomes
distasteful; the hour of prayer is not thought of. Prayer is the strength of the
Christian. When alone, he is not alone; he feels the presence of One who
has said, “Lo, I am with you alway.”(The Review and Herald, March 11,
1880.)
Prayer needed to enter heaven—There is no such thing as our
entering the heavenly portals through indulgence and folly, amusement,
selfishness, but only by constant watchfulness and unceasing prayer.
Spiritual vigilance on our part individually is the price of safety. Swerve not
to Satan’s side a single inch, lest he gain advantage over you.—(The S.D.A.
Bible Commentary 6:1094.) [32]
Prayer keeps us faithful—Without unceasing prayer and diligent
watching, we are in danger of growing careless, and of deviating from the
right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the
mercy-seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace
and power to resist temptation.—(The Review and Herald, December 8,
1904.)
Pray for the spirit—If we are to learn of Christ, we must pray as the
apostles prayed when the Holy Spirit was poured upon them. We need a
baptism of the Spirit of God. We are not safe for one hour while we are
failing to render obedience to the Word of God.—(Fundamentals of
Christian Education, 537.)
Weakness turned to strength through prayer—They [many of God’s
people] do not see the importance of self-knowledge and self-control. They
do not watch and pray, lest they enter into temptation. If they would watch,
they would become acquainted with their weak points, where they are most
likely to be assailed by temptation. With watchfulness and prayer their
weakest points can be so guarded as to become their strongest points, and
they can encounter temptation without being overcome. Every follower of
Christ should daily examine himself, that he may become perfectly
acquainted with his own conduct.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:511.)
Pray in all circumstances—In your business, in companionship for
leisure hours, and in alliance for life, let all the associations you form be
entered upon with earnest, humble prayer. You will thus show that you
honor God, and God will honor you. Pray when you are fainthearted. When
you are desponding, close the lips firmly to men; do not shadow the path of
others; but tell everything to Jesus. Reach up your hands for help. In your
weakness lay hold of infinite strength. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage,
increase of faith, that you may see light in God’s light and rejoice in His
love.—(The Ministry of Healing, 513.) [33]
 Chapter 3—God Hears Prayer
God hears the prayer of the humble—Our heavenly Father waits to
bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink
largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray
so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest
of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to
make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor
helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of
infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask
or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love
to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with
God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much
the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of
His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.—(Steps to Christ, 94.)
Those who have a humble, trusting, contrite heart, God accepts, and
hears their prayer; and when God helps, all obstacles will be overcome.
How many men of great natural abilities and [34] high scholarships have
failed when placed in positions of responsibility, while those of feebler
intellect, with less favorable surroundings, have been wonderfully
successful. The secret was: The former trusted to themselves, while the
latter united with Him who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in working
to accomplish what He will.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:538, 539.)
God hears and answers prayer—God hears prayer. Christ has said, “If
ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” Again He says, “If any man
serve Me, him will My Father honor.” John 14:14; John 12:26. If we live
according to His word, every precious promise He has given will be
fulfilled to us. We are undeserving of His mercy, but as we give ourselves to
Him, He receives us. He will work for and through those who follow Him.
—(The Ministry of Healing, 226, 227.)
 The Lord will certainly hear and answer the prayers of His workers if
they will seek Him for counsel and instruction.—(Evangelism, 399.)
God hears the prayers of all who seek Him in truth. He has the power
that we all need. He fills the heart with love, and joy, and peace, and
holiness.—(Testimonies for the Church 9:169.)
I saw that every prayer which is sent up in faith from an honest heart
will be heard of God and answered, and the one that sent up the petition
will have the blessing when he needs it most, and it will often exceed his
expectations. Not a prayer of a true saint is lost if sent up in faith from an
honest heart.—(Testimonies for the Church 1:121.)
God listens to every prayer—The infinite God, said Jesus, makes it
your privilege to approach Him by the name of Father. Understand all that
this implies. No earthly parent ever pleaded so earnestly with an erring
child as He who made you pleads with the transgressor. [35] No human,
loving interest ever followed the impenitent with such tender invitations.
God dwells in every abode; He hears every word that is spoken, listens to
every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows and disappointments of every
soul, regards the treatment given to father, mother, sister, friend, and
neighbor. He cares for our necessities, and His love and mercy and grace
are continually flowing to satisfy our need.—(The Signs of the Times,
October 28, 1903.)
God hears every sincere prayer—The Bible shows us God in His high
and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but
surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands
of holy intelligences, all waiting to do His will. Through channels which we
cannot discern He is in active communication with every part of His
dominion. But it is in this speck of a world, in the souls that He gave His
only-begotten Son to save, that His interest and the interest of all heaven is
centered. God is bending from His throne to hear the cry of the oppressed.
To every sincere prayer He answers, “Here am I.” He uplifts the distressed
and downtrodden. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. In every temptation
and every trial the angel of His presence is near to deliver.—(The Desire of
Ages, 356.)
As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Saviour’s unlimited
resources and power. He said to them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in
My name.” John 16:24. He explained that the secret of their success would
be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before
the Father to make request for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He
presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is
heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it
will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to
the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant
with the incense of His own perfection.
The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction,
but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. [36] There is no one
living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source
whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall
ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
“In My name,” Christ bade His disciples pray. In Christ’s name His
followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made
for them, they are of value in the Lord’s sight. Because of the imputed
righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ’s sake the
Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of
the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they
believe.—(The Desire of Ages, 667.)
No sincere prayer is lost—Make your requests known to your Maker.
Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not one
sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God hears the
cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart’s desire in our
closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the
throne of the Monarch of the universe. They may be inaudible to any
human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can they be lost
through the activities of business that are going on. Nothing can drown the
soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion of the
multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is God to whom we are speaking, and
our prayer is heard. You who feel the most unworthy, fear not to commit
your case to God.—(In Heavenly Places, 82.)
God hears Jesus’ intercession mingled with our prayers—Christ has
pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one.
There is an inexhaustible fund of perfect obedience accruing from His
obedience. In heaven His merits, His self-denial and self-sacrifice, are
treasured as incense to be offered up with the prayers of His people. As the
sinner’s sincere, humble [37] prayers ascend to the throne of God, Christ
mingles with them the merits of His own life of perfect obedience. Our
prayers are made fragrant by this incense. Christ has pledged Himself to
intercede in our behalf, and the Father always hears His Son.—(Sons and
Daughters of God, 22.)
God always responds, though we may not realize it—If we come to
God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble,
trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite,
who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will
and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our
hearts. Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the
mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that
the face of our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but
this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us
in love and pitying tenderness.—(Steps to Christ, 97.)
God’s answers are not always what we expect—Ask, then; ask, and
ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To
every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you
desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the
time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in
weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations,
but always for your good.—(Messages to Young People, 250.)
God hears prayers for the conversion of souls—When those who
know the truth practice the self-denial enjoined in God’s word, the message
will go with power. The Lord will hear our prayers for the conversion of
souls. God’s people will let their light shine forth, and unbelievers, seeing
their good works, will glorify our heavenly Father.—(Counsels on
Stewardship, 302.) [38]
Believe that God hears your prayers—The people of God must move
understandingly. They should not be satisfied until every known sin is
confessed; then it is their privilege and duty to believe that Jesus accepts
them. They must not wait for others to press through the darkness and
obtain the victory for them to enjoy. Such enjoyment will last only till the
meeting closes. But God must be served from principle instead of from
feeling. Morning and night obtain the victory for yourselves in your own
family. Let not your daily labor keep you from this. Take time to pray, and
as you pray, believe that God hears you. Have faith mixed with your
prayers. You may not at all times feel the immediate answer; but then it is
that faith is tried. You are proved to see whether you will trust in God,
whether you have living, abiding faith. “Faithful is He that calleth you, who
also will do it.” Walk the narrow plank of faith. Trust all on the promises of
the Lord. Trust God in darkness. That is the time to have faith. But you
often let feeling govern you. You look for worthiness in yourselves when
you do not feel comforted by the Spirit of God, and despair because you
cannot find it. You do not trust enough in Jesus, precious Jesus. You do not
make His worthiness to be all, all. The very best you can do will not merit
the favor of God. It is Jesus’ worthiness that will save you, His blood that
will cleanse you. But you have efforts to make. You must do what you can
on your part. Be zealous and repent, then believe.—(Testimonies for the
Church 1:167.) [39]
 Chapter 4—Prayer And Soul
Winning
Prayer an important part of success in soulwinning—If the members
of the churches would but put to work the powers of mind that they have, in
well-directed efforts, in well-matured plans, they might do a hundredfold
more for Christ than they are now doing. If they went forth with earnest
prayer, with meekness and lowliness of heart, seeking, personally to impart
to others the knowledge of salvation, the message might reach the
inhabitants of the earth.—(The Review and Herald, April 11, 1893).
We are to come to God in faith, and pour out our supplications before
Him, believing that He will work in our behalf, and in behalf of those we
are seeking to save. We are to devote more time to earnest prayer.—(SDA
Bible Commentary 3:146, 1147.)
Select another and still another soul, daily seeking guidance from God,
laying everything before Him in earnest prayer, and working in divine
wisdom. As you do this, you will see that God will give the Holy Spirit to
convict, and the power of truth to convert, the soul.—(Medical Ministry,
245). [40]
Bear in mind that the success of reproof depends greatly upon the spirit
in which it is given. Do not neglect earnest prayer that you may possess a
lowly mind, and that angels of God may go before you to work upon the
hearts you are trying to reach, and so soften them by heavenly impressions
that your efforts may avail.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:53.)
If several should meet together with one accord, with hearts burdened
for perishing souls, and should offer earnest, fervent prayers, they would
prove effectual.—(The Review and Herald, August 23, 1892.)
Praying for souls will bring us closer to God—As we seek to win
others to Christ, bearing the burden of souls in our prayers, our own hearts
will throb with the quickening influence of God’s grace; our own affections
will glow with more divine fervor; our whole Christian life will be more of
a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 354).
When self dies, there will be awakened an intense desire for the
salvation of others,—a desire which will lead to persevering efforts to do
good. There will be a sowing beside all waters; and earnest supplication,
importunate prayers, will enter heaven in behalf of perishing souls.—
(Gospel Workers, 470).
Come together to pray for the conversion of souls—If in one place
there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves
into a band of workers. Let them keep their bond of union unbroken,
pressing together in love and unity, encouraging one another to advance,
each gaining courage and strength from the assistance of the others.... As
they work and pray in Christ’s name, their numbers will increase.—
(Testimonies for the Church 7:21.)
Let the Los Angeles church have special seasons of prayer daily for the
work that is being done. The blessing of the Lord will [41] come to the
church members who thus participate in the work, gathering in small groups
daily to pray for its success. Thus the believers will obtain grace for
themselves, and the work of the Lord will be advanced.—(Evangelism, 111,
112.)
We should hold convocations for prayer, asking the Lord to open the
way for the truth to enter the strongholds where Satan has set up his throne,
and dispel the shadow he has cast athwart the pathway of those who he is
seeking to deceive and destroy.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:80.)
Oh, that the earnest prayer of faith may arise everywhere, Give me souls
buried now in the rubbish of error, or I die! Bring them to the knowledge of
the truth as it is in Jesus.—(This Day With God, 171).
Everyone can pray for souls—Not all are called to personal labor in
foreign fields, but all can do something by their prayers and their gifts to aid
the missionary work.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:29.)
Brethren and sisters, have you forgotten that your prayers should go out,
like sharp sickles, with the laborers in the great harvest field?—
(Testimonies for the Church 3:162.)
 Let those who are spiritual converse with these souls. Pray with and for
them. Let much time be spent in prayer and close searching of the word. Let
all obtain the real facts of faith in their own souls through belief that the
Holy Spirit will be imparted to them because they have a real hungering and
thirsting after righteousness.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:65.)
When the gospel net is cast, let there be a watching by the net, with
tears and earnest prayer. Let the workers determine not to become
discouraged; and not to let go the net until it is drawn [42] ashore, with the
fruit of their labor.—(The Signs of the Times, March 16, 1882.)
How can we honor God, how can we vindicate His word, unless we are
much in prayer appealing to Him to manifest His power in behalf of the
perishing?—(The Review and Herald, August 23, 1892.)
Personal soulwinning efforts made successful by prayer—I
determined that my efforts should never cease till these dear souls, for
whom I had so great an interest, yielded to God. Several entire nights were
spent by me in earnest prayer for those whom I had sought out and brought
together for the purpose of laboring and praying with them....
At every one of our little meetings I continued to exhort and pray for
each one separately, until every one had yielded to Jesus, acknowledging
the merits of His pardoning love. Every one was converted to God.—
(Testimonies for the Church 1:33, 34.)
Prayer for souls takes the mind from its own small concerns—
Solicit prayer for the souls for whom you labor; present them before the
church as objects for the supplication. It will be just what the church needs,
to have their minds called from their little, petty difficulties, to feel a great
burden, a personal interest, for a soul that is ready to perish.—(Medical
Ministry, 244, 245.)
Pray for greater efficiency in soulwinning—Oh, let it be seen, my
brethren, that Jesus is abiding in the heart, sustaining, strengthening,
comforting. It is your privilege to be endowed, from day to day, with a rich
measure of His Holy Spirit, and to have broadened views of the importance
and scope of the message we are proclaiming to the world. The Lord is
willing to reveal to you wondrous things out of His law. Wait before Him
with humility of heart. [43] Pray most earnestly for an understanding of the
times in which we live, for a fuller conception of His purpose, and for
increased efficiency in soul saving.—(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel
Workers, 513, 514.)
There are many souls yearning unutterably for light, for assurance and
strength beyond what they have been able to grasp. They need to be sought
out and labored for patiently, perseveringly. Beseech the Lord in fervent
prayer for help. Present Jesus because you know Him as your personal
Saviour. Let His melting love, His rich grace, flow forth from human lips.
You need not present doctrinal points unless questioned. But take the Word,
and with tender, yearning love for souls, show them the precious
righteousness of Christ, to whom you and they must come to be saved.—
(Evangelism, 442.)
The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men
and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to
Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came
close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God,
and as they did this they realized what a privilege had been theirs in being
permitted to associate so closely with Christ. Sadness filled their hearts as
they thought of how many times they had grieved Him by their slowness of
comprehension, their failure to understand the lessons that, for their good,
He was trying to teach them.
These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. The
disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction
that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a
blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the
salvation of souls. They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the
world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised.—(The Acts of
the Apostles, 37.)
Much prayer is needed to know how to approach individuals with
truth—It is not everyone who can labor judiciously [44] for the salvation
of souls. There is much close thinking to be done. We must not enter into
the Lord’s work haphazard and expect success. The Lord needs men of
mind, men of thought. Jesus calls for co-workers, not blunderers. God
wants right-thinking and intelligent men to do the great work necessary to
the salvation of souls.
Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades and professions,
educate themselves that they may become masters of their business. Should
the followers of Christ be less intelligent, and while professedly engaged in
His service be ignorant of the ways and means to be employed? The
enterprise of gaining everlasting life is above every earthly consideration. In
order to lead souls to Jesus there must be a knowledge of human nature and
a study of the human mind. Much careful thought and fervent prayer are
required to know how to approach men and women upon the great subject
of truth.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:67.)
Prayer accomplishes more in soul winning than words alone—Satan
is on your track. He is an artful opponent, and the malignant spirit which
you meet in your work is inspired by him. Those whom he controls echo his
words. If the veil could be rent away from their eyes, those thus worked
would see Satan plying all his arts to win them from the truth. In rescuing
souls from his devices, far more will be accomplished by Christlike, humble
prayer than by many words without prayer.—(Colporteur Ministry, 81.)
God calls for modest, quiet, sober-minded youth, and men of mature
age, who are well balanced with principle, who can pray as well as talk,
who will rise up before the aged, and treat gray hairs with respect.
The cause of God is suffering for want of laborers of understanding and
mental power. My brethren and sisters, the Lord has blessed you with
intellectual faculties capable of vast improvement. Cultivate your talents
with persevering earnestness. Train and discipline the mind by study, by
observation, by reflection. You cannot [45] not meet the mind of God unless
you put to use every power. The mental faculties will strengthen and
develop if you will go to work in the fear of God, in humility, and with
earnest prayer. A resolute purpose will accomplish wonders. Be open, firm,
decided Christians. Exalt Jesus, talk of His love, tell of His power, and thus
let your light shine forth to the world.—(Life Sketches, 275.)
Pray for souls—Begin to pray for souls; come near to Christ, close to
His bleeding side. Let a meek and quiet spirit adorn your lives, and let your
earnest, broken, humble petitions ascend to Him for wisdom that you may
have success in saving not only your own soul, but the souls of others. Pray
more than you sing. Do you not stand in greater need of prayer than of
singing? Young men and women, God calls upon you to work, work for
Him. Make an entire change in your course of action. You can do work that
those who minister in word and doctrine cannot do. You can reach a class
whom the minister cannot affect.—(Testimonies for the Church 1:513.)
 Let us also pray earnestly in behalf of those whom we expect to visit, by
living faith bringing them, one by one, into the presence of God.—
(Christian Service, 169.)
Work among the lowly, the poor, and the oppressed. We should pray for
and with the helpless ones who have not strength of will to control the
appetites that passion has degraded. Earnest, persevering effort must be
made for the salvation of those in whose hearts an interest is awakened.—
(Testimonies for the Church 6:84.) [46]
 Chapter 5—God’s Promises
Concerning Prayer
God promises to hear and answer prayer—Christ is the connecting
link between God and man. He has promised His personal intercession by
employing His name. He places the whole virtue of His righteousness on
the side of the suppliant. Christ pleads for man, and man, in need of divine
help, pleads for himself in the presence of God, using the power of the
influence of the One who gave His life for the world. As we acknowledge
before God our appreciation of Christ’s merits, fragrance is given to our
intercessions. Oh, who can value this great mercy and love! As we
approach God through the virtue of Christ’s merits, we are clothed with His
priestly vestments. He places us close by His side, encircling us with His
human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite.
He puts His merits, as sweet incense, in a censer in our hands, in order to
encourage our petitions. He promises to hear and answer our supplications.
—(SDA Bible Commentary 6:1078.)
The simple prayers indited by the Holy Spirit will ascend through the
gates ajar, the open door which Christ has declared: I [47] have opened, and
no man can shut. These prayers, mingled with the incense of the perfection
of Christ, will ascend as fragrance to the Father, and answers will come.—
(Testimonies for the Church 6:467.)
I saw that every prayer which is sent up in faith from an honest heart
will be heard of God and answered, and the one that sent up the petition
will have the blessing when he needs it most, and it will often exceed his
expectations. Not a prayer of a true saint is lost if sent up in faith from an
honest heart.—(Testimonies for the Church 1:121.)
To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a resource at the
command of the Christian under circumstances when other forms of prayer
may be impossible. Toilers in the busy walks of life, crowded and almost
overwhelmed with perplexity, can send up a petition to God for divine
guidance. Travelers by sea and land, when threatened with some great
danger, can thus commit themselves to Heaven’s protection. In times of
sudden difficulty or peril the heart may send up its cry for help to One who
has pledged Himself to come to the aid of His faithful, believing ones
whenever they call upon Him. In every circumstance, under every
condition, the soul weighed down with grief and care, or fiercely assailed
by temptation, may find assurance, support, and succor in the unfailing love
and power of a covenant-keeping God.—(Prophets and Kings, 631, 632.)
If we ask, God will answer—It is a part of God’s plan to grant us, in
answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not
thus ask.—(The Great Controversy, 525.)
God hears prayer. Christ has said, “If ye shall ask anything in My name,
I will do it.” Again He says, “If any man serve Me, him will My Father
honor.” John 14:14; John 12:26. If we live according to His word, every
precious promise He has given will be fulfilled to [48] us. We are
undeserving of His mercy, but as we give ourselves to Him, He receives us.
He will work for and through those who follow Him.—(The Ministry of
Healing, 226, 227.)
As you ask the Lord to help you, honor your Saviour by believing that
you do receive His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at our command.
We have only to ask.—(The Ministry of Healing, 514.)
God has a heaven full of blessings that He wants to bestow on those
who are earnestly seeking for that help which the Lord alone can give.—
(Sons and Daughters of God, 123.)
Jesus presents our poorlyworded prayers to the father—Every
sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if
the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and
He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word,
beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.—(The Desire
of Ages, 667.)
Strength to overcome temptation given to those who pray—All are
accountable for their actions while in this world upon probation. All have
power to control their actions if they will. If they are weak in virtue and
purity of thoughts and acts, they can obtain help from the Friend of the
helpless. Jesus is acquainted with all the weaknesses of human nature, and,
if entreated, will give strength to overcome the most powerful temptations.
All can obtain this strength if they seek for it in humility.—(Child
Guidance, 466, 467.)
God answers our prayers when and how he sees best—Every saint
who comes to God with a true heart, and sends his honest petitions to Him
in faith, will have his prayers answered. Your faith must not let go of the
promises of God, if you do not see or feel the immediate answer to your
prayers. Be not afraid to trust God. Rely upon His sure promise: “Ask, and
ye shall receive.” [49] God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any
good thing from His saints that walk uprightly. Man is erring, and although
his petitions are sent up from an honest heart, he does not always ask for the
things that are good for himself, or that will glorify God. When this is so,
our wise and good Father hears our prayers, and will answer, sometimes
immediately; but He gives us the things that are for our best good and His
own glory. God gives us blessings; if we could look into His plan, we
would clearly see that He knows what is best for us and that our prayers are
answered. Nothing hurtful is given, but the blessing we need, in the place of
something we asked for that would not be good for us, but to our hurt.
I saw that if we do not feel immediate answers to our prayers, we should
hold fast our faith, not allowing distrust to come in, for that will separate us
from God. If our faith wavers, we shall receive nothing from Him. Our
confidence in God should be strong; and when we need it most, the blessing
will fall upon us like a shower of rain.—(Testimonies for the Church 1:120,
121.)
God supplies wisdom in answer to prayer—The Lord has given us
the promise, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to
all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” It is in the
order of God that those who bear responsibilities should often meet together
to counsel with one another, and to pray earnestly for that wisdom which
He alone can impart. Unitedly make known your troubles to God. Talk less;
much precious time is lost in talk that brings no light. Let brethren unite in
fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally.
—(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 499.)
Christ’s grace is available even before we pray—Even before the
prayer is uttered, ... grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is
working upon the human soul.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 206.) [50]
 We may claim his promises boldly—“If ye abide in me, and my words
abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
When you pray, present this promise. It is our privilege to come to Him
with holy boldness. As in sincerity we ask Him to let His light shine upon
us, He will hear and answer us. But we must live in harmony with our
prayers. They are of no avail if we walk contrary to them. I have seen a
father who, after reading a portion of scripture and offering prayer, would
often, almost as soon as he had risen from his knees, begin to scold his
children. How could God answer the prayer he had offered? And if, after
scolding his children, a father offers prayer, does that prayer benefit the
children? No; not unless it is a prayer of confession to God.—(Child
Guidance, 499.)
Angels will assist us in answer to prayer—When about to speak
passionately, close your mouth. Don’t utter a word. Pray before you speak,
and heavenly angels will come to your assistance and drive back the evil
angels, who would lead you to dishonor God, reproach His cause, and
weaken your own soul.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:82.)
Angels will come to our side in answer to prayer—The guardianship
of the heavenly host is granted to all who will work in God’s ways and
follow His plans. We may in earnest, contrite prayer call the heavenly
helpers to our side. Invisible armies of light and power will work with the
humble, meek, and lowly one.—(Selected Messages 1:97.)
The gospel will make rapid progress as a result of prayer—God
would work mightily for His people today if they would place themselves
wholly under His guidance. They need the constant abiding of the Holy
Spirit. If there were more prayer in the councils of those bearing
responsibilities, more humbling of the heart before God, we should see
abundant evidence of divine leadership, and our work would make rapid
progress.—(Testimonies for the Church 8:238.) [51]
Prayer will bring power to overcome—We must have on the whole armor
of God and be ready at any moment for a conflict with the powers of
darkness. When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God and
agonize with Him in prayer. He will not turn us away empty, but will give
us grace and strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy.—
(Early Writings, 46.)
 Blessings will be proportionate to our faith—Pray in faith. And be
sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may
receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the
blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised. “According to
your faith be it unto you.”“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22. Pray, believe,
rejoice. Sing praises to God because He has answered your prayers. Take
Him at His word. “He is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23. Not one
sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It
carries with it healing properties, pouring forth a restoring current of life
and health and salvation.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:274.) [52]
 Chapter 6—The Prayer Of Faith
Prayer is heaven’s means of success in overcoming sin—There are
many who, though striving to obey God’s commandments, have little peace
or joy. This lack in their experience is the result of a failure to exercise
faith. They walk as it were in a salt land, a parched wilderness. They claim
little, when they might claim much; for there is no limit to the promises of
God. Such ones do not correctly represent the sanctification that comes
through obedience to the truth. The Lord would have all His sons and
daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Through the exercise of faith the
believer comes into possession of these blessings. Through faith, every
deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every
fault corrected, every excellence developed.
Prayer is heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin
and the development of Christian character. The divine influences that come
in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant
all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a
Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He
has promised, [53] we may ask; and the promise is, “Ye shall receive.”(The
Acts of the Apostles, 563, 564.)
God longs to do great things for us—Our part is to pray and believe.
Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-operate with the prayer-hearing God.
Bear in mind that “we are labourers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.
Speak and act in harmony with your prayers. It will make an infinite
difference with you whether trial shall prove your faith to be genuine, or
show that your prayers are only a form.
When perplexities arise, and difficulties confront you, look not for help
to humanity. Trust all with God. The practice of telling our difficulties to
others only makes us weak, and brings no strength to them. It lays upon
them the burden of our spiritual infirmities, which they cannot relieve. We
seek the strength of erring, finite man, when we might have the strength of
the unerring, infinite God.
You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It
is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you
success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less
confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can
do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith.
He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you
understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the
intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God
for wisdom, and it will be given you.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 146.)
Prayer and faith will do wonderful things—I fear that there is not that
faith that is essential. Shall we not brace ourselves against disappointments
and temptations to be discouraged? God is merciful, and with the truth
rejoicing, purifying, ennobling the life, we can do a sound and solid work
for God. Prayer and faith will do wonderful things. The Word must be our
weapon of warfare. Miracles can be wrought through the Word; for it is
profitable for all things.—(Evangelism, 489.) [54]
Faith to be mixed with our prayers—The people of God must move
understandingly. They should not be satisfied until every known sin is
confessed; then it is their privilege and duty to believe that Jesus accepts
them. They must not wait for others to press through the darkness and
obtain the victory for them to enjoy. Such enjoyment will last only till the
meeting closes. But God must be served from principle instead of from
feeling. Morning and night obtain the victory for yourselves in your own
family. Let not your daily labor keep you from this. Take time to pray, and
as you pray, believe that God hears you. Have faith mixed with your
prayers. You may not at all times feel the immediate answer; but then it is
that faith is tried. You are proved to see whether you will trust in God,
whether you have living, abiding faith. “Faithful is He that calleth you, who
also will do it.” Walk the narrow plank of faith. Trust all on the promises of
the Lord. Trust God in darkness. That is the time to have faith. But you
often let feeling govern you. You look for worthiness in yourselves when
you do not feel comforted by the Spirit of God, and despair because you
cannot find it. You do not trust enough in Jesus, precious Jesus. You do not
make His worthiness to be all, all. The very best you can do will not merit
the favor of God. It is Jesus’ worthiness that will save you, His blood that
will cleanse you. But you have efforts to make. You must do what you can
on your part. Be zealous and repent, then believe.
Confound not faith and feeling together. They are distinct. Faith is ours
to exercise. This faith we must keep in exercise. Believe, believe. Let your
faith take hold of the blessing, and it is yours. Your feelings have nothing to
do with this faith. When faith brings the blessing to your heart, and you
rejoice in the blessing, it is no more faith, but feeling.—(Testimonies for the
Church 1:167.)
Prayer and faith lay hold of God’s power—True faith and true prayer
—how strong they are! They are as two arms by which the human suppliant
lays hold upon the power of Infinite Love. [55] Faith is trusting in God,—
believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus,
instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our
ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in
place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already
His; faith acknowledges His ownership, and accepts its blessings. Truth,
uprightness, purity, are pointed out as secrets of life’s success. It is faith that
puts us in possession of these. Every good impulse or aspiration is the gift
of God; faith receives from God the life that alone can produce true growth
and efficiency.—(Gospel Workers, 259.)
Our lives are to be in harmony with our petitions—Pray in faith.
And be sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you
may receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken,
for the blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised.
“According to your faith be it unto you.”“All things, whatsoever ye shall
ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22.
Pray, believe, rejoice. Sing praises to God because He has answered your
prayers. Take Him at His word. “He is faithful that promised.” Hebrews
10:23. Not one sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream
is flowing. It carries with it healing properties, pouring forth a restoring
current of life and health and salvation.—(Testimonies for the Church
7:274.)
God accepts the prayer of faith—The humble, intelligent prayer of
faith, that comes from unfeigned lips, is wholly acceptable to God. It is the
heart-felt prayer that is heard in heaven and rewarded by an answer on
earth. “But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite
spirit, and that trembleth at my word.”“For thus saith the high and lofty
One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and
holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and a humble spirit, to revive
the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite [56]
ones.”“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite
heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”(The Signs of the Times, December 3,
1896.)
Press your petitions in faith—God will be to us everything we will let
Him be. Our languid, halfhearted prayers will not bring us returns from
heaven. Oh, we need to press our petitions! Ask in faith, wait in faith,
receive in faith, rejoice in hope, for everyone that seeketh findeth. Be in
earnest in the matter. Seek God with all the heart. People put soul and
earnestness into everything they undertake in temporal things, until their
efforts are crowned with success. With intense earnestness learn the trade of
seeking the rich blessings that God has promised, and with persevering,
determined effort you shall have His light and His truth and His rich grace.
In sincerity, in soul hunger, cry after God. Wrestle with the heavenly
agencies until you have the victory. Put your whole being into the Lord’s
hands, soul, body, and spirit, and resolve to be His loving, consecrated
agency, moved by His will, controlled by His mind, infused by His Spirit.
Tell Jesus your wants in the sincerity of your soul. You are not required
to hold a long controversy with, or preach a sermon to, God, but with a
heart of sorrow for your sins, say, “Save me, Lord, or I perish.” There is
hope for such souls. They will seek, they will ask, they will knock, and they
will find. When Jesus has taken away the burden of sin that is crushing the
soul, you will experience the blessedness of the peace of Christ.—(Our
High Calling, 131.)
God answers the prayer of faith with power—When men are as
devoted as Elijah was and possess the faith that he had, God will reveal
Himself as He did then. When men plead with the Lord as did Jacob, the
results that were seen then will again be seen. Power will come from God in
answer to the prayer of faith.—(Gospel Workers, 255.) [57]
Understand the science of prayer—Prayer and faith are closely allied, and
they need to be studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine
science; it is a science that everyone who would make his lifework a
success must understand. Christ says, “What things soever ye desire, when
ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.
He makes it plain that our asking must be according to God’s will; we must
ask for the things that He has promised, and whatever we receive must be
used in doing His will. The conditions met, the promise is unequivocal.
For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for
wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may
ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that
we have received.—(Education, 257, 258.)
Private prayers sustain the soul life—We need look for no outward
evidence of the blessing. The gift is in the promise, and we may go about
our work assured that what God has promised He is able to perform, and
that the gift, which we already possess, will be realized when we need it
most.
To live thus by the word of God means the surrender to Him of the
whole life. There will be felt a continual sense of need and dependence, a
drawing out of the heart after God. Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of
the soul. Family prayer, public prayer, have their place; but it is secret
communion with God that sustains the soul life.
It was in the mount with God that Moses beheld the pattern of that
wonderful building which was to be the abiding place of His glory. It is in
the mount with God—in the secret place of communion—that we are to
contemplate His glorious ideal for humanity. Thus we shall be enabled so to
fashion our character building that to us may be fulfilled His promise, “I
will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall
be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16. [58]
It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth life received
wisdom and power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn
and twilight a quiet season for communion with their Father in heaven. And
throughout the day let them lift up their hearts to God. At every step of our
way He says, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand,?Fear not; I will
help thee.” Isaiah 41:13. Could our children learn these lessons in the
morning of their years, what freshness and power, what joy and sweetness,
would be brought into their lives!—(Education, 258, 259.)
Asking in faith brings rich blessings—In the words we speak to the
people and in the prayers we offer, God desires us to give unmistakable
evidence that we have spiritual life. We do not enjoy the fullness of blessing
which the Lord has prepared for us, because we do not ask in faith. If we
would exercise faith in the word of the living God we should have the
richest blessings. We dishonor God by our lack of faith; therefore we can
not impart life to others by bearing a living, uplifting testimony. We cannot
give that which we do not possess.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:63.)
Ask in faith; then receive—There is strength to be obtained of God.
He can help. He can give grace and heavenly wisdom. If you ask in faith,
you will receive; but you must watch unto prayer. Watch, pray, work,
should be your watchword.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:427.)
Faith claims the blessing before it is realized and felt—I have
frequently seen that the children of the Lord neglect prayer, especially
secret prayer, altogether too much; that many do not exercise that faith
which it is their privilege and duty to exercise, often waiting for that feeling
which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not faith; the two are distinct. Faith
is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing are God’s to give. The
grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that
faith it is in our power to exercise. [59]
True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized
and felt. We must send up our petitions in faith within the second veil and
let our faith take hold of the promised blessing and claim it as ours. We are
then to believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has hold of it,
and according to the Word it is ours. “What things soever ye desire, when
ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.
Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even
before we realize it. When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed,
faith is swallowed up. But many suppose they have much faith when
sharing largely of the Holy Spirit and that they cannot have faith unless they
feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that
comes through faith. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel
destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over
the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness and scatter
the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the Word of God,
and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises. “If ye
abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it
shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of
Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are
pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.—(Early Writings, 72, 73.)
Do not falter if no immediate answer is given—Your faith must not
let go of the promises of God, if you do not see or feel the immediate
answer to your prayers. Be not afraid to trust God. Rely upon His sure
promise: “Ask, and ye shall receive.” God is too wise to err, and too good to
withhold any good thing from His saints that walk uprightly.—(Testimonies
for the Church 1:120.)
Pray; then leave the results with God—Work in faith, and leave
results with God. Pray in faith, and the mystery of His providence will bring
its answer. At times it may seem that you cannot succeed. But work and
believe, putting into your efforts [60] faith, hope, and courage. After doing
what you can, wait for the Lord, declaring His faithfulness, and He will
bring His word to pass. Wait, not in fretful anxiety, but in undaunted faith
and unshaken trust.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:245.)
Pray with confidence—It is the heartfelt prayer of faith that is heard in
heaven and answered on earth. God understands the needs of humanity. He
knows what we desire before we ask Him. He sees the soul’s conflict with
doubt and temptation. He marks the sincerity of the suppliant. He will
accept the humiliation and affliction of the soul. “To this man will I look,”
He declares, “even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth
at my word.”
It is our privilege to pray with confidence, the Spirit inditing our
petitions. With simplicity we should state our needs to the Lord, and claim
His promise.—(God’s Amazing Grace, 92.)
Jesus is as willing to listen to prayer today as when he was on earth
—Worldly wisdom teaches that prayer is not essential. Men of science
claim that there can be no real answer to prayer; that this would be a
violation of law, a miracle, and that miracles have no existence. The
universe, say they, is governed by fixed laws, and God Himself does
nothing contrary to these laws. Thus they represent God as bound by His
own laws—as if the operation of divine laws could exclude divine freedom.
Such teaching is opposed to the testimony of the Scriptures. Were not
miracles wrought by Christ and His apostles? The same compassionate
Saviour lives today, and He is as willing to listen to the prayer of faith as
when He walked visibly among men.—(The Great Controversy, 525.)
 The prayer of faith expresses the simple wants of the soul—Prayer is
not an expiation for sin; it has no virtue or merit of itself. All the flowery
words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most
eloquent prayers are but idle words if they do not express the true
sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes [61] from an earnest
heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed, as we would ask an
earthly friend for a favor, expecting it to be granted—this is the prayer of
faith. God does not desire our ceremonial compliments, but the unspoken
cry of the heart broken and subdued with a sense of its sin and utter
weakness finds its way to the Father of all mercy.—(Thoughts from the
Mount of Blessing, 86, 87.)
Prayer moves God to action—By your fervent prayers of faith you can
move the arm that moves the world. You can teach your children to pray
effectually as they kneel by your side. Let your prayers arise to the throne
of God, “Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach,
that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among
the people, Where is their God?” God is at work. He doeth wonders, and
although He is high and lifted up, prayer can reach His throne. He that is
turning and overturning, He that can do marvelous things, will regard the
contrite prayer of faith from the humblest of His children.—(The Review
and Herald, April 23, 1889.)
God cannot answer prayers that are not asked—Prayer and faith will
do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects,
placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new
trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide.
We must have the continual light that comes from God. Christ is ever
sending messages to those who listen for His voice.
It is a part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that
which He would not bestow did we not thus ask.—(My Life Today, 15.)
Ministers to be untiring in prayer—Ministers should seek a heart
preparation before entering upon the work of helping others, for the people
are far in advance of many of the ministers. They should untiringly wrestle
in prayer until the Lord blesses [62] them. When the love of God is burning
on the altar of their hearts, they will not preach to exhibit their own
smartness, but to present Christ who taketh away the sins of the world.—
(Testimonies for the Church 5:166.)
 The remedy for discouragement is faith, prayer, and work—For all
who are disheartened there is but one remedy,—faith, prayer, and work.—
(Testimonies for the Church 6:438.)
Prayer is the weapon by which we resist the enemy—Christ is our
only hope. Come to God in the name of Him who gave His life for the life
of the world. Rely upon the efficacy of His sacrifice. Show that His love,
His joy, is in your soul, and that because of this, your joy is full. In God is
our strength. Pray much. Prayer is the life of the soul. The prayer of faith is
the weapon by which we may successfully resist every assault of the enemy.
—(The Signs of the Times, August 24, 1904.)
Prayer not lost, even if not answered as we expect—The prayer of
faith is never lost; but to claim that it will be always answered in the very
way and for the particular thing we have expected, is presumption.—
(Testimonies for the Church 1:231.)
The comforter comes in answer to the prayer of faith—At all times
and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook
seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the
Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may
separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can
separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we
may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and
cheer.—(The Desire of Ages, 669, 670.)
Angels carry our prayers to the heavenly sanctuary—Angels hear
the offering of praise and the prayer of faith, and they [63] bear the petitions
to Him who ministers in the sanctuary for His people, and pleads His merits
in their behalf. True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence, and gives men
the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist
temptation.—(The Review and Herald, February 1, 1912.)
Earnest prayer will baffle Satan’s strongest efforts—Man is Satan’s
captive and is naturally inclined to follow his suggestions and do his
bidding. He has in himself no power to oppose effectual resistance to evil. It
is only as Christ abides in him by living faith, influencing his desires and
strengthening him with strength from above, that man may venture to face
so terrible a foe. Every other means of defense is utterly vain. It is only
through Christ that Satan’s power is limited. This is a momentous truth that
all should understand. Satan is busy every moment, going to and fro,
walking up and down in the earth, seeking whom he may devour. But the
earnest prayer of faith will baffle his strongest efforts. Then take “the shield
of faith,” brethren, “wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked.”(Testimonies for the Church 5:294.)
The prayer of faith prevails against Satan—The prayer of faith is the
great strength of the Christian and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This
is why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our
Advocate, he detests; and when we earnestly come to Him for help, Satan’s
host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we neglect the exercise of
prayer, for then his lying wonders are more readily received.—(Testimonies
for the Church 1:296.) [64]
Chapter 7—Prayer And Obedience
Pray and work—We are not to sit in calm expectancy of oppression
and tribulation, and fold our hands, doing nothing to avert the evil. Let our
united cries be sent up to heaven. Pray and work, and work and pray. But let
none act rashly. Learn as never before that you must be meek and lowly in
heart.—(Selected Messages 2:370, 371.)
We must pray and work and believe. The Lord is our efficiency.—
(Evangelism, 438.)
You will have to wrestle with difficulties, carry burdens, give advice,
plan and execute, constantly looking to God for help. Pray and labor, labor
and pray; as pupils in the school of Christ, learn of Jesus.—(Testimonies to
Ministers and Gospel Workers, 498, 499.)
Prayer is heaven’s plan for success against sin—There are many
who, though striving to obey God’s commandments, have little peace or
joy. This lack in their experience is the result of a failure to exercise faith.
They walk as it were in a salt land, a parched [65] wilderness. They claim
little, when they might claim much; for there is no limit to the promises of
God. Such ones do not correctly represent the sanctification that comes
through obedience to the truth. The Lord would have all His sons and
daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Through the exercise of faith the
believer comes into possession of these blessings. Through faith, every
deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every
fault corrected, every excellence developed.
Prayer is heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin
and the development of Christian character. The divine influences that come
in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant
all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a
Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He
has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, “Ye shall receive.”(The Acts
of the Apostles, 563, 564.)
Daily temptations make prayer a necessity—The strength acquired in
prayer to God, united with individual effort in training the mind to
thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares the person for daily duties and
keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying. The
temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. In order
that we may be kept by the power of God through faith, the desires of the
mind should be continually ascending in silent prayer for help, for light, for
strength, for knowledge. But thought and prayer cannot take the place of
earnest, faithful improvement of the time. Work and prayer are both
required in perfecting Christian character.—(Testimonies for the Church
4:459.)
Daily prayer turns mistakes into victories—If one who daily
communes with God errs from the path, if he turns a moment from looking
steadfastly unto Jesus, it is not because he sins willfully; for when he sees
his mistake, he turns again, and fastens his eyes upon Jesus, and the fact
that he has erred, does not make him less dear to the heart of God. He
knows that he has communion [66] with the Saviour; and when reproved
for his mistake in some matter of judgment, he does not walk sullenly, and
complain of God, but turns the mistake into a victory. He learns a lesson
from the words of the Master, and takes heed that he be not again deceived.
—(The Review and Herald, May 12, 1896.)
Christ is the medium of prayer between us and God—Christ is the
connecting link between God and man. He has promised His personal
intercession. He places the whole virtue of His righteousness on the side of
the suppliant. He pleads for man, and man, in need of divine help, pleads
for himself in the presence of God, using the influence of the One who gave
His life for the life of the world. As we acknowledge before God our
appreciation of Christ’s merits, fragrance is given to our intercessions. As
we approach God through the virtue of the Redeemer’s merits, Christ places
us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His
divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He puts His merits, as sweet
incense, in the censer in our hands, in order to encourage our petitions. He
promises to hear and answer our supplications.
 Yes, Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God.
He has also become the medium of blessing between God and man. He has
united divinity with humanity. Men are to cooperate with Him for the
salvation of their own souls, and then make earnest, persevering efforts to
save those who are ready to die.—(Testimonies for the Church 8:178.)
As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy-seat while
the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so, while we confess our
sins and plead the efficacy of Christ’s atoning blood, our prayers are to
ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour’s character.
Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are to remember that there is One
who can take away sin, and who is willing and anxious to save the sinner.
With His own blood He paid the penalty for all wrongdoers. Every sin
acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, He will remove. “Though
your [67] sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be
red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”(The Review and Herald,
September 29, 1896.)
Prayers amount to nothing if there is willful iniquity in the heart
—“The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Christ says: “Be ye
therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” What
do your prayers amount to while you regard iniquity in your hearts? Unless
you make a thorough change, you will, not far hence, become weary of
reproof, as did the children of Israel; and, like them, you will apostatize
from God. Some of you in words acknowledge reproof, but you do not in
heart accept it. You go on the same as before, only being less susceptible to
the influence of the Spirit of God, becoming more and more blinded, having
less wisdom, less self-control, less moral power, and less zeal and relish for
religious exercises; and, unless converted, you will finally yield your hold
upon God entirely. You have not made decided changes in your life when
reproof has come, because you have not seen and realized your defects of
character and the great contrast between your life and the life of Christ. It
has been your policy to place yourselves in a position where you would not
entirely lose the confidence of your brethren.—(Testimonies for the Church
4:332.)
 Prayer does not take the place of obedience—There are conditions to
the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of
duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “Keep My commandments.”“He that
hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he
that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will
manifest Myself to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to
God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions,
insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority [68] for the
fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show
faith in Christ and love for Him.
Many are forfeiting the condition of acceptance with the Father. We
need to examine closely the deed of trust wherewith we approach God. If
we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord a note to be cashed when we have
not fulfilled the conditions that would make it payable to us. We present to
God His promises, and ask Him to fulfill them, when by so doing He would
dishonor His own name.
The promise is “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall
ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. And John
declares: “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His
commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His
word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5.—(Christ’s
Object Lessons, 143, 144.)
We are to believe God hears and then live out our prayers—
Children and youth may come to Jesus with their burdens and perplexities,
and know that He will respect their appeals to Him, and give them the very
things they need. Be earnest; be resolute. Present the promise of God, and
then believe without a doubt. Do not wait to feel special emotions before
you think the Lord answers. Do not mark out some particular way that the
Lord must work for you before you believe you receive the things you ask
of Him; but trust His word, and leave the whole matter in the hands of the
Lord, with full faith that your prayer will be honored, and the answer will
come at the very time and in the very way your heavenly Father sees is for
your good; and then live out your prayers. Walk humbly and keep moving
forward.—(Messages to Young People, 123.)
 Pray for grace to resist temptation—In the daily life you will meet
with sudden surprises, disappointments, and temptations. What saith the
word? “Resist the devil,” by firm reliance upon God, “and he will flee from
you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.”“Let him take hold
of My strength, that he [69] may make peace with Me; and he shall make
peace with Me.” Look unto Jesus at all times and in all places, offering a
silent prayer from a sincere heart that you may know how to do His will.
Then when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift
up a standard for you against the enemy. When you are almost ready to
yield, to lose patience and self-control, to be hard and denunciatory, to find
fault and accuse—this is the time for you to send to heaven the prayer,
“Help me, O God, to resist temptation, to put all bitterness and wrath and
evil-speaking out of my heart. Give me Thy meekness, Thy lowliness, Thy
longsuffering, and Thy love. Leave me not to dishonor my Redeemer, to
misinterpret the words and motives of my wife, my children, and my
brethren and sisters in the faith. Help me that I may be kind, pitiful,
tenderhearted, forgiving. Help me to be a real house-band in my home and
to represent the character of Christ to others.”(The Adventist Home, 214,
215.)
We know the dangers and temptations that beset the youth at the present
time are not few or small.... We live in an age when to resist evil calls for
constant watchfulness and prayer. God’s precious Word is the standard for
youth who would be loyal to the King of heaven. Let them study the
Scriptures. Let them commit text after text to memory, and acquire a
knowledge of what the Lord has said.... And in trial let the youth spread out
the Word of God before them, and with humble hearts, and in faith, seek the
Lord for wisdom to find out His way, and for strength to walk in it....
Let our young men institute a warfare against every habit that has the
least danger of leading the soul from duty and devotion. Let them have
stated seasons for prayer, never neglecting them if it can possibly be
avoided. If they go out to battle with their vicious habits indulged as before
they professed fellowship with Christ, they will soon fall an easy prey to
Satan’s devices. But armed with the Word of God, having it treasured in
heart and mind, they will come forth unharmed by all the assaults of the
foes of God or man.—(My Life Today, 315.) [70]
 Chapter 8—Prevailing Prayer
Do not let go of God’s promises—Every saint who comes to God with
a true heart, and sends his honest petitions to Him in faith, will have his
prayers answered. Your faith must not let go of the promises of God, if you
do not see or feel the immediate answer to your prayers. Be not afraid to
trust God. Rely upon His sure promise: “Ask, and ye shall receive.” God is
too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from His saints
that walk uprightly. Man is erring, and although his petitions are sent up
from an honest heart, he does not always ask for the things that are good for
himself, or that will glorify God. When this is so, our wise and good Father
hears our prayers, and will answer, sometimes immediately; but He gives us
the things that are for our best good and His own glory. God gives us
blessings; if we could look into His plan, we would clearly see that He
knows what is best for us and that our prayers are answered. Nothing
hurtful is given, but the blessing we need, in the place of something we
asked for that would not be good for us, but to our hurt.
I saw that if we do not feel immediate answers to our prayers, we should
hold fast our faith, not allowing distrust to come in, for that will separate us
from God. If our faith wavers, we shall receive [71] nothing from Him. Our
confidence in God should be strong; and when we need it most, the blessing
will fall upon us like a shower of rain.—(Testimonies for the Church 1:120,
121.)
Our prayers are to be earnest and persistent—God does not say, Ask
once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer.
The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and
gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks. Christ
said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, “If thou wouldest believe, thou
shouldest see the glory of God.” John 11:40.
 But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of
the power of God. Their weakness is the result of their unbelief. They have
more faith in their own working than in the working of God for them. They
take themselves into their own keeping. They plan and devise, but pray
little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, but it is
only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realize their own need, or God’s
willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their requests before
the Lord.
Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the
needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and
steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We
shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith.
Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-
operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers
together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Speak and act in harmony with your
prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall
prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form.—
(Christ’s Object Lessons, 145, 146.)
Earnest prayer avails much—That prayer which comes forth from an
earnest, believing heart is the effectual, fervent prayer that availeth much.
God does not always answer our prayers as we expect, for we may not ask
what would be for our highest good; [72] but in His infinite love and
wisdom He will give us those things which we most need.—(Testimonies
for the Church 4:531.)
Do not let go of God’s arm too soon—I asked the angel why there was
no more faith and power in Israel. He said, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord
too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The
promises are sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall
have them.” I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as
we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he
prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw that we had
doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour by our lack of faith.
Said the angel, “Gird the armor about thee, and above all take the shield of
faith; for that will guard the heart, the very life, from the fiery darts of the
wicked.” If the enemy can lead the desponding to take their eyes off from
Jesus, and look to themselves, and dwell upon their own unworthiness,
instead of dwelling upon the worthiness of Jesus, His love, His merits, and
His great mercy, he will get away their shield of faith and gain his object;
they will be exposed to his fiery temptations. The weak should therefore
look to Jesus, and believe in Him; they then exercise faith.—(Early
Writings, 73.)
Persist unwearyingly in prayer—When a man breathes an intensely
earnest prayer to God (Jesus Christ is the only name given under heaven
whereby we can be saved), there is in that intensity and earnestness a
pledge from God that He is about to answer that prayer exceeding
abundantly, above all that we can ask or think. We must not only pray in the
name of Jesus, but by the inspiration and kindling of the Holy Spirit. This
explains what is meant when it is said, “the Spirit itself maketh intercession
for us with groanings which can not be uttered.” The petitions must be
offered in earnest faith. Then they will reach the mercy-seat. Unwearyingly
persist in prayer. God does not say, Pray once, and I will answer you. His
word is pray, be instant in prayer, believing ye have the things ye ask, and
ye shall receive them; I will answer you.—(The Gospel Herald, May 28,
1902.) [73]
Earnest, fervent prayer is needed, not feeble, heartless prayers—There
is need of prayer,—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer,—such prayer as
David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water
brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.”“I have longed after Thy
precepts;”“I have longed for Thy salvation.”“My soul longeth, yea, even
fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the
living God.”“My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy
judgments.” This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by
the royal psalmist.
Daniel prayed to God, not exalting himself or claiming any goodness:
“O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for
Thine own sake, O my God.” This is what James calls the effectual, fervent
prayer. Of Christ it is said: “And being in an agony He prayed more
earnestly.” In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are
the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with
lip service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after
God.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:534.)
 Prevailing prayer does not have to include tears and struggles—
There are many souls who wrestle for special victories and special blessings
that they may do some great thing. To this end they are always feeling that
they must make an agonizing struggle in prayer and tears. When these
persons search the Scriptures with prayer to know the expressed will of
God, and then do His will from the heart without one reservation or self-
indulgence, they will find rest. All the agonizing, all the tears and struggles,
will not bring them the blessing they long for. Self must be entirely
surrendered. They must do the work that presents itself, appropriating the
abundance of the grace of God which is promised to all who ask in faith.—
(Testimonies for the Church 9:165.)
Fervent, constant prayer is a necessity—If the Saviour of men, the
Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful
mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer. [74]
Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It
is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a
wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the
sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much
manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can
the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject
to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready
to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and
have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near
Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the
children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem
satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His
presence.
The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The
whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because
they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine
appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be
reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock
heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of
Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in
danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The
adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we
may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist
temptation. (Steps to Christ, 94.)
Like jacob, wrestle in prayer—Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent
prayer availeth much. Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus, in the
garden, sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort. Do not leave
your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you
watch and pray you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of
God can and will appear in you.—(Testimonies for the Church 1:158.) [75]
Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience
testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn
this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to
the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are
gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those
victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest,
agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.
Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for
God’s blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of God’s
promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will
succeed as he succeeded.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 203.)
Wrestle in prayer until victory comes—God will be to us everything
we will let Him be. Our languid, half-hearted prayers will not bring us
returns from heaven. Oh, we need to press our petitions! Ask in faith, wait
in faith, receive in faith, rejoice in hope, for everyone that seeketh findeth.
Be in earnest in the matter. Seek God with all the heart. People put soul and
earnestness into everything they undertake in temporal things, until their
efforts are crowned with success. With intense earnestness learn the trade of
seeking the rich blessings that God has promised, and with persevering,
determined effort you shall have His light and His truth and His rich grace.
In sincerity, in soul hunger, cry after God. Wrestle with the heavenly
agencies until you have the victory. Put your whole being into the Lord’s
hands, soul, body, and spirit, and resolve to be His loving, consecrated
agency, moved by His will, controlled by His mind, infused by His Spirit.
Tell Jesus your wants in the sincerity of your soul. You are not required
to hold a long controversy with, or preach a sermon to, God, but with a
heart of sorrow for your sins, say, “Save me, Lord, or I perish.” There is
hope for such souls. They will seek, they will ask, they will knock, and they
will find. When Jesus has taken away the burden of sin that is crushing the
soul, you will experience the blessedness of the peace of Christ.—(Our
High Calling, 131.) [76]
Pray without ceasing—In the work of heart-keeping we must be instant in
prayer, unwearied in petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those
who take the name of Christian should come to God in earnestness and
humility, pleading for help. The Saviour has told us to pray without ceasing.
The Christian can not always be in the position of prayer, but his thoughts
and desires can always be upward. Our self-confidence would vanish, did
we talk less and pray more.—(Sons and Daughters of God, 99.)
Every breath should be a prayer—The reason why so many are left to
themselves in places of temptation is that they do not set the Lord always
before them. When we permit our communion with God to be broken, our
defense is departed from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions
will enable you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer.
Your petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest,
persevering, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow upon your
knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when
you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your
daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help,
for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer.—(The
Ministry of Healing, 510, 511.)
Pray with unshaken faith—Pray, yes, pray with unshaken faith and
trust. The Angel of the covenant, even our Lord Jesus Christ, is the
Mediator who secures the acceptance of the prayers of His believing ones.
—(Testimonies for the Church 8:179.)
Come boldly in prayer—Why not pray as if you had a conscience void
of offense, and could come to the throne of grace in humility, yet with holy
boldness, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting? Do not bow
down and cover up your faces as if there were something that you desired to
conceal; but lift up your eyes toward the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ
your Mediator stands before the Father to present your prayers, mingled
[77] with His own merit and spotless righteousness, as fragrant incense.
You are invited to come, to ask, to seek, to knock; and you are assured
that you will not come in vain. Jesus says, “Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone
that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh
it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7, 8.—(Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 241, 242.)
Fervent prayer ascends as a fragrant influence—They have willingly
endured hardship and privation, and have watched and prayed for the
success of the cause. Their gifts and sacrifices express the fervent gratitude
and praise of their hearts to Him who has called them out of darkness into
His marvelous light. No more fragrant influence can ascend to heaven.
Their prayers and their alms come up as a memorial before God.—
(Selected Messages 2:212.)
Two lovely cherubs, one on each end of the ark, stood with their wings
outstretched above it, and touching each other above the head of Jesus as
He stood before the mercy seat. Their faces were turned toward each other,
and they looked downward to the ark, representing all the angelic host
looking with interest at the law of God. Between the cherubim was a golden
censer, and as the prayers of the saints, offered in faith, came up to Jesus,
and He presented them to His Father, a cloud of fragrance arose from the
incense, looking like smoke of most beautiful colors. Above the place
where Jesus stood, before the ark, was exceedingly bright glory that I could
not look upon; it appeared like the throne of God. As the incense ascended
to the Father, the excellent glory came from the throne to Jesus, and from
Him it was shed upon those whose prayers had come up like sweet incense.
Light poured upon Jesus in rich abundance and overshadowed the mercy
seat, and the train of glory filled the temple. I could not long look upon the
surpassing brightness. No language can describe it. I was overwhelmed and
turned from the majesty and glory of the scene.—(Early Writings, 252.)
[78]
We are to imitate Christ’s example of importunate prayer—The
strength of Christ was in prayer. He had taken humanity, and He bore our
infirmities and became sin for us. Christ retired to the groves or mountains
with the world and everything else shut out. He was alone with His Father.
With intense earnestness, He poured out His supplications, and put forth all
the strength of His soul in grasping the hand of the Infinite. When new and
great trials were before Him, He would steal away to the solitude of the
mountains, and pass the entire night in prayer to His Heavenly Father.
 As Christ is our example in all things, if we imitate His example in
earnest, importunate prayer to God that we may have strength in His name
who never yielded to the temptations of Satan to resist the devices of the
wily foe, we shall not be overcome by him.—(The Youth’s Instructor, April
1, 1873.)
Persevering effort and prayer prepare us for daily duties—Those
who seek God in secret telling the Lord their needs and pleading for help,
will not plead in vain. “Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall
reward thee openly.” As we make Christ our daily companion we shall feel
that the powers of an unseen world are all around us; and by looking unto
Jesus we shall become assimilated to His image. By beholding we become
changed. The character is softened, refined, and ennobled for the heavenly
kingdom. The sure result of our intercourse and fellowship with our Lord
will be to increase piety, purity, and fervor. There will be a growing
intelligence in prayer. We are receiving a divine education, and this is
illustrated in a life of diligence and zeal.
The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily,
earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and
duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after
righteousness. By maintaining a connection with God, we shall be enabled
to diffuse to others, through our association with them, the light, the peace,
the serenity, that rule in our hearts. The strength acquired in prayer to God,
united with persevering effort in training the mind in thoughtfulness and
caretaking, prepares [79] one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace
under all circumstances.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 85.)
Nothing to divert us from Bible study and earnest prayer—Let
nothing, however dear, however loved, absorb your mind and affections,
diverting you from the study of God’s word or from earnest prayer. Watch
unto prayer. Live your own requests.—(Testimonies for the Church 8:53.)
Prevailing prayer includes faith—Another element of prevailing
prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He
is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to
His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye
receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.—(Steps to Christ, 96.)
Faith is an essential element of prevailing prayer. “He that cometh to
God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek Him.”“If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth
us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we
have the petitions that we desired of Him.” Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:14, 15.
With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of
Elijah, we may present our petitions to the Father, claiming all that He has
promised. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word.
—(Prophets and Kings, 157, 158.)
Prayer gives evidence of our confidence in God—The Lord says,
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble.” Psalm 50:15. He invites us to present
to Him our perplexities and necessities, and our need of divine help. He
bids us be instant in prayer. As soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer to
Him our sincere, earnest petitions. By our importunate prayers we give
evidence of our strong confidence in God. The sense of our need leads us to
pray earnestly, and our heavenly Father is moved by our supplications.—
(Christ’s Object Lessons, 172.) [80]
God answers earnest prayers—It is only as we ask in earnest prayer,
that God will grant us our heart’s desire.—(Gospel Workers, 255.)
After praying, continue to claim the promise—After the prayer is
made, if the answer is not realized immediately, do not weary of waiting
and become unstable. Waver not. Cling to the promise, “Faithful is He that
calleth you, who also will do it.” Like the importunate widow, urge your
case, being firm in your purpose. Is the object important and of great
consequence to you? It certainly is. Then waver not, for your faith may be
tried. If the thing you desire is valuable, it is worthy of a strong, earnest
effort. You have the promise; watch and pray. Be steadfast and the prayer
will be answered; for is it not God who has promised? If it costs you
something to obtain it you will prize it the more when obtained. You are
plainly told that if you waver you need not think that you shall receive
anything of the Lord. A caution is here given not to become weary, but to
rest firmly upon the promise. If you ask, He will give you liberally and
upbraid not.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:131.)
God will not turn us away empty—When temptations and trials rush
in upon us, let us go to God and agonize with Him in prayer. He will not
turn us away empty, but will give us grace and strength to overcome, and to
break the power of the enemy.—(Early Writings, 46.)
 Prayer without living faith avails nothing—Faith is not feeling.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
[Hebrews 11:1.] True faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he
who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s
counterfeit of faith.
Faith claims God’s promises and brings forth fruit in obedience.
Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse
transgression. Faith would have led our first [81] parents to trust the love of
God and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His
law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequences
of their sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without
complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine
faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.
To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul-hunger and
living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him
merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The
faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He
who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive
blessing from God.
It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The
only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal
Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an
opinion. But saving faith is a transaction, by which those who receive
Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life.
A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the
soul becomes a conquering power.—(Gospel Workers, 260, 261.)
Prayer will prevail against Satan—The prayer of faith is the great
strength of the Christian and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This is
why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our
Advocate, he detests; and when we earnestly come to Him for help, Satan’s
host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we neglect the exercise of
prayer, for then his lying wonders are more readily received.—(Testimonies
for the Church 1:296.)
Prayer brings the greatest victories—The greatest victories gained for
the cause of God are not the result of labored argument, ample facilities,
wide influence, or abundance of means; they are gained in the audience
chamber with God, when with earnest, agonizing faith men lay hold upon
the mighty arm of power.—(Gospel Workers, 259.) [82]
 Chapter 9—Prayer Power
Prayer brings increased spiritual strength—Those who seek God in
secret telling the Lord their needs and pleading for help, will not plead in
vain. “Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.”
As we make Christ our daily companion we shall feel that the powers of an
unseen world are all around us; and by looking unto Jesus we shall become
assimilated to His image. By beholding we become changed. The character
is softened, refined, and ennobled for the heavenly kingdom. The sure result
of our intercourse and fellowship with our Lord will be to increase piety,
purity, and fervor. There will be a growing intelligence in prayer. We are
receiving a divine education, and this is illustrated in a life of diligence and
zeal.
The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily,
earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and
duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after
righteousness. By maintaining a connection with God, we shall be enabled
to diffuse to others, through our association with them, the light, the peace,
the serenity, that rule in our hearts. The strength acquired in prayer to God,
united with persevering effort [83] in training the mind in thoughtfulness
and care-taking, prepares one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace
under all circumstances.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 85.)
Strength and grace can be found in prayer. Sincere love is to be the
ruling principle of the heart.—(The Adventist Home, 127.)
Devote your mind to spiritual things. Keep your mind from dwelling
upon yourself. Cultivate a contented, cheerful spirit. You talk too much
upon unimportant things. You gain no spiritual strength from this. If the
strength spent in talking were devoted to prayer, you would receive spiritual
strength and would make melody in your heart to God.—(Testimonies for
the Church 2:434, 435.)
 The greatest blessing that God can give to man is the spirit of earnest
prayer. All heaven is open before the man of prayer....The ambassadors of
Christ will have power with the people after they have, with earnest
supplication, come before God.—(The Review and Herald, October 20,
1896.)
We do not value the power of prayer as we should—We do not value
the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do
what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects,
placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new
trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide.
We must have the continual light that comes from God.—(The Ministry of
Healing, 509.)
Prayer keeps us in God’s power—The strength acquired in prayer to
God will prepare us for our daily duties. The temptations to which we are
daily exposed make prayer a necessity. In order that we may be kept by the
power of God through faith, the desires of the mind should be continually
ascending in silent prayer. When we are surrounded by influences
calculated to lead us away [84] from God, our petitions for help and
strength must be unwearied. Unless, this is so, we shall never be successful
in breaking down pride and overcoming the power of temptation to sinful
indulgences which keep us from the Saviour. The light of truth, sanctifying
the life, will discover to the receiver the sinful passions of his heart which
are striving for the mastery, and which make it necessary for him to stretch
every nerve and exert all his powers to resist Satan that he may conquer
through the merits of Christ.—(Messages to Young People, 248.)
Divine power awaits those who want it—You may have a deep and
abiding sense of eternal things and that love for humanity which Christ has
shown in His life. A close connection with heaven will give the right tone to
your fidelity and will be the ground of your success. Your feeling of
dependence will drive you to prayer, and your sense of duty summon you to
effort. Prayer and effort, effort and prayer, will be the business of your life.
You must pray as though the efficiency and praise were all due to God, and
labor as though duty were all your own. If you want power you may have it;
it is waiting your draft upon it. Only believe in God, take Him at His word,
act by faith, and blessings will come.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:538,
539.)
 Even a brief prayer can bring spiritual power—“I prayed,” he
[Nehemiah] said, “to the God of heaven.” In that brief prayer Nehemiah
pressed into the presence of the King of kings and won to his side a power
that can turn hearts as the rivers of waters are turned.
To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a resource at the
command of the Christian under circumstances when other forms of prayer
may be impossible.—(Prophets and Kings, 631.)
Prayer is the secret of spiritual power—Prayer is the breath of the
soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be
substituted and the health of the soul be preserved. [85] Prayer brings the
heart into immediate contact with the Wellspring of life, and strengthens the
sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of
prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems
convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their
vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.—(Messages to
Young People, 249, 250.)
Prayer brings power from God—Power will come from God to man
in answer to the prayer of faith.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:402.)
Prayer brings success in conflict with sin—Prayer is heaven’s
ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of
Christian character. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer
of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads.
For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for
wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may
ask; and the promise is, “Ye shall receive.”(The Acts of the Apostles, 564.)
Prayer lays hold upon infinite power—True faith and true prayer—
how strong they are! They are as two arms by which the human suppliant
lays hold upon the power of Infinite Love.—(Gospel Workers, 259.)
Prayer strengthens us against Satan’s temptations—Satan presents
many temptations to the youth. He is playing the game of life for their
souls, and he leaves no means untried to allure and ruin them. But God does
not leave them to fight unaided against the tempter. They have an all-
powerful Helper. Stronger far than their foe is He who in this world and in
human nature met and conquered Satan, resisting every temptation that
comes to the youth today. He is their Elder Brother. He feels for them a
deep and tender interest. He keeps over them a [86] constant watch-care,
and He rejoices when they try to please Him. As they pray, He mingles with
their prayers the incense of His righteousness, and offers them to God as a
fragrant sacrifice. In His strength the youth can endure hardness as good
soldiers of the cross. Strengthened with His might, they are enabled to reach
the high ideals before them. The sacrifice made on Calvary is the pledge of
their victory.—(Messages to Young People, 95, 96.)
Our prayers reach God’s throne—By your fervent prayers of faith
you can move the arm that moves the world. You can teach your children to
pray effectually as they kneel by your side. Let your prayers arise to the
throne of God, “Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to
reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say
among the people, Where is their God?”
God is at work. He doeth wonders, and although He is high and lifted
up, prayer can reach His throne. He that is turning and overturning, He that
can do marvelous things, will regard the contrite prayer of faith from the
humblest of His children.—(The Review and Herald, April 23, 1889.)
Our voices reach God’s ear—The word that was spoken to Jesus at the
Jordan, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” embraces
humanity. God spoke to Jesus as our representative. With all our sins and
weaknesses, we are not cast aside as worthless. “He hath made us accepted
in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6. The glory that rested upon Christ is a
pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer,—how
the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find
acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven,
and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the
sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest
heaven. The light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our
Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice
which spoke to Jesus says to every [87] believing soul, This is My beloved
child, in whom I am well pleased.—(The Desire of Ages, 113.)
We need to wrestle with God in prayer—Will we carry forward the
work in the Lord’s way? Are we willing to be taught of God? Will we
wrestle with God in prayer? Will we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
This is what we need and may have at this time. Then we shall go forth with
a message from the Lord, and the light of truth will shine forth as a lamp
that burneth, reaching to all parts of the world. If we will walk humbly with
God, God will walk with us. Let us humble our souls, and we shall see of
His salvation.—(The Review and Herald, July 1, 1909.)
The greatest victories are won through earnest prayer—Jacob
prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience
testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn
this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to
the church of Christ or to the individual Christian, are not those that are
gained by talent or education, by wealth, or the favor of men. They are
those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when
earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.
Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for
God’s blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of God’s
promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will
succeed as he succeeded.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 203.)
Praise and thanksgiving bring power to our prayers—Shall all our
devotional exercises consist in asking and receiving? Shall we be always
thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive? Shall we be
recipients of His mercies and never express our gratitude to God, never
praise Him for what He has done for us? We do not pray any too much, but
we are too sparing of giving thanks. If the loving-kindness of God called
forth more thanksgiving [88] and praise, we would have far more power in
prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of God and have more
bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear your
prayers, change your present order and mingle praise with your petitions.
When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that He will
consider your wants.
Pray, pray earnestly and without ceasing, but do not forget to praise.—
(Testimonies for the Church 5:317.)
The power of prayer brings fruit to our work for God—Those in the
darkness of error are the purchase of the blood of Christ. They are the fruit
of His suffering, and they are to be labored for. Let our canvassers know
that it is for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom that they are laboring. He
will teach them as they go forth to their God-appointed work, to warn the
world of a soon-coming judgment. Accompanied by the power of
persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, the
evangelist’s work will not, can not, be without fruit. Think of the interest
that the Father and the Son have in this work. As the Father loves the Son,
so the Son loves those that are His,—those who work as He worked to save
perishing souls. None need feel that they are powerless: for Christ declares,
“All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” He has promised that
He will give this power to His workers. His power is to become their power.
—(Colporteur Ministry, 108.)
Satan cannot overcome one who prays—The enemy cannot overcome
the humble learner of Christ, the one who walks prayerfully before the
Lord. Christ interposes Himself as a shelter, a retreat, from the assaults of
the wicked one. The promise is given, “When the enemy shall come in like
a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” ... There
is no power in the whole satanic force that can disable the soul that trusts, in
simple confidence, in the wisdom that comes from God.—(My Life Today,
316.) [89]
Prayer brings power to resist temptation—Without unceasing prayer and
diligent watching, we are in danger of growing careless, and of deviating
from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to
the mercy-seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain
grace and power to resist temptation.—(Steps to Christ, 95.)
Neglect of prayer and Bible study makes us vulnerable to
temptation—Temptations often appear irresistible because, through the
neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one can not readily
remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But
angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things;
and in the time of great necessity, they will bring to their remembrance the
very truths which are needed.—(The Great Controversy, 600.)
Satan dreads to have us pray—There is a mighty power in prayer. Our
great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from
God. An appeal to Heaven by the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by
Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings.—(In Heavenly
Places, 82.)
The source of power in the reformation was prayer—From the secret
place of prayer came the power that shook the world in the Great
Reformation. There, with holy calmness, the servants of the Lord set their
feet upon the rock of His promises. During the struggle at Augsburg, Luther
“did not pass a day without devoting three hours at least to prayer, and they
were hours selected from those the most favorable to study.” In the privacy
of his chamber he was heard to pour out his soul before God in words “full
of adoration, fear, and hope, as when one speaks to a friend.”(The Great
Controversy, 210.) [90]
 Chapter 10—Reasons to Pray
Enlightens the mind regarding what is truth—Why is it that we do
not receive more from Him who is the source of light and power? We
expect too little. Has God lost His love for man? Is not this love still
flowing earthward? Has He lost His desire to show Himself strong in behalf
of His people? Christ will give us victory in the conflict. Who can doubt
this when we know that He laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and
came to this world in the garb of humanity, that He might stand as man’s
substitute and surety?
We do not value as we should the power and efficacy of prayer. “The
Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for
as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings
which can not be uttered.” God desires us to come to Him in prayer, that He
may enlighten our minds. He alone can give clear conceptions of truth. He
alone can soften and subdue the heart. He can quicken the understanding to
discern truth from error. He can establish the wavering mind, and give it a
knowledge and a faith that will endure the test. Pray then; pray without
ceasing. The Lord who heard Daniel’s prayer, will hear yours if you will
approach Him as Daniel did.—(The Review and Herald, March 24, 1904.)
[91]
Acquaints us with the father—Oh, do we know God as we should?
What comfort, what joy, we should have if we were to learn daily the
lessons He desires us to learn! We must know Him by an experimental
knowledge. It will be profitable for us to spend more time in secret prayer,
in becoming personally acquainted with our heavenly Father.—(Medical
Ministry, 102.)
Unites us with each other and with God—Prayer unites us with one
another and with God. Prayer brings Jesus to our side, and gives to the
fainting, perplexed soul new strength to overcome the world, the flesh, and
the devil. Prayer turns aside the attacks of Satan.—(Christ’s Object Lessons,
250.)
Enables us to resist temptation—Why should the sons and daughters
of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to
unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of
Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in
danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The
adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we
may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist
temptation.—(Steps to Christ, 94, 95.)
Christ is our only hope. Come to God in the name of Him who gave His
life for the life of the world. Rely upon the efficacy of His sacrifice. Show
that His love, His joy, is in your soul, and that because of this, your joy is
full. In God is our strength. Pray much. Prayer is the life of the soul. The
prayer of faith is the weapon by which we may successfully resist every
assault of the enemy.—(Selected Messages 1:88.)
Prepares us for membership in the church above—To the humble,
believing soul, the house of God on earth is the gate of heaven. The song of
praise, the prayer, the words spoken by Christ’s representatives, are God’s
appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier
worship into which there can enter nothing that defileth.—(Testimonies for
the Church 5:491.) [92]
Reinforces our convictions—Our convictions need daily to be
reinforced by humble, sincere prayer and reading of the word. While we
each have an individuality, while we each should hold our convictions
firmly, we must hold them as God’s truth and in the strength which God
imparts. If we do not, they will be wrung from our grasp.—(Testimonies for
the Church 6:401.)
Supplies temporal necessities—Every promise in the word of God
furnishes us with subject matter for prayer, presenting the pledged word of
Jehovah as our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing we need, it is our
privilege to claim through Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with the simplicity
of a child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our temporal
matters, asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread of life
and the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Your heavenly Father knows that
you have need of all these things, and you are invited to ask Him
concerning them. It is through the name of Jesus that every favor is
received. God will honor that name, and will supply your necessities from
the riches of His liberality.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 133.)
Every soul has the privilege of stating to the Lord his own special
necessities and to offer his individual thanksgiving for the blessings that he
daily receives.—(Testimonies for the Church 9:278, 279.)
Does not provide new information to God—Prayer is not understood
as it should be. Our prayers are not to inform God of something He does not
know. The Lord is acquainted with the secrets of every soul. Our prayers
need not be long and loud. God reads the hidden thoughts. We may pray in
secret, and He who sees in secret will hear, and will reward us openly.—
(Messages to Young People, 247.)
Daily supplies of grace given—Those who at Pentecost were endued
with power from on high, were not thereby freed from further temptation
and trial. As they witnessed for truth and righteousness they were
repeatedly assailed by the enemy of all truth, who [93] sought to rob them
of their Christian experience. They were compelled to strive with all their
God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in
Christ Jesus. Daily they prayed for fresh supplies of grace, that they might
reach higher and still higher toward perfection. Under the Holy Spirit’s
working even the weakest, by exercising faith in God, learned to improve
their entrusted powers and to become sanctified, refined, and ennobled. As
in humility they submitted to the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, they
received of the fullness of the Godhead and were fashioned in the likeness
of the divine.—(The Acts of the Apostles, 49, 50.)
Wisdom supplied—We must seek wisdom from on high that we may
stand in this day of error and delusion.—(Early Writings, 87, 88.)
Pray most earnestly for an understanding of the times in which we live,
for a fuller conception of His purpose, and for increased efficiency in
soulsaving.—(Selected Messages 2:399.)
The baptism of the holy spirit given—God’s faithful messengers are
to seek to carry forward the Lord’s work in His appointed way. They are to
place themselves in close connection with the Great Teacher, that they may
be daily taught of God. They are to wrestle with God in earnest prayer for a
baptism of the Holy Spirit that they may meet the needs of a world
perishing in sin. All power is promised those who go forth in faith to
proclaim the everlasting gospel. As the servants of God bear to the world a
living message fresh from the throne of glory, the light of truth will shine
forth as a lamp that burneth, reaching to all parts of the world. Thus the
darkness of error and unbelief will be dispelled from the minds of the
honest in heart in all lands, who are now seeking after God, “If haply they
might feel after Him, and find Him.”—(Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, 459, 460.)
Today’s needs provided for—The truth of God received into the heart
is able to make you wise unto salvation. In believing [94] and obeying it
you will receive grace sufficient for the duties and trials of today. Grace for
tomorrow you do not need. You should feel that you have only to do with
today. Overcome for today; deny self for today; watch and pray for today;
obtain victories in God for today.—(Testimonies for the Church 3:333.)
The needs of God’s work cared for—The varied interests of the cause
furnish us with food for reflection and inspiration for our prayers.—
(Testimonies for the Church 4:459.)
Answered prayers are cause for praise and thanksgiving—In the
second chapter of 1 Samuel is recorded the prayer of a consecrated woman
who served and glorified God. She prayed: “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord,
mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies;
because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there
is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” Hannah’s
offering of thanksgiving for the answer to her prayer is a lesson to those
who today receive answers to their requests. Do we not neglect to return
praise and thanksgiving to God for His lovingkindness?
David declares, “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and
my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I
call upon him as long as I live.” God’s goodness in hearing and answering
prayer places us under heavy obligation to express our thanksgiving for the
favors bestowed upon us. We should praise God much more than we do.
The blessings received in answer to prayer should be promptly
acknowledged. The record of them should be placed in our diary, that when
we take the book in hand, we may remember the goodness of the Lord, and
praise His holy name.—(The Review and Herald, May 7, 1908.)
Our characters may be transformed—The change we need is a
change of heart, and can only be obtained by seeking God individually for
His blessing, by pleading with Him for His power, by fervently praying that
His grace may come upon us, and that our characters [95] may be
transformed. This is the change we need today, and for the attainment of
this experience we should exercise persevering energy and manifest
heartfelt earnestness. We should ask with true sincerity, “What shall I do to
be saved?” We should know just what steps we are taking heavenward.—
(Selected Messages 1:187.)
Our understanding of God’s word expanded—No man is safe for a
day or an hour without prayer. Especially should we entreat the Lord for
wisdom to understand His word. Here are revealed the wiles of the tempter
and the means by which he may be successfully resisted. Satan is an expert
in quoting Scripture, placing his own interpretation upon passages, by
which he hopes to cause us to stumble. We should study the Bible with
humility of heart, never losing sight of our dependence upon God. While
we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in
faith continually: “Lead us not into temptation.”(The Great Controversy,
530.)
The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone
can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or
prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office
of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God’s word that
we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or
animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist’s
petition our own: “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous
things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18. Temptations often appear irresistible
because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted
one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the
Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be
taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to
their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the
enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a
standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19—(The Great Controversy, 599, 600.)
[96]
 Chapter 11—Answered Prayer
God will answer, if we ask—Worldly wisdom teaches that prayer is not
essential. Men of science claim that there can be no real answer to prayer;
that this would be a violation of law, a miracle, and that miracles have no
existence. The universe, say they, is governed by fixed laws, and God
Himself does nothing contrary to these laws. Thus they represent God as
bound by His own laws—as if the operation of divine laws could exclude
divine freedom. Such teaching is opposed to the testimony of the Scriptures.
Were not miracles wrought by Christ and His apostles? The same
compassionate Saviour lives today, and He is as willing to listen to the
prayer of faith as when He walked visibly among men. The natural
cooperates with the supernatural. It is a part of God’s plan to grant us, in
answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not
thus ask.—(The Great Controversy, 525.)
When you are privileged to meet with your brethren in the church, tell
them of the necessity of keeping open the channel of communication
between God and the soul. Tell them that if they will find heart and voice to
pray, God will find answers to their [97] prayers. Tell them not to neglect
their religious duties. Exhort the brethren to pray. We must seek if we
would find, we must ask if we would receive, we must knock if we would
have the door opened unto us.—(The Signs of the Times, February 10,
1890.)
Jesus does not call on us to follow Him, and then forsake us. If we
surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for
which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we
have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure
Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a
sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not
leave us....
 “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall
receive.” [Matthew 21:22.]—(Gospel Workers, 263.)
God’s blessings will come as a result of humble faith—A close
connection with heaven will give the right tone to your fidelity and will be
the ground of your success. Your feeling of dependence will drive you to
prayer, and your sense of duty summon you to effort. Prayer and effort,
effort and prayer, will be the business of your life. You must pray as though
the efficiency and praise were all due to God, and labor as though duty were
all your own. If you want power you may have it; it is waiting your draft
upon it. Only believe in God, take Him at His word, act by faith, and
blessings will come.
In this matter, genius, logic, and eloquence will not avail. Those who
have a humble, trusting, contrite heart, God accepts, and hears their prayer;
and when God helps, all obstacles will be overcome. How many men of
great natural abilities and high scholarships have failed when placed in
positions of responsibility, while those of feebler intellect, with less
favorable surroundings, have been wonderfully successful. The secret was:
The former trusted to themselves, while the latter united with Him who is
wonderful in counsel and mighty in working to accomplish what He will.—
(Testimonies for the Church 4:538, 539.)
The simple prayers indited by the Holy Spirit will ascend through [98]
the gates ajar, the open door which Christ has declared: I have opened, and
no man can shut. These prayers, mingled with the incense of the perfection
of Christ, will ascend as fragrance to the Father, and answers will come.—
(Testimonies for the Church 6:467.)
Prayers of child-like simplicity and faith will be answered—“If any
man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” “Whosoever drinketh of the
water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give
him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John
7:37; John 4:14.
If, with these promises before us, we choose to remain parched and
withered for want of the water of life, it is our own fault. If we would come
to Christ with the simplicity of a child coming to its earthly parents, and ask
for the things that He has promised, believing that we receive them, we
should have them.—(Testimonies for the Church 9:179.)
 Pray and believe—God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive.
He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings
the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire
to receive the things for which he asks. Christ said to Martha at the grave of
Lazarus, “If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God.”
John 11:40.
But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of
the power of God. Their weakness is the result of their unbelief. They have
more faith in their own working than in the working of God for them. They
take themselves into their own keeping. They plan and devise, but pray
little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, but it is
only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realize their own need, or God’s
willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their requests before
the Lord.
Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the
needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and
steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We
shall receive increased [99] blessings because we have increased faith.
Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-
operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers
together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Speak and act in harmony with your
prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall
prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form.—
(Christ’s Object Lessons, 145, 146.)
Pray in faith and answers will come—The lessons that God sends will
always, if well learned, bring help in due time. Put your trust in God. Pray
much, and believe. Trusting, hoping, believing, holding fast the hand of
Infinite Power, you will be more than conquerors.
True workers walk and work by faith. Sometimes they grow weary with
watching the slow advance of the work when the battle wages strong
between the powers of good and evil. But if they refuse to fail or be
discouraged they will see the clouds breaking away and the promise of
deliverance fulfilling. Through the mist with which Satan has surrounded
them, they will see the shining of the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness.
 Work in faith, and leave results with God. Pray in faith, and the mystery
of His providence will bring its answer. At times it may seem that you
cannot succeed. But work and believe, putting into your efforts faith, hope,
and courage. After doing what you can, wait for the Lord, declaring His
faithfulness, and He will bring His word to pass. Wait, not in fretful anxiety,
but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust.—(Testimonies for the Church
7:245.)
There is strength to be obtained of God. He can help. He can give grace
and heavenly wisdom. If you ask in faith, you will receive; but you must
watch unto prayer. Watch, pray, work, should be your watchword.—
(Testimonies for the Church 2:427.)
God has sent us to work in His vineyard. It is our duty to do all we can.
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand:
for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either [100] this or that.” We
have too little faith. We limit the Holy One of Israel. We should be grateful
that He condescends to use any of us as His instruments. For every earnest
prayer put up in faith, an answer will be returned. It may not come just as
we have expected; but it will come at the very time when we most need it.
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will,
and it shall be done unto you.”(The Review and Herald, March 23, 1897.)
If we find time to pray, God will find time to answer—Every earnest
petition for grace and strength will be answered.... Ask God to do for you
those things that you cannot do for yourselves. Tell Jesus everything. Lay
open before Him the secrets of your heart; for His eye searches the inmost
recesses of the soul, and He reads your thoughts as an open book. When
you have asked for the things that are necessary for your soul’s good,
believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. Accept His gifts
with your whole heart; for Jesus has died that you might have the precious
things of heaven as your own, and at last find a home with the heavenly
angels in the kingdom of God.
If you will find voice and time to pray, God will find time and voice to
answer.—(My Life Today, 16.)
Rejoice that God has answered your prayers—Pray in faith. And be
sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may
receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the
blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised. “According to
your faith be it unto you.”“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22. Pray, believe,
rejoice. Sing praises to God because He has answered your prayers. Take
Him at His word. “He is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23. Not one
sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It
carries with it healing properties, pouring forth a restoring current of life
and health and salvation.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:274.) [101]
The very intensity of our prayers is a pledge that God will answer—
When a man breathes an intensely earnest prayer to God (Jesus Christ is the
only name given under heaven whereby we can be saved), there is in that
intensity and earnestness a pledge from God that He is about to answer that
prayer exceeding abundantly, above all that we can ask or think. We must
not only pray in the name of Jesus, but by the inspiration and kindling of
the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said, “the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered.” The
petitions must be offered in earnest faith. Then they will reach the mercy-
seat. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. God does not say, Pray once, and I
will answer you. His word is pray, be instant in prayer, believing ye have
the things ye ask, and ye shall receive them; I will answer you.—(The
Gospel Herald, May 28, 1902.)
Conditions to answered prayer—There are certain conditions upon
which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the
first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, “I
will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.”
Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after
God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the
Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received.
Our great need is itself an argument and pleads most eloquently in our
behalf. But the Lord is to be sought unto to do these things for us. He says,
“Ask, and it shall be given you.” And “He that spared not His own Son, but
delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us
all things?” Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32.
If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the
Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always
accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God
will answer our petitions. Our own merit will never commend us to the
favor of God; it is the worthiness of Jesus that will save us, His blood that
will cleanse us; yet we have a work to do in complying with the conditions
of acceptance. [102]
Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God
must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever
ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have
them.” Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word?
The assurance is broad and unlimited, and He is faithful who has
promised. When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time
we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer
our prayers. We are so erring and shortsighted that we sometimes ask for
things that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love
answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good—
that which we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we
could see all things as they really are. When our prayers seem not to be
answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will
surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim
that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular
thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to
withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to
trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your
prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.”
If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve everything
that we cannot see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities will only
increase and deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and
dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our
wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation,
and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend
to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer
we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have
no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending
over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His
visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness. [103]
When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit
of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive us
our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit?
Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive
others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven.
Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must
pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be “instant
in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving.” Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be
“sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. Paul directs, “In everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known
unto God.” Philippians 4:6. “But ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in the
Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 20, 21.—(Steps to
Christ, 95-97.)
If we render to Him only a partial, halfhearted obedience, His promises
will not be fulfilled to us.—(The Ministry of Healing, 227.)
We must live our prayers if they are to be answered—We are to pray
and watch unto prayer, that there may be no inconsistency in our lives. We
must not fail to show others that we understand that watching unto prayer
means living our prayers before God, that He may answer them.—(Selected
Messages 1:116, 117.)
Prayer is of no avail if the life does not match the prayer—“If ye
abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it
shall be done unto you.” When you pray, present this promise. It is our
privilege to come to Him with holy boldness. As in sincerity we ask Him to
let His light shine upon us, He will hear and answer us. But we must live in
harmony with our prayers. They are of no avail if we walk contrary to them.
I have seen a father who, after reading a portion of scripture and offering
prayer, would often, almost as soon as he had risen from his knees, begin to
scold his children. How could God answer the [104] prayer he had offered?
And if, after scolding his children, a father offers prayer, does that prayer
benefit the children? No; not unless it is a prayer of confession to God.—
(Child Guidance, 499.)
Praise needs to be included if our prayers are to be answered—Shall
all our devotional exercises consist in asking and receiving? Shall we be
always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive? Shall we
be recipients of His mercies and never express our gratitude to God, never
praise Him for what He has done for us? We do not pray any too much, but
we are too sparing of giving thanks. If the loving-kindness of God called
forth more thanksgiving and praise, we would have far more power in
prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of God and have more
bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear your
prayers, change your present order and mingle praise with your petitions.
When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that He will
consider your wants.
Pray, pray earnestly and without ceasing, but do not forget to praise.—
(Testimonies for the Church 5:317.)
Unfaithfulness in stewardship may be a cause of unanswered prayer
—As the Giver of every blessing, God claims a certain portion of all we
possess. This is His provision to sustain the preaching of the gospel. And by
making this return to God, we are to show our appreciation of His gifts. But
if we withhold from Him that which is His own, how can we expect Him to
entrust us with the things of heaven? It may be that here is the secret of
unanswered prayer.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 144.)
We insult God by claiming the promise without meeting the
conditions—There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and
prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “Keep
My commandments.”“He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them,
he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father,
and I will love him, [105] and will manifest Myself to him.” John 14:15, 21.
Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do
not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of
Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not
those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.—(Christ’s
Object Lessons, 143.)
If the conditions are met, the promise of answered prayer is
unequivocal—Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be
studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a
science that everyone who would make his lifework a success must
understand. Christ says, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. He
makes it plain that our asking must be according to God’s will; we must ask
for the things that He has promised, and whatever we receive must be used
in doing His will. The conditions met, the promise is unequivocal.
 For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for
wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may
ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that
we have received.
We need look for no outward evidence of the blessing. The gift is in the
promise, and we may go about our work assured that what God has
promised He is able to perform, and that the gift, which we already possess,
will be realized when we need it most.—(Education, 257, 258.)
Our prayers are not commands to God—We know that He hears us if
we ask according to His will. Our petitions must not take the form of a
command, but of intercession for Him to do the things we desire of Him.—
(Testimonies for the Church 2:149.)
Prayers not always answered immediately—God has a heaven full of
blessings for those who will co-operate with Him. All who obey Him may
with confidence claim the fulfillment of His promises. [106] But we must
show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Often He delays to answer us in
order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire. Having asked
according to His word, we should believe His promise and press our
petitions with a determination that will not be denied.—(Christ’s Object
Lessons, 145.)
When those who know the truth practice the self-denial enjoined in
God’s word, the message will go with power. The Lord will hear our
prayers for the conversion of souls. God’s people will let their light shine
forth, and unbelievers, seeing their good works, will glorify our heavenly
Father.—(Messages to Young People, 315.)
Christ’s two days’ delay after hearing that Lazarus was sick was not a
neglect or a denial on His part. It was His purpose to remain where He was
till the death of Lazarus took place, that He might give the people an
evidence of His divinity, not by restoring a dying man, but by raising to life
a man that had been buried.
This should be an encouragement to us. We are sometimes tempted to
think that the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” is not fulfilled unless the
answer comes immediately when the request is made. It is our privilege to
ask for special blessings, and to believe that they will be given us. But if the
blessings asked for are not immediately granted, we are not to think that our
prayers are not heard. We shall receive, even if the answer is delayed for a
time. In carrying out the plan of redemption, Christ sees enough in
humanity to discourage Him. But He does not become discouraged. In
mercy and love He continues to offer us opportunities and privileges. So we
are to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. The answer to our
prayers may not come as quickly as we desire, and it may not be just what
we have asked; but He who knows what is for the highest good of His
children will bestow a much greater good than we have asked, if we do not
become faithless and discouraged.—(The Youth’s Instructor, April 6, 1899.)
[107]
We all desire immediate and direct answers to our prayers, and are tempted
to become discouraged when the answer is delayed or comes in an
unlooked-for form. But God is too wise and good to answer our prayers
always at just the time and in just the manner we desire. He will do more
and better for us than to accomplish all our wishes. And because we can
trust His wisdom and love, we should not ask Him to concede to our will,
but should seek to enter into and accomplish His purpose. Our desires and
interests should be lost in His will. These experiences that test faith are for
our benefit. By them it is made manifest whether our faith is true and
sincere, resting on the word of God alone, or whether depending on
circumstances, it is uncertain and changeable. Faith is strengthened by
exercise. We must let patience have its perfect work, remembering that
there are precious promises in the Scriptures for those who wait upon the
Lord.—(The Ministry of Healing, 230, 231.)
I saw that the servants of God and the church were too easily
discouraged. When they asked their Father in Heaven for things they
thought they needed, and because it did not immediately come, their faith
wavered, their courage fled, and a murmuring feeling took possession of
them. This I saw displeased God.
Every saint that comes to God with a true heart, in faith, and sends their
honest petitions to Him, will have their prayers answered. Their faith must
not let go of the promises of God if they do not see or feel the immediate
answer of their prayers. Be not afraid to trust God. Rely upon His sure
promise, “Ask and ye shall receive.” God is too wise to err, and too good to
withhold any good thing from His saints that walk uprightly. Man is erring,
and although his petitions are sent up from an honest heart, he does not
always ask for the things that are good for himself, or that will glorify God.
When this is so, our wise and good Father hears our prayers, and will
answer; sometimes immediately, but gives us the things that are for our best
good and His own glory.
If the children of God could see His plan, they would know that He
gives them that which is for their best good. Although they [108] may not
receive just the things they expected, or asked for, yet their prayers were
answered. Nothing hurtful was given, but the blessing they most needed, in
the place of something they had asked for, that would not have been good
for them, but to their hurt.
I saw if we did not feel immediate answers to our prayers, we should
hold fast our faith, let no distrust come in; for that will separate us from
God. If our faith wavers, we shall receive nothing from Him. Our
confidence in God should be strong, and when we need it the most, the
blessing will drop upon us like a shower of rain.
When the servants of God have prayed for His Spirit and blessing, it
sometimes comes immediately, but it is not always then bestowed. At such
times faint not. Let thy faith hold fast the promise, that it will come. Let thy
trust be fully in God, and often that blessing will come when you need it the
most, and unexpectedly you will receive help from God, when you are
speaking the truth to unbelievers, and with clearness you can speak the
word, and with power.
It was represented to me like children asking a blessing of their earthly
parents that love them. They ask something that the parent knows will hurt
them; the parent gives them the things that will be good and healthy for
them, in the place of that which the child desired. I saw that every prayer
that was sent up in faith from an honest heart will be heard of God and
answered, and the one that sent up the petition will have the blessing when
he needs it the most, and it will often exceed his expectations. Not a prayer
of the true saint is lost if sent up from an honest heart in faith.—(Spiritual
Gifts 4b, 7-9.)
After the prayer is made, if the answer is not realized immediately, do
not weary of waiting and become unstable. Waver not. Cling to the promise,
“Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” Like the importunate
widow, urge your case, being firm in your purpose. Is the object important
and of great consequence to you? It certainly is. Then waver not, for your
faith may be tried. If the thing you desire is valuable, it is worthy of a
strong, earnest effort. You have the promise; watch and pray. Be steadfast
and the prayer will be answered; for is it not God who has promised? If it
costs you something [109] to obtain it you will prize it the more when
obtained. You are plainly told that if you waver you need not think that you
shall receive anything of the Lord. A caution is here given not to become
weary, but to rest firmly upon the promise. If you ask, He will give you
liberally and upbraid not.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:131.)
“Ask, and ye shall receive.” The assurance is broad and unlimited, and
He is faithful who has promised. We sometimes fail in faith because Infinite
Wisdom does not come to our terms. When for any reason we do not
receive the very things we ask for at the time we ask, we are still to believe
that the Lord hears, and that He will give us those things that are best for us.
His own glory is a sufficient reason for sometimes withholding what we ask
for, and answering our prayers in a manner that we did not expect. But we
are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will come, and we
shall receive the blessings we need most.—(The Signs of the Times, August
21, 1884.)
God does not always answer as we expect, but always for our good
—Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage,
increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not
come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the
way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in
loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your
expectations, but always for your good.—(Messages to Young People, 250.)
While you prayed in your affliction for peace in Christ, a cloud of
darkness seemed to blacken across your mind. The rest and peace did not
come as you expected. At times your faith seemed to be tested to the
utmost. As you looked back to your past life, you saw sorrow and
disappointment; as you viewed the future, all was uncertainty. The divine
Hand led you wondrously to bring you to the cross and to teach you that
God was indeed a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Those who
ask aright will receive. He that seeketh in faith shall find. The experience
gained in the furnace [110] of trial and affliction is worth more than all the
inconvenience and painful experience it costs.
 The prayers that you offered in your loneliness, in your weariness and
trial, God answered, not always according to your expectations, but for your
good. You did not have clear and correct views of your brethren, neither did
you see yourself in a correct light. But, in the providence of God, He has
been at work to answer the prayers you have offered in your distress, in a
way to save you and glorify His own name. In your ignorance of yourself
you asked for things which were not best for you. God heard your prayers
of sincerity, but the blessing granted was something very different from
your expectations. God designed, in His providence, to place you more
directly in connection with His church, that your confidence might be less
in yourself and greater in others whom He is leading out to advance His
work.
God hears every sincere prayer.—(Testimonies for the Church 3:415,
416.)
God answers prayer at his own appointed time—Throughout his
married life, Zacharias had prayed for a son. He and his wife were now old,
and as yet their prayer had remained unanswered; but he murmured not.
God had not forgotten. He had His appointed time for answering this
prayer, and when the case seemed hopeless, Zacharias received his answer.
—(SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1114.)
Why answers to prayer may be delayed—God does not always
answer our prayers the first time we call upon Him; for should He do this,
we might take it for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and
favors He bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any
evil was entertained by us, any sin indulged, we would become careless,
and fail to realize our dependence upon Him, and our need of His help.—
(The Review and Herald, June 9, 1891.)
There are precious promises in the Scriptures to those who wait upon
the Lord. We all desire an immediate answer to our prayers and are tempted
to become discouraged if our prayer is [111] not immediately answered.
Now, my experience has taught me that this is a great mistake. The delay is
for our special benefit. We have a chance to see whether our faith is true
and sincere or changeable like the waves of the sea. We must bind ourselves
upon the altar with the strong cords of faith and love, and let patience have
her perfect work. Faith strengthens through continual exercise. This waiting
does not mean that because we ask the Lord to heal there is nothing for us
to do. On the contrary, we are to make the very best use of the means which
the Lord in His goodness has provided for us in our necessities.—(Counsels
on Health, 380, 381.)
Keep asking, even if the answer does not come—Sometimes answers
to our prayers come immediately; sometimes we have to wait patiently and
continue earnestly to plead for the things that we need, our cases being
illustrated by the case of the importunate solicitor for bread. “Which of you
shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight,” etc. This lesson
means more than we can imagine. We are to keep on asking, even if we do
not realize the immediate response to our prayers. “I say unto you, Ask, and
it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 10.
We need grace, we need divine enlightenment, that through the Spirit
we may know how to ask for such things as we need. If our petitions are
indited by the Lord they will be answered.—(Counsels on Health, 380.)
Answers delayed to reveal our selfishness—He who blessed the
nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the
afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly
good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His
love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He
delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own
hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the
selfishness [112] that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and
bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love.
The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he
should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was
heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not
because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust
in His promises. When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the
heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that
we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go
about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it
most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are
answered. God will do for us “exceeding abundantly”, “according to the
riches of His glory,” and “the working of His mighty power.” Ephesians
3:20, 16; Ephesians 1:19.—(The Desire of Ages, 200.)
Seemingly unanswered prayers may be among our greatest
blessings—In His loving care and interest for us, often He who understands
us better than we understand ourselves refuses to permit us selfishly to seek
the gratification of our own ambition. He does not permit us to pass by the
homely but sacred duties that lie next us. Often these duties afford the very
training essential to prepare us for a higher work. Often our plans fail that
God’s plans for us may succeed.
We are never called upon to make a real sacrifice for God. Many things
He asks us to yield to Him, but in doing this we are but giving up that
which hinders us in the heavenward way. Even when called upon to
surrender those things which in themselves are good, we may be sure that
God is thus working out for us some higher good.
In the future life the mysteries that here have annoyed and disappointed
us will be made plain. We shall see that our seemingly unanswered prayers
and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings.
We are to look upon every duty, however humble, as sacred because it is
a part of God’s service. Our daily prayer should be, “Lord, help me to do
my best. Teach me how to do better work. [113] Give me energy and
cheerfulness. Help me to bring into my service the loving ministry of the
Saviour.”(The Ministry of Healing, 473, 474.)
Sometimes God does not give us what we pray for because he has
something better for us—When we come to Him we should pray that we
may enter into and accomplish His purpose, and that our desires and
interests may be lost in His. We should acknowledge our acceptance of His
will, not praying Him to concede to ours. It is better for us that God does
not always answer our prayers just when we desire, and in just the manner
we wish. He will do more and better for us than to accomplish all our
wishes, for our wisdom is folly.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:148.)
That prayer which comes forth from an earnest, believing heart is the
effectual, fervent prayer that availeth much. God does not always answer
our prayers as we expect, for we may not ask what would be for our highest
good; but in His infinite love and wisdom He will give us those things
which we most need.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:531.)
 We are to cooperate with God in answering our prayers—In the
Word of God are represented two contending parties that influence and
control human agencies in our world. Constantly these parties are working
with every human being. Those who are under God’s control and who are
influenced by the heavenly angels, will be able to discern the crafty
workings of the unseen powers of darkness. Those who desire to be in
harmony with the heavenly agencies should be intensely in earnest to do
God’s will. They must give no place whatever to Satan and his angels.
But unless we are constantly on guard, we shall be overcome by the
enemy. Although a solemn revelation of God’s will concerning us has been
revealed to all, yet a knowledge of His will does not set aside the necessity
of offering earnest supplications to Him for help, and of diligently seeking
to cooperate with Him in answering the prayers offered. He accomplishes
His purposes through human instrumentalities.—(SDA Bible Commentary
6:1119.) [114]
Half-hearted prayers will not bring answers—God will be to us
everything we will let Him be. Our languid, half-hearted prayers will not
bring us returns from heaven. Oh, we need to press our petitions! Ask in
faith, wait in faith, receive in faith, rejoice in hope, for everyone that
seeketh findeth. Be in earnest in the matter. Seek God with all the heart.
People put soul and earnestness into everything they undertake in temporal
things, until their efforts are crowned with success. With intense earnestness
learn the trade of seeking the rich blessings that God has promised, and
with persevering, determined effort you shall have His light and His truth
and His rich grace.
In sincerity, in soul hunger, cry after God. Wrestle with the heavenly
agencies until you have the victory. Put your whole being into the Lord’s
hands, soul, body, and spirit, and resolve to be His loving, consecrated
agency, moved by His will, controlled by His mind, infused by His Spirit.
Tell Jesus your wants in the sincerity of your soul. You are not required
to hold a long controversy with, or preach a sermon to, God, but with a
heart of sorrow for your sins, say, “Save me, Lord, or I perish.” There is
hope for such souls. They will seek, they will ask, they will knock, and they
will find. When Jesus has taken away the burden of sin that is crushing the
soul, you will experience the blessedness of the peace of Christ.—(Our
High Calling, 131.)
 The prayer for forgiveness is always answered at once—In some
instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in
the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted.
When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be
delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when
we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to
make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave
Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world,
according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. And “this is the
confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything [115] according to
His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14,
15. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.—(The Desire of Ages,
266.)
Christ presents our prayers before the father as his own request—
No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes
the client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and
appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting
the supplication before His Father as His own request.—(Testimonies for
the Church 6:364.)
Pray to thank and praise God for answered prayers—In the second
chapter of 1 Samuel is recorded the prayer of a consecrated woman who
served and glorified God. She prayed: “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine
horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies;
because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there
is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” Hannah’s
offering of thanksgiving for the answer to her prayer is a lesson to those
who today receive answers to their requests. Do we not neglect to return
praise and thanksgiving to God for His loving-kindness?
David declares, “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and
my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will
I call upon Him as long as I live.” God’s goodness in hearing and answering
prayer places us under heavy obligation to express our thanksgiving for the
favors bestowed upon us. We should praise God much more than we do.
The blessings received in answer to prayer should be promptly
acknowledged. The record of them should be placed in our diary, that when
we take the book in hand, we may remember the goodness of the Lord, and
praise His holy name.—(The Review and Herald, May 7, 1908.) [116]
 Chapter 12—Prayer and Revival
Revival will come only in answer to prayer—A revival of true
godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek
this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the
blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing
upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our Heavenly Father
is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are
earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by
confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the
conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival
need be expected only in answer to prayer.—(Selected Messages 1:121.)
There is need today of such a revival of true heart-religion as was
experienced by ancient Israel. We need, like them, to bring forth fruit meet
for repentance,—to put away our sins, cleansing the defiled temple of the
heart that Jesus may reign within. There is need of prayer—earnest,
prevailing prayer. Our Saviour has left precious promises for the truly
penitent petitioner. Such shall not [117] seek His face in vain. He has also
by His own example taught us the necessity of prayer. Himself the Majesty
of Heaven, He often spent all night in communion with His Father. If the
world’s Redeemer was not too pure, too wise, or too holy to seek help from
God, surely weak, erring mortals have every need of that divine assistance.
With penitence and faith, every true Christian will often seek “the throne of
grace, that he may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of
need.”(The Signs of the Times, January 26, 1882.)
Prayer brings us into connection with God—If we come to God,
feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting
faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees
everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word,
He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts.
Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the
Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of
our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even
so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and
pitying tenderness.—(Steps to Christ, 97.)
Our prayers ascend to heaven moist with Christ’s cleansing blood—
The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin
ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing
through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless
purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in
spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God’s right hand,
presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God.
All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops
of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own
merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this
censer the prayers, the praise, and [118] the confessions of His people, and
with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the
merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and
entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned.—(Selected
Messages 1:344.)
In prayer we sense the presence of Jesus—If we keep the Lord ever
before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him,
we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will
take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He
will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a
sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus.—(Christ’s Object Lessons,
129.)
The holy spirit came at pentecost in answer to prayer—The Spirit
came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every
heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church. It was as
if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and now Heaven
rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of the Spirit’s
grace. And under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and
confession mingled with songs of praise for sins forgiven. Words of
thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All heaven bent low to behold
and to adore the wisdom of matchless, incomprehensible love. Lost in
wonder, the apostles exclaimed, “Herein is love.” They grasped the
imparted gift. And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged
with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through
unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day.—(The Acts of the Apostles,
38.)
We should pray for the holy spirit as did the disciples at pentecost—
The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the
indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by
earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early
disciples prepared for the outpouring [119] of the Holy Spirit on the Day of
Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now....
Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active
Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy
Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we
shall not discern or receive it....
Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of
advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work. There is no place
for us to rest in a careless attitude. We must never forget the warnings of
Christ, “Watch unto prayer,” “Watch, ... and pray always.” A connection
with the divine agency every moment is essential to our progress. We may
have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are
continually to seek more of the Spirit.—(Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, 507, 508.)
We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the
disciples prayed on the day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we
need it more today.
Without the Spirit and power of God, it will be in vain that we labor to
present the truth.—((Australasian) Union Conference Record, April 1,
1898.)
Claim the promise of the spirit by faith—Only to those who wait
humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit
given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised
blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given
according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply
every soul according to the capacity to receive.—(The Desire of Ages,
672.)
 Pray for the latter rain—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, [120] 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.—(Testimonies to
Ministers and Gospel Workers, 508.)
Be fervent in prayer and in the power of the holy spirit—What we
need is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God. “Not by might,
nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Pray without
ceasing, and watch by working in accordance with your prayers. As you
pray, believe, trust in God. It is the time of the latter rain, when the Lord
will give largely of His Spirit. Be fervent in prayer, and watch in the Spirit.
—(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 512.)
Satan fears God’s people praying for the holy spirit—There is
nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the
way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit
upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation. If Satan had his
way, there would never be another awakening, great or small, to the end of
time. But we are not ignorant of his devices. It is possible to resist his
power. When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will
come. Satan can no more hinder a shower of blessing from descending upon
God’s people than he can close the windows of heaven that rain cannot
come upon the earth. Wicked men and devils cannot hinder the work of
God, or shut out His presence from the assemblies of His people, if they
will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in
faith claim His promises.—(Selected Messages 1:124.)
The spirit accompanies every sincere prayer—The religion that
comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve
Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart
and renew the mind, giving us a new [121] capacity for knowing and loving
God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true
worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every
sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a
soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit’s working is manifest, and God
will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He
waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters.—(The
Desire of Ages, 189.)
Prayer without earnest activity for others leads to formalism—God
does not mean that any of us shall become hermits or monks, and retire
from the world to devote ourselves to acts of worship. The life must be like
Christ’s life,—between the mountain and the multitude. He who does
nothing but pray will soon cease to pray, or his prayers will become a
formal routine. When men take themselves out of social life, away from the
sphere of Christian duty and cross-bearing; when they cease to work
earnestly for the Master, who worked earnestly for them, they lose the
subject matter of prayer, and have no incentive to devotion. Their prayers
become personal and selfish. They cannot pray in regard to the wants of
humanity or the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom, pleading for strength
wherewith to work.—(Steps to Christ, 101.)
Spiritual progress depends upon prayer—We must be much in prayer
if we would make progress in the divine life. When the message of truth
was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. How often was the voice of
intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the grove.
Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming
the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard and then the voice of
thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now the day of God is nearer than
when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous, and
fervent than in those early days. Our perils are greater now than then.—
(Testimonies for the Church 5:161, 162.) [122]
 Chapter 13—Men and Women of
Prayer

Enoch

Prayer was the breath of his soul—Communing thus with God, Enoch
came more and more to reflect the divine image. His face was radiant with a
holy light, even the light that shineth in the face of Jesus. As he came forth
from these divine communings, even the ungodly beheld with awe the
impress of heaven upon his countenance.
His faith waxed stronger, his love became more ardent, with the lapse of
centuries. To him prayer was as the breath of the soul. He lived in the
atmosphere of heaven.—(Gospel Workers, 52.)
Distressed by the increasing wickedness of the ungodly, and fearing that
their infidelity might lessen his reverence for God, Enoch avoided constant
association with them, and spent much time in solitude, giving himself to
meditation and prayer. Thus he waited before the Lord, seeking a clearer
knowledge of His will, that he might perform it. To him prayer was as the
breath of the soul; he lived in the very atmosphere of heaven.—(Patriarchs
and Prophets, 85.) [123]
Enoch walked with God through prayer—I wish I could impress
upon every worker in God’s cause, the great need of continual, earnest
prayer. They cannot be constantly upon their knees, but they can be
uplifting their hearts to God. This is the way that Enoch walked with God.
—(The Review and Herald, November 10, 1885.)
While engaged in our daily work, we should lift the soul to heaven in
prayer. These silent petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace;
and the enemy is baffled. The Christian whose heart is thus stayed upon
God cannot be overcome. No evil arts can destroy his peace. All the
promises of God’s word, all the power of divine grace, all the resources of
Jehovah, are pledged to secure his deliverance. It was thus that Enoch
walked with God. And God was with him, a present help in every time of
need.—(Messages to Young People, 249.)
Individuals sought out enoch for prayer—Enoch became a preacher
of righteousness, making known to the people what God had revealed to
him. Those who feared the Lord sought out this holy man, to share his
instruction and his prayers.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 86.)
The greater enoch’s labors, the more earnest his prayers—In the
midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion
with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and
earnest were his prayers. He continued to exclude himself, at certain
periods, from all society. After remaining for a time among the people,
laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to
spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine
knowledge which God alone can impart.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 86,
87.)

Abraham

Daily prayer to ascend to God as sweet incense—The life of

Abraham, the friend of God, was a life of prayer. Wherever he pitched his
tent, close beside it was built an altar, upon which [124] were offered the
morning and the evening sacrifice. When his tent was removed, the altar
remained. And the roving Canaanite, as he came to that altar, knew who had
been there. When he had pitched his tent he repaired the altar and
worshiped the living God.
So the homes of Christians should be lights in the world. From them,
morning and evening, prayer should ascend to God as sweet incense. And
as the morning dew, His mercies and blessings will descend upon the
suppliants.
Fathers and mothers, each morning and evening gather your children
around you, and in humble supplication lift the heart to God for help. Your
dear ones are exposed to temptation. Daily annoyances beset the path of
young and old. Those who would live patient, loving, cheerful lives must
pray. Only by receiving constant help from God can we gain the victory
over self.
Each morning consecrate yourselves and your children to God for that
day. Make no calculation for months or years; these are not yours. One brief
day is given you. As if it were your last on earth, work during its hours for
the Master. Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up, as
His providence shall indicate. Accept His plans instead of your own, even
though their acceptance requires the abandonment of cherished projects.
Thus the life will be molded more and more after the divine example; “and
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.—(Testimonies for the
Church 7:44.)
Abraham prayed in faith in spite of difficult circumstances—
Abraham could not explain the leadings of Providence; he had not realized
his expectations; but he held fast the promise, “I will bless thee, and make
thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” With earnest prayer he
considered how to preserve the life of his people and his flocks, but he
would not allow circumstances to shake his faith in God’s word.—(Conflict
and Courage, 45.)
Abraham prayed to God with the confidence of a child pleading
with his father—Two of the heavenly messengers departed, [125] leaving
Abraham alone with Him whom he now knew to be the Son of God. And
the man of faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom. Once he had saved
them by his sword, now he endeavored to save them by prayer. Lot and his
household were still dwellers there; and the unselfish love that prompted
Abraham to their rescue from the Elamites, now sought to save them, if it
were God’s will, from the storm of divine judgment.
With deep reverence and humility he urged his plea: “I have taken upon
me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.” There was no
self-confidence, no boasting of his own righteousness. He did not claim
favor on the ground of his obedience, or of the sacrifices he had made in
doing God’s will. Himself a sinner, he pleaded in the sinner’s behalf. Such a
spirit all who approach God should possess. Yet Abraham manifested the
confidence of a child pleading with a loved father. He came close to the
heavenly Messenger, and fervently urged his petition....
Love for perishing souls inspired Abraham’s prayer. While he loathed
the sins of that corrupt city, he desired that the sinners might be saved. His
deep interest for Sodom shows the anxiety that we should feel for the
impenitent. We should cherish hatred of sin, but pity and love for the sinner.
—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 139, 140.)

Jacob

Jacob’s experience teaches the importance of prevailing prayer—

Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience
testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn
this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to
the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are
gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those
victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest,
agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.
Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for
God’s blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold [126] of God’s
promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will
succeed as he succeeded.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 203.)

Moses

Follow moses’ example in prayer—Talk less; much precious time is

lost in talk that brings no light. Let brethren unite in fasting and prayer for
the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally. Make known your
troubles to God. Tell Him, as did Moses, “I cannot lead this people unless
Thy presence shall go with me.” And then ask still more; pray with Moses,
“Show me Thy glory.” [Exodus 33:18.] What is this glory?—The character
of God. This is what He proclaimed to Moses.—(Gospel Workers, 417.)
 Moses interceded successfully for israel—God’s covenant with His
people had been disannulled, and He declared to Moses, “Let Me alone, that
My wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I
will make of thee a great nation.” The people of Israel, especially the mixed
multitude, would be constantly disposed to rebel against God. They would
also murmur against their leader, and would grieve him by their unbelief
and stubbornness, and it would be a laborious and soul-trying work to lead
them through to the Promised Land. Their sins had already forfeited the
favor of God, and justice called for their destruction. The Lord therefore
proposed to destroy them, and make of Moses a mighty nation.
“Let Me alone, ... that I may consume them,” were the words of God. If
God had purposed to destroy Israel, who could plead for them? How few
but would have left the sinners to their fate! How few but would have
gladly exchanged a lot of toil and burden and sacrifice, repaid with
ingratitude and murmuring, for a position of ease and honor, when it was
God Himself that offered the release.
But Moses discerned ground for hope where there appeared only
discouragement and wrath. The words of God, “Let Me alone,” he
understood not to forbid but to encourage intercession, implying that
nothing but the prayers of Moses could save [127] Israel, but that if thus
entreated, God would spare His people....
As Moses interceded for Israel, his timidity was lost in his deep interest
and love for those for whom he had, in the hands of God, been the means of
doing so much. The Lord listened to his pleadings, and granted his unselfish
prayer. God had proved His servant; He had tested his faithfulness and his
love for that erring, ungrateful people, and nobly had Moses endured the
trial. His interest in Israel sprang from no selfish motive. The prosperity of
God’s chosen people was dearer to him than personal honor, dearer than the
privilege of becoming the father of a mighty nation. God was pleased with
his faithfulness, his simplicity of heart, and his integrity, and He committed
to him, as a faithful shepherd, the great charge of leading Israel to the
Promised Land.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 318, 319.)
Moses continued to press his petitions to God—Moses knew well the
perversity and blindness of those who were placed under his care; he knew
the difficulties with which he must contend. But he had learned that in order
to prevail with the people, he must have help from God. He pleaded for a
clearer revelation of God’s will and for an assurance of His presence: “See,
Thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and Thou hast not let me know
whom Thou wilt send with me. Yet Thou hast said, I know thee by name,
and thou hast also found grace in My sight. Now therefore, I pray Thee, if I
have found grace in Thy sight, show me now Thy way, that I may know
Thee, that I may find grace in Thy sight: and consider that this nation is Thy
people.”
The answer was, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee
rest.” But Moses was not yet satisfied. There pressed upon his soul a sense
of the terrible results should God leave Israel to hardness and impenitence.
He could not endure that his interests should be separated from those of his
brethren, and he prayed that the favor of God might be restored to His
people, and that the token of His presence might continue to direct their
journeyings: “If Thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For
wherein shall it be known here that I and Thy people have found grace in
Thy sight? is it not in [128] that Thou goest with us? So shall we be
separated, I and Thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of
the earth.”
And the Lord said, “I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for
thou hast found grace in My sight, and I know thee by name.” Still the
prophet did not cease pleading. Every prayer had been answered, but he
thirsted for greater tokens of God’s favor. He now made a request that no
human being had ever made before: “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory.”
God did not rebuke his request as presumptuous; but the gracious words
were spoken, “I will make all My goodness pass before thee.” The unveiled
glory of God, no man in this mortal state can look upon and live; but Moses
was assured that he should behold as much of the divine glory as he could
endure. Again he was summoned to the mountain summit; then the hand
that made the world, that hand that “removeth the mountains, and they
know not” (Job 9:5), took this creature of the dust, this mighty man of faith,
and placed him in a cleft of the rock, while the glory of God and all His
goodness passed before him.
This experience—above all else the promise that the divine Presence
would attend him—was to Moses an assurance of success in the work
before him; and he counted it of infinitely greater worth than all the
learning of Egypt or all his attainments as a statesman or a military leader.
No earthly power or skill or learning can supply the place of God’s abiding
presence.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 327, 328.)
Under stress, moses’ prayer was almost a complaint—The heart of
Moses sank. He had pleaded that Israel should not be destroyed, even
though his own posterity might then become a great nation. In his love for
them he had prayed that his name might be blotted from the book of life
rather than that they should be left to perish. He had imperiled all for them,
and this was their response. All their hardships, even their imaginary
sufferings, they charged upon him; and their wicked murmurings made
doubly heavy the burden of care and responsibility under which he
staggered. In his distress he was tempted even to distrust God. His [129]
prayer was almost a complaint. “Wherefore hast Thou afflicted Thy
servant? and wherefore have I not found favor in Thy sight, that Thou
layest the burden of all this people upon me? ... Whence should I have flesh
to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh,
that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too
heavy for me.”
The Lord hearkened to his prayer, and directed him to summon seventy
men of the elders of Israel—men not only advanced in years, but possessing
dignity, sound judgment, and experience. “And bring them unto the
tabernacle of the congregation,” He said, “that they may stand there with
thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the
spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the
burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself
alone.”(Patriarchs and Prophets, 379, 380.)
Moses prayed for mercy for israel—Moses now arose and entered the
tabernacle. The Lord declared to him, “I will smite them with the
pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation.” But
again Moses pleaded for his people. He could not consent to have them
destroyed, and he himself made a mightier nation. Appealing to the mercy
of God, he said: “I beseech Thee, let the power of my Lord be great
according as Thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is long-suffering, and of
great mercy.... Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people according
to the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from
Egypt even until now.”
 The Lord promised to spare Israel from immediate destruction; but
because of their unbelief and cowardice He could not manifest His power to
subdue their enemies. Therefore in His mercy He bade them, as the only
safe course, to turn back toward the Red Sea.—(Patriarchs and Prophets,
390, 391.)
Moses’ prayers spared the israelites from God’s judgments—As the
people gazed upon the aged man, so soon to be [130] taken from them, they
recalled, with a new and deeper appreciation, his parental tenderness, his
wise counsels, and his untiring labors. How often, when their sins had
invited the just judgments of God, the prayers of Moses had prevailed with
Him to spare them! Their grief was heightened by remorse. They bitterly
remembered that their own perversity had provoked Moses to the sin for
which he must die.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 470.)
Moses’ final prayer fulfilled at the mount of transfiguration—
Never, till exemplified in the sacrifice of Christ, were the justice and the
love of God more strikingly displayed than in His dealings with Moses.
God shut Moses out of Canaan, to teach a lesson which should never be
forgotten—that He requires exact obedience, and that men are to beware of
taking to themselves the glory which is due to their Maker. He could not
grant the prayer of Moses that he might share the inheritance of Israel, but
He did not forget or forsake His servant. The God of heaven understood the
suffering that Moses had endured; He had noted every act of faithful service
through those long years of conflict and trial. On the top of Pisgah, God
called Moses to an inheritance infinitely more glorious than the earthly
Canaan.
Upon the mount of transfiguration Moses was present with Elijah, who
had been translated. They were sent as bearers of light and glory from the
Father to His Son. And thus the prayer of Moses, uttered so many centuries
before, was at last fulfilled. He stood upon the “goodly mountain,” within
the heritage of his people, bearing witness to Him in whom all the promises
to Israel centered. Such is the last scene revealed to mortal vision in the
history of that man so highly honored of Heaven.—(Patriarchs and
Prophets, 479.)

Hannah
 Hannah’s example an encouragement to every mother—From
Shiloh, Hannah quietly returned to her home at Ramah, leaving the child
Samuel to be trained for service in the house of God, [131] under the
instruction of the high priest. From the earliest dawn of intellect she had
taught her son to love and reverence God and to regard himself as the
Lord’s. By every familiar object surrounding him she had sought to lead his
thoughts up to the Creator. When separated from her child, the faithful
mother’s solicitude did not cease. Every day he was the subject of her
prayers. Every year she made, with her own hands, a robe of service for
him; and as she went up with her husband to worship at Shiloh, she gave
the child this reminder of her love. Every fiber of the little garment had
been woven with a prayer that he might be pure, noble, and true. She did
not ask for her son worldly greatness, but she earnestly pleaded that he
might attain that greatness which Heaven values—that he might honor God
and bless his fellow men.
What a reward was Hannah’s! and what an encouragement to
faithfulness is her example! There are opportunities of inestimable worth,
interests infinitely precious, committed to every mother. The humble round
of duties which women have come to regard as a wearisome task should be
looked upon as a grand and noble work. It is the mother’s privilege to bless
the world by her influence, and in doing this she will bring joy to her own
heart. She may make straight paths for the feet of her children, through
sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. But it is only when she
seeks, in her own life, to follow the teachings of Christ that the mother can
hope to form the character of her children after the divine pattern. The
world teems with corrupting influences. Fashion and custom exert a strong
power over the young. If the mother fails in her duty to instruct, guide, and
restrain, her children will naturally accept the evil, and turn from the good.
Let every mother go often to her Saviour with the prayer, “Teach us, how
shall we order the child, and what shall we do unto him?” Let her heed the
instruction which God has given in His word, and wisdom will be given her
as she shall have need.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 572, 573.)
Hannah was a woman of prayer—Hannah brought no reproach
against her husband for his unwise marriage. The grief [132] which she
could share with no earthly friend, she carried to her Heavenly Father, and
sought consolation from Him alone who hath said, “Call upon me in the day
of trouble, and I will deliver thee.” There is a mighty power in prayer. Our
great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from
God. An appeal to Heaven by the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by
Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings.
Hannah’s prayer was unheard by mortal ear, but entered the ear of the
Lord of hosts. Earnestly she pleaded that God would take away her
reproach, and grant her the boon most highly prized by women of that age,
—the blessing of motherhood. As she wrestled in prayer, her voice uttered
no sound, but her lips moved and her countenance gave evidence of deep
emotion. And now another trial awaited the humble suppliant. As the eye of
Eli the high priest fell upon her, he hastily decided that she was intoxicated.
Feasting revelry had well-nigh supplanted true godliness among the people
of Israel. Instances of intemperance, even among women, were of frequent
occurrence, and now Eli determined to administer what he considered a
deserved rebuke. “How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away thy wine from
thee.”
Hannah had been communing with God. She believed that her prayer
had been heard, and the peace of Christ filled her heart. Hers was a gentle,
sensitive nature, yet she yielded neither to grief nor to indignation at the
unjust charge of drunkenness in the house of God. With due reverence for
the anointed of the Lord, she calmly repelled the accusation and stated the
cause of her emotion. “No my Lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I
have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul
before the Lord. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial, for out
of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.”
Convinced that his reproof had been unjust, Eli replied, “Go in peace, and
the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.”
In her prayer, Hannah had made a vow that if her request were granted,
she would dedicate her child to the service of God. This vow she made
known to her husband, and he confirmed [133] it in a solemn act of
worship, before leaving Shiloh.
Hannah’s prayer was answered, and she received the gift for which she
had so earnestly entreated. As she looked upon the pledge of divine favor
she called the child Samuel—Asked of God.—(The Signs of the Times,
October 27, 1881.)
Elijah

Elijah prayed for israel’s repentance—Among the mountains of

Gilead, east of the Jordan, there dwelt in the days of Ahab a man of faith
and prayer whose fearless ministry was destined to check the rapid spread
of apostasy in Israel. Far removed from any city of renown, and occupying
no high station in life, Elijah the Tishbite nevertheless entered upon his
mission confident in God’s purpose to prepare the way before him and to
give him abundant success. The word of faith and power was upon his lips,
and his whole life was devoted to the work of reform. His was the voice of
one crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of evil.
And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered
the balm of Gilead to the sin-sick souls of all who desired to be healed.
As Elijah saw Israel going deeper and deeper into idolatry, his soul was
distressed and his indignation aroused. God had done great things for His
people. He had delivered them from bondage and given them “the lands of
the heathen, ... that they might observe His statutes, and keep His laws.”
Psalm 105:44, 45. But the beneficent designs of Jehovah were now well-
nigh forgotten. Unbelief was fast separating the chosen nation from the
Source of their strength. Viewing this apostasy from his mountain retreat,
Elijah was overwhelmed with sorrow. In anguish of soul he besought God
to arrest the once-favored people in their wicked course, to visit them with
judgments, if need be, that they might be led to see in its true light their
departure from Heaven. He longed to see them brought to repentance before
they should go to such lengths in evil-doing as to provoke the Lord to
destroy them utterly. [134]
Elijah’s prayer was answered. Oft-repeated appeals, remonstrances, and
warnings had failed to bring Israel to repentance. The time had come when
God must speak to them by means of judgments. Inasmuch as the
worshipers of Baal claimed that the treasures of heaven, the dew and the
rain, came not from Jehovah, but from the ruling forces of nature, and that it
was through the creative energy of the sun that the earth was enriched and
made to bring forth abundantly, the curse of God was to rest heavily upon
the polluted land. The apostate tribes of Israel were to be shown the folly of
trusting to the power of Baal for temporal blessings. Until they should turn
to God with repentance, and acknowledge Him as the source of all blessing,
there should fall upon the land neither dew nor rain.—(Prophets and Kings,
119, 120.)
The fear of God was daily growing less in Israel. The blasphemous
tokens of their blind idolatry were to be seen among the Israel of God.
There were none who dared to expose their lives by openly standing forth in
opposition to the prevailing blasphemous idolatry. The altars of Baal, and
the priests of Baal who sacrificed to the sun, moon, and stars, were
conspicuous everywhere. They had consecrated temples and groves,
wherein was placed the work of men’s hands to worship. The benefits
which God gave to this people called forth from them no gratitude to the
Giver. For all the bounties of Heaven, the running brooks, and streams of
living waters, the gentle dew, and showers of rain to refresh the earth, and
to cause their fields to bring forth abundantly, they ascribed to the favor of
their gods.
Elijah’s faithful soul was grieved. His indignation was aroused, and he
was jealous for the glory of God. He saw that Israel was plunged into
fearful apostasy. He was overwhelmed with amazement and grief at the
apostasy of the people when he called to mind the great things that God had
wrought for them. But all this was forgotten by the majority of the people.
He went before God, and with his soul wrung with anguish, plead for Him
to save His people if it must be by judgments. He plead with God to
withhold [135] from His ungrateful people dew and rain, the treasures of
heaven, that apostate Israel might look in vain to their idols of gold, wood,
and stone, the sun, moon, and stars, their gods, to water the earth and enrich
it, and cause it to bring forth plentifully. God told Elijah He had heard his
prayer. He would withhold from His people dew and rain, until they should
turn unto Him with repentance.—(The Review and Herald, September 16,
1873.)
Through the long years of drought and famine, Elijah prayed earnestly
that the hearts of Israel might be turned from idolatry to allegiance to God.
Patiently the prophet waited, while the hand of the Lord rested heavily on
the stricken land. As he saw evidences of suffering and want multiplying on
every side, his heart was wrung with sorrow, and he longed for power to
bring about a reformation quickly. But God Himself was working out His
plan, and all that His servant could do was to pray on in faith and await the
time for decided action.—(Prophets and Kings, 133.)
 Elijah an example of one who prevailed through earnest prayer—
We should be much in secret prayer. Christ is the vine, ye are the branches.
And if we would grow and flourish, we must continually draw sap and
nourishment from the Living Vine; for separated from the Vine we have no
strength.
I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He
said, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the
throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye
receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” I was then pointed to
Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly.
His faith endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord, and at
last the cloud was seen. I saw that we had doubted the sure promises, and
wounded the Saviour by our lack of faith. Said the angel, “Gird the armor
about thee, and above all take the shield of faith; for that will guard the
heart, the very life, from the fiery darts of the wicked.” If the enemy can
lead the desponding to take their eyes off from Jesus, and look to
themselves, and dwell upon their own [136] unworthiness, instead of
dwelling upon the worthiness of Jesus, His love, His merits, and His great
mercy, he will get away their shield of faith and gain his object; they will be
exposed to his fiery temptations. The weak should therefore look to Jesus,
and believe in Him; they then exercise faith.—(Early Writings, 73.)
God’s messengers must tarry long with Him, if they would have success
in their work. The story is told of an old Lancashire woman who was
listening to the reasons that her neighbors gave for their minister’s success.
They spoke of his gifts, of his style of address, of his manners. “Nay,” said
the old woman, “I will tell you what it is. Your man is very thick with the
Almighty.”
When men are as devoted as Elijah was and possess the faith that he
had, God will reveal Himself as He did then. When men plead with the
Lord as did Jacob, the results that were seen then will again be seen. Power
will come from God in answer to the prayer of faith.—(Gospel Workers,
255.)
Elijah’s prayer on mount carmel was answered dramatically—
Reminding the people of the long-continued apostasy that has awakened the
wrath of Jehovah, Elijah calls upon them to humble their hearts and turn to
the God of their fathers, that the curse upon the land of Israel may be
removed. Then, bowing reverently before the unseen God, he raises his
hands toward heaven and offers a simple prayer. Baal’s priests have
screamed and foamed and leaped, from early morning until late in the
afternoon; but as Elijah prays, no senseless shrieks resound over Carmel’s
height. He prays as if he knows Jehovah is there, a witness to the scene, a
listener to his appeal. The prophets of Baal have prayed wildly,
incoherently. Elijah prays simply and fervently, asking God to show His
superiority over Baal, that Israel may be led to turn to Him.
“Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel,” the prophet pleads, “let it
be known this day that Thou art God in Israel, and that I am Thy servant,
and that I have done all these things at Thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear
me, that this people may know that Thou art the Lord God, and that Thou
hast turned their heart back again.” [137]
A silence, oppressive in its solemnity, rests upon all. The priests of Baal
tremble with terror. Conscious of their guilt, they look for swift retribution.
No sooner is the prayer of Elijah ended than flames of fire, like brilliant
flashes of lightning, descend from heaven upon the upreared altar,
consuming the sacrifice, licking up the water in the trench, and consuming
even the stones of the altar. The brilliancy of the blaze illumines the
mountain and dazzles the eyes of the multitude. In the valleys below, where
many are watching in anxious suspense the movements of those above, the
descent of fire is clearly seen, and all are amazed at the sight. It resembles
the pillar of fire which at the Red Sea separated the children of Israel from
the Egyptian host.—(Prophets and Kings, 152, 153.)
Elijah’s prayers reached out in faith to claim God’s promises—With
the slaying of the prophets of Baal, the way was opened for carrying
forward a mighty spiritual reformation among the ten tribes of the northern
kingdom. Elijah had set before the people their apostasy; he had called upon
them to humble their hearts and turn to the Lord. The judgments of Heaven
had been executed; the people had confessed their sins, and had
acknowledged the God of their fathers as the living God; and now the curse
of Heaven was to be withdrawn, and the temporal blessings of life renewed.
The land was to be refreshed with rain. “Get thee up, eat and drink,” Elijah
said to Ahab; “for there is a sound of abundance of rain.” Then the prophet
went to the top of the mount to pray.
 It was not because of any outward evidence that the showers were about
to fall, that Elijah could so confidently bid Ahab prepare for rain. The
prophet saw no clouds in the heavens; he heard no thunder. He simply
spoke the word that the Spirit of the Lord had moved him to speak in
response to his own strong faith. Throughout the day he had unflinchingly
performed the will of God and had revealed his implicit confidence in the
prophecies of God’s word; and now, having done all that was in his power
to do, he knew that Heaven would freely bestow the blessings foretold. The
same God [138] who had sent the drought had promised an abundance of
rain as the reward of rightdoing; and now Elijah waited for the promised
outpouring. In an attitude of humility, “his face between his knees,” he
interceded with God in behalf of penitent Israel.
Again and again Elijah sent his servant to a point overlooking the
Mediterranean, to learn whether there were any visible token that God had
heard his prayer. Each time the servant returned with the word, “There is
nothing.” The prophet did not become impatient or lose faith, but continued
his earnest pleading. Six times the servant returned with the word that there
was no sign of rain in the brassy heavens. Undaunted, Elijah sent him forth
once more; and this time the servant returned with the word, “Behold, there
ariseth a little cloud out of the sea like a man’s hand.”
This was enough. Elijah did not wait for the heavens to gather
blackness. In that small cloud he beheld by faith an abundance of rain; and
he acted in harmony with his faith, sending his servant quickly to Ahab
with the message, “Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop
thee not.”
It was because Elijah was a man of large faith that God could use him in
this grave crisis in the history of Israel. As he prayed, his faith reached out
and grasped the promises of Heaven, and he persevered in prayer until his
petitions were answered. He did not wait for the full evidence that God had
heard him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of divine
favor. And yet what he was enabled to do under God, all may do in their
sphere of activity in God’s service; for of the prophet from the mountains of
Gilead it is written: “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and
he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by
the space of three years and six months.” James 5:17.
 Faith such as this is needed in the world today—faith that will lay hold
on the promises of God’s word and refuse to let go until Heaven hears.
Faith such as this connects us closely with Heaven, and brings us strength
for coping with the powers of darkness. Through faith God’s children have
“subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the
mouths of lions, [139] quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of
the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned
to flight the armies of the aliens.” Hebrews 11:33, 34. And through faith we
today are to reach the heights of God’s purpose for us. “If thou canst
believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23.
Faith is an essential element of prevailing prayer. “He that cometh to
God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek Him.”“If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth
us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we
have the petitions that we desired of Him.” Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:14, 15.
With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of
Elijah, we may present our petitions to the Father, claiming all that He has
promised. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word.
—(Prophets and Kings, 155-158.)
Elijah persevered in prayer until the answer came—Important
lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon Mt.
Carmel he offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered
in making known his request unto God. Six times he prayed earnestly, and
yet there was no sign that his petition was granted, but with a strong faith he
urged his plea to the throne of grace. Had he given up in discouragement at
the sixth time, his prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered
till the answer came. We have a God whose ear is not closed to our
petitions; and if we prove His word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to
have all our interests interwoven with His interests, and then He can safely
bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the blessing is ours,
but shall render all the praise to God. God does not always answer our
prayers the first time we call upon Him; for should He do this, we might
take it for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and favors He
bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any evil was
entertained by us, any sin indulged, we should become careless, and fail to
realize our dependence upon Him, and our need of His help. [140]
Elijah humbled himself until he was in a condition where he would not take
the glory to himself. This is the condition upon which the Lord hears
prayer, for then we shall give the praise to Him. The custom of offering
praise to men is one that results in great evil. One praises another, and thus
men are led to feel that glory and honor belong to them. When you exalt
man, you lay a snare for his soul, and do just as Satan would have you. You
should praise God with all your heart, soul, might, mind, and strength; for
God alone is worthy to be glorified.—(SDA Bible Commentary 2:1034,
1035.)
The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from
the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the
prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept reviewing his life, to
see where he had failed to honor God, he confessed his sins, and thus
continued to afflict his soul before God, while watching for a token that his
prayer was answered. As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and
less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him
that he was nothing, and that God was everything; and when he reached the
point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only strength
and righteousness, the answer came.—(The Review and Herald, May 26,
1891.)

David

David’s fall a warning not to neglect prayer—God intended the

history of David’s fall to serve as a warning that even those whom He has
greatly blessed and favored are not to feel secure and neglect watchfulness
and prayer. And thus it has proved to those who in humility have sought to
learn the lesson that God designed to teach. From generation to generation
thousands have thus been led to realize their own danger from the tempter’s
power. The fall of David, one so greatly honored by the Lord, has awakened
in them distrust of self. They have felt that God alone could keep them by
His power through faith. Knowing that in Him was [141] their strength and
safety, they have feared to take the first step on Satan’s ground.—
(Patriarchs and Prophets, 724.)
 God responded to david’s prayer for forgiveness—One of the most
earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David when he plead,
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” God’s response to such a prayer is, A
new heart will I give you. This is a work that no finite man can do. Men and
women are to begin at the beginning, seeking God most earnestly for a true
Christian experience. They are to feel the creative power of the Holy Spirit.
They are to receive the new heart, that is kept soft and tender by the grace
of heaven. The selfish spirit is to be cleansed from the soul. They are to
labor earnestly and with humility of heart, each one looking to Jesus for
guidance and encouragement. Then the building, fitly framed together, will
grow into a holy temple in the Lord.—(SDA Bible Commentary 4: 1165.)

Solomon

We need to learn the lesson in solmon’s humble prayer—At the

beginning of his reign Solomon prayed: “O Lord my God, Thou hast made
Thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I
know not how to go out or come in.” 1 Kings 3:7.
Solomon had succeeded his father David to the throne of Israel. God
greatly honored him, and, as we know, he became in later years the greatest,
richest, and wisest king that had ever sat upon an earthly throne. Early in
his reign Solomon was impressed by the Holy Spirit with the solemnity of
his responsibilities, and, though rich in talents and ability, he realized that
without divine aid he was helpless as a little child to perform them.
Solomon was never so rich or so wise or so truly great as when he
confessed to the Lord: “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or
come in.”....
“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this [142] thing, and hast
not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast
asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to
discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have
given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like
thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have
also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so
that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.”
Now the conditions: “And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My
statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will
lengthen thy days.” ....
All who occupy responsible positions need to learn the lesson that is
taught in Solomon’s humble prayer. They are ever to remember that
position will never change the character or render man infallible. The
higher the position a man occupies, the greater the responsibility he has to
bear, the wider will be the influence he exerts and the greater his need to
feel his dependence on the wisdom and strength of God and to cultivate the
best and most holy character.—(Testimonies for the Church 9:281, 282).
Solomon’s example a lesson to watch unto prayer—How, in
Solomon’s case, was weak, vacillating character—naturally bold, firm, and
determined—shaken like a reed in the wind under the tempter’s power!
How has an old, gnarled cedar of Lebanon, a sturdy oak of Bashan, bent
before the blast of temptation! What a lesson for all who desire to save their
souls to watch unto prayer continually. What a warning to keep the grace of
Christ ever in their heart, to battle with inward corruptions and outward
temptations.—(Manuscript Releases 21:383.)

Hezekiah

Hezekiah prayed for the remnant of israel—“This day is a day of

trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy,” was the word the king sent. “It may
be the Lord thy God will hear all the words of [143] Rabshakeh, whom the
king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will
reprove the words which the Lord thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy
prayer for the remnant that are left.” Verses 3, 4.
“For this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of
Amoz, prayed and cried to Heaven.” 2 Chronicles 32:20.
God answered the prayers of His servants. To Isaiah was given the
message for Hezekiah: “Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words
which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have
blasphemed Me. Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a
rumor, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the
sword in his own land.” 2 Kings 19:6, 7.—(Prophets and Kings, 354.)
Hezekiah’s prayer was in harmony with the mind of God—When
the king of Judah received the taunting letter, he took it into the temple and
“spread it before the Lord” and prayed with strong faith for help from
heaven, that the nations of earth might know that the God of the Hebrews
still lived and reigned. Verse 14. The honor of Jehovah was at stake; He
alone could bring deliverance.
“O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims,”
Hezekiah pleaded, “Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms
of the earth; Thou hast made heaven and earth. Lord, bow down Thine ear,
and hear: open, Lord, Thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of
Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth,
Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, and
have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of
men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now
therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech Thee, save Thou us out of his hand,
that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the Lord God,
even Thou only.” 2 Kings 19:15-19....
Hezekiah’s pleadings in behalf of Judah and of the honor of their
Supreme Ruler were in harmony with the mind of God. Solomon, in his
benediction at the dedication of the temple, had prayed the Lord [144] to
maintain “the cause of His people Israel at all times, as the matter shall
require: that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and
that there is none else.” 1 Kings 8:59, 60. Especially was the Lord to show
favor when, in times of war or of oppression by an army, the chief men of
Israel should enter the house of prayer and plead for deliverance. Verses 33,
34.
Hezekiah was not left without hope. Isaiah sent to him, saying, “Thus
saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against
Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.—(Prophets and Kings, 355, 356,
359.)
Hezekiah healed in answer to prayer—Since the days of David, there
had reigned no king who had wrought so mightily for the upbuilding of the
kingdom of God in a time of apostasy and discouragement as had Hezekiah.
The dying ruler had served his God faithfully, and had done much to
strengthen the confidence of the people in Jehovah as their Supreme Ruler.
And, like David, he could now plead: “Let my prayer come before thee:
incline thine ear unto my cry; for my soul is full of troubles: and my life
draweth nigh unto the grave.” “Thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my
trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up.... Forsake me not when
my strength faileth.... O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste
for my help.... O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto
this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” Psalm 88:2, 3;
Psalm 71:5-18.
He whose “compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22) heard the prayer
of His servant. “It came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle
court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell
Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David
thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal
thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I
will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out
of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own
sake, and for my servant David’s sake.” 2 Kings 20:4-6.—(The Review and
Herald, May 6, 1915.) [145]

Daniel

Daniel’s prayer effectual and fervent—Daniel prayed to God, not

exalting himself or claiming any goodness: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive;
O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for Thine own sake, O my God.” This is
what James calls the effectual, fervent prayer. Of Christ it is said: “And
being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.” In what contrast to this
intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that
are offered to God. Many are content with lip service, and but few have a
sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.—(Testimonies for the
Church 4:534.)
Daniel remained faithful in prayer in spite of persecution—Did
Daniel cease to pray because this decree was to go into force!—No, that
was just the time when he needed to pray. “When Daniel knew that the
writing was signed, he went into his house; and, his window being open in
his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,
and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel
did not seek to hide his loyalty to God. He did not pray in his heart, but with
his voice, aloud, with his window open toward Jerusalem, he offered up his
petition to heaven. Then his enemies made their complaint to the king, and
Daniel was thrown into the den of lions. But the Son of God was there. The
angel of the Lord encamped round about the servant of the Lord, and when
the king came in the morning, and called, “O Daniel, servant of the living
God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from
the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God
hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt
me.” No harm had come to him, and he magnified the Lord God of heaven.
—(The Review and Herald, May 3, 1892.)
Earnestness and fervor characterized daniel’s prayers—As the time
approached for the close of the seventy years’ captivity, Daniel’s [146]
mind became greatly exercised upon the prophecies of Jeremiah. He saw
that the time was at hand when God would give His chosen people another
trial; and with fasting, humiliation, and prayer, he importuned the God of
heaven in behalf of Israel, in these words: “O Lord, the great and dreadful
God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them
that keep his commandments; we have sinned, and have committed iniquity,
and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy
precepts and from thy judgments; neither have we hearkened unto thy
servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes,
and our fathers, and to all the people of the land” (Daniel 9:4-6).
Daniel does not proclaim his own fidelity before the Lord. Instead of
claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet humbly identifies
himself with the really sinful of Israel. The wisdom which God had
imparted to him was as far superior to the wisdom of the great men of the
world as the light of the sun shining in the heavens at noonday is brighter
than the feeblest star. Yet ponder the prayer from the lips of this man so
highly favored of Heaven. With deep humiliation, with tears and rending of
heart, he pleads for himself and for his people. He lays his soul open before
God, confessing his own unworthiness and acknowledging the Lord’s
greatness and majesty.
 What earnestness and fervor characterize his supplications! The hand of
faith is reached upward to grasp the never-failing promises of the Most
High. His soul is wrestling in agony. And he has the evidence that his
prayer is heard. He knows that victory is his. If we as a people would pray
as Daniel prayed, and wrestle as he wrestled, humbling our souls before
God, we should realize as marked answers to our petitions as were granted
to Daniel. Hear how he presses his case at the court of heaven:
“O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our
desolations, and the city which is called by thy name; for we do not present
our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great
mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not;
for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy
name” (verses 18, 19). [147]
The man of God was praying for the blessing of Heaven upon his
people and for a clearer knowledge of the divine will. The burden of his
heart was for Israel, who were not, in the strictest sense, keeping the law of
God. He acknowledges that all their misfortunes have come upon them in
consequence of their transgressions of that holy law. He says, “We have
sinned, we have done wickedly.... Because for our sins, and for the
iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to
all that are about us” (verses 15, 16). The Jews had lost their peculiar, holy
character as God’s chosen people. “Now therefore, O our God, hear the
prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine
upon thy sanctuary that is desolate” (verse 17). Daniel’s heart turns with
intense longing to the desolate sanctuary of God. He knows that its
prosperity can be restored only as Israel shall repent of their transgressions
of God’s law, and become humble, faithful, and obedient.
As Daniel’s prayer is going forth, the angel Gabriel comes sweeping
down from the heavenly courts to tell him that his petitions are heard and
answered. This mighty angel has been commissioned to give him skill and
understanding—to open before him the mysteries of future ages. Thus,
while earnestly seeking to know and understand the truth, Daniel was
brought into communion with Heaven’s delegated messenger.
In answer to his petition, Daniel received not only the light and truth
which he and his people most needed, but a view of the great events of the
future, even to the advent of the world’s Redeemer. Those who claim to be
sanctified, while they have no desire to search the Scriptures or to wrestle
with God in prayer for a clearer understanding of Bible truth, know not
what true sanctification is.—(The Sanctified Life, 46-49.)

Nehemiah

Nehemiah’s prayer is an example to God’s people today—The hearts

of those who advocate this cause must be filled with the Spirit of Jesus. The
Great Physician alone can apply the balm of [148] Gilead. Let these men
read the book of Nehemiah with humble hearts touched by the Holy Spirit,
and their false ideas will be modified, and correct principles will be seen,
and the present order of things will be changed. Nehemiah prayed to God
for help, and God heard his prayer. The Lord moved upon heathen kings to
come to his help. When his enemies zealously worked against him, the Lord
worked through kings to carry out His purpose, and to answer the many
prayers which were ascending to Him for the help which they so much
needed.—(The Review and Herald, March 23, 1911.)
Prayer made nehemiah’s faith and courage stronger—By
messengers from Judea the Hebrew patriot learned that days of trial had
come to Jerusalem, the chosen city. The returned exiles were suffering
affliction and reproach. The temple and portions of the city had been
rebuilt; but the work of restoration was hindered, the temple services were
disturbed, and the people kept in constant alarm by the fact that the walls of
the city were still largely in ruins.
Overwhelmed with sorrow, Nehemiah could neither eat nor drink; he
“wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted.” In his grief he turned to the
divine Helper. “I ... prayed,” he said, “before the God of heaven.” Faithfully
he made confession of his sins and the sins of his people. He pleaded that
God would maintain the cause of Israel, restore their courage and strength,
and help them to build up the waste places of Judah.
As Nehemiah prayed, his faith and courage grew strong. His mouth was
filled with holy arguments. He pointed to the dishonor that would be cast
upon God, if His people, now that they had returned to Him, should be left
in weakness and oppression; and he urged the Lord to bring to pass His
promise: “If ye turn unto Me, and keep My Commandments, and do them;
though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet
will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I
have chosen to set My name there.” See Deuteronomy 4:29-31. This
promise had been given to Israel through Moses [149] before they had
entered Canaan, and during the centuries it had stood unchanged. God’s
people had now returned to Him in penitence and faith, and His promise
would not fail.
Nehemiah had often poured out his soul in behalf of his people. But
now as he prayed a holy purpose formed in his mind. He resolved that if he
could obtain the consent of the king, and the necessary aid in procuring
implements and material, he would himself undertake the task of rebuilding
the walls of Jerusalem and restoring Israel’s national strength. And he asked
the Lord to grant him favor in the sight of the king, that this plan might be
carried out. “Prosper, I pray Thee, Thy servant this day,” he entreated, “and
grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
Four months Nehemiah waited for a favorable opportunity to present his
request to the king. During this time, though his heart was heavy with grief,
he endeavored to bear himself with cheerfulness in the royal presence. In
those halls of luxury and splendor all must appear light-hearted and happy.
Distress must not cast its shadow over the countenance of any attendant of
royalty. But in Nehemiah’s seasons of retirement, concealed from human
sight, many were the prayers, the confessions, the tears, heard and
witnessed by God and angels.—(Prophets and Kings, 628-630.)
Nehemiah acknowledged his personal sin in his prayers—Not only
did Nehemiah say that Israel had sinned. He acknowledged with penitence
that he and his father’s house had sinned. “We have dealt corruptly against
Thee,” he says, placing himself among those who had dishonored God by
not standing stiffly for the truth....
Nehemiah humbled himself before God, giving Him the glory due unto
His name. Thus also did Daniel in Babylon. Let us study the prayers of
these men. They teach us that we are to humble ourselves, but that we are
never to obliterate the line of demarcation between God’s commandment-
keeping people and those who have no respect for His law.—(SDA Bible
Commentary 3:1136.) [150]
Nehemiah prayed, certain that God would fulfill his promises—By faith
taking fast hold of the divine promise, Nehemiah laid down at the footstool
of heavenly mercy his petition that God would maintain the cause of His
penitent people, restore their strength, and build up their waste places. God
had been faithful to His threatenings when His people separated from Him;
He had scattered them abroad among the nations, according to His Word.
And Nehemiah found in this very fact an assurance that He would be
equally faithful in fulfilling His promises.—(SDA Bible Commentary
3:1136.)
Nehemiah shaped his prayers to the needs of the moment—The
recital of the condition of Jerusalem awakened the sympathy of the
monarch without arousing his prejudices. Another question gave the
opportunity for which Nehemiah had long waited: “For what dost thou
make request?” But the man of God did not venture to reply till he had
sought direction from One higher than Artaxerxes. He had a sacred trust to
fulfill, in which he required help from the king; and he realized that much
depended upon his presenting the matter in such a way as to win his
approval and enlist his aid. “I prayed,” he said, “to the God of heaven.” In
that brief prayer Nehemiah pressed into the presence of the King of kings
and won to his side a power that can turn hearts as the rivers of waters are
turned.—(Prophets and Kings, 631.)
Nehemiah’s prayers were braced with firm purpose—There is need
of Nehemiahs in the church today,—not men who can pray and preach only,
but men whose prayers and sermons are braced with firm and eager
purpose.—(The Signs of the Times, December 6, 1883.)
Like nehemiah, we can pray at any time or place—To pray as
Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a resource at the command of the
Christian under circumstances when other forms of [151] prayer may be
impossible. Toilers in the busy walks of life, crowded and almost
overwhelmed with perplexity, can send up a petition to God for divine
guidance. Travelers by sea and land, when threatened with some great
danger, can thus commit themselves to Heaven’s protection. In times of
sudden difficulty or peril the heart may send up its cry for help to One who
has pledged Himself to come to the aid of His faithful, believing ones
whenever they call upon Him. In every circumstance, under every
condition, the soul weighed down with grief and care, or fiercely assailed
by temptation, may find assurance, support, and succor in the unfailing love
and power of a covenant-keeping God.
 Nehemiah, in that brief moment of prayer to the King of kings, gathered
courage to tell Artaxerxes of his desire to be released for a time from his
duties at the court, and he asked for authority to build up the waste places of
Jerusalem and to make it once more a strong and defensed city. Momentous
results to the Jewish nation hung upon this request. “And,” Nehemiah
declares, “the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon
me.”(Prophets and Kings, 631-633.)
God in His providence does not permit us to know the end from the
beginning; but He gives us the light of His word to guide us as we pass
along, and bids us to keep our minds stayed upon Jesus. Wherever we are,
whatever our employment, our hearts are to be uplifted to God in prayer.
This is being instant in prayer. We need not wait until we can bow upon our
knees before we pray. On one occasion, when Nehemiah came in before the
king, the king asked why he looked so sad, and what request he had to
make. But Nehemiah dared not answer at once. Important interests were at
stake. The fate of a nation hung upon the impression that should then be
made upon the monarch’s mind; and Nehemiah darted up a prayer to the
God of Heaven, before he dared to answer the king. The result was that he
obtained all that he asked or even desired.—(The Signs of the Times,
October 20, 1887.) [152]
There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to
God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the
spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business
engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine
guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King
Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We
should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going
up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.
Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we
need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may
close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the
soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts
are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier
atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with
heaven.—(Steps to Christ, 99).
 Nehemiah prayed earnestly all night—In secrecy and silence,
Nehemiah completed his circuit of the walls. He declares, “The rulers knew
not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor
to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the
work.” In this painful survey he did not wish to attract the attention of either
friends or foes, lest an excitement should be created, and reports be put in
circulation that might defeat, or at least hinder, his work. Nehemiah devoted
the remainder of the night to prayer; in the morning there must be earnest
effort to arouse and unite his dispirited and divided countrymen.—
(Christian Service, 174.)
Nehemiah’s success shows the power of prayer—In their work, Ezra
and Nehemiah humbled themselves before God, confessing their sins and
the sins of their people, and entreating pardon as if they themselves were
the offenders. Patiently they toiled and prayed and suffered. That which
made their work most difficult was not the open hostility of the heathen, but
the secret opposition [153] of pretended friends, who, by lending their
influence to the service of evil, increased tenfold the burden of God’s
servants. These traitors furnished the Lord’s enemies with material to use in
their warfare upon His people. Their evil passions and rebellious wills were
ever at war with the plain requirements of God.
The success attending Nehemiah’s efforts shows what prayer, faith, and
wise, energetic action will accomplish. Nehemiah was not a priest; he was
not a prophet; he made no pretension to high title. He was a reformer raised
up for an important time. It was his aim to set his people right with God.
Inspired with a great purpose, he bent every energy of his being to its
accomplishment. High, unbending integrity marked his efforts. As he came
into contact with evil and opposition to right he took so determined a stand
that the people were roused to labor with fresh zeal and courage. They
could not but recognize his loyalty, his patriotism, and his deep love for
God; and, seeing this, they were willing to follow where he led.—(Prophets
and Kings, 675, 676.)

John The Baptist

 John spent time in meditation and prayer to know God’s will for his
life—The life of John was not spent in idleness, in ascetic gloom, or in
selfish isolation. From time to time he went forth to mingle with men; and
he was ever an interested observer of what was passing in the world. From
his quiet retreat he watched the unfolding of events. With vision illuminated
by the divine Spirit he studied the characters of men, that he might
understand how to reach their hearts with the message of heaven. The
burden of his mission was upon him. In solitude, by meditation and prayer,
he sought to gird up his soul for the lifework before him.—(The Desire of
Ages, 102.)
Prayer empowered john to face the kings of earth—John the Baptist
in his desert life was taught of God. He studied the revelations of God in
nature. Under the guiding of the Divine [154] Spirit, he studied the scrolls
of the prophets. By day and by night, Christ was his study, his meditation,
until mind and heart and soul were filled with the glorious vision.
He looked upon the King in His beauty, and self was lost sight of. He
beheld the majesty of holiness and knew himself to be inefficient and
unworthy. It was God’s message that he was to declare. It was in God’s
power and His righteousness that he was to stand. He was ready to go forth
as Heaven’s messenger, unawed by the human, because he had looked upon
the Divine. He could stand fearless in the presence of earthly monarchs
because with trembling he had bowed before the King of kings.—
(Testimonies for the Church 8:331, 332.)

Peter

God answered Peter’s prayer to raise dorcas to life—The apostle’s

heart was touched with sympathy as he beheld their sorrow. Then, directing
that the weeping friends be sent from the room, he kneeled down and
prayed fervently to God to restore Dorcas to life and health. Turning to the
body, he said, “Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw
Peter, she sat up.” Dorcas had been of great service to the church, and God
saw fit to bring her back from the land of the enemy, that her skill and
energy might still be a blessing to others, and also that by this manifestation
of His power the cause of Christ might be strengthened.—(The Acts of the
Apostles, 132.) [155]
 Chapter 14—Daily Prayer
As essential as our daily food—If we would develop a character which
God can accept, we must form correct habits in our religious life. Daily
prayer is as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is
temporal food to physical wellbeing. We should accustom ourselves to
often lift the thoughts to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring
it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy. We cannot for
one moment separate ourselves from Christ with safety. We may have His
presence to attend us at every step, but only by observing the conditions
which He has Himself laid down.—(Messages to Young People, 114, 115.)
Our need of daily prayer—All who come to Christ today are to
remember that His merit is the incense that mingles with the prayers of
those who repent of their sins and receive pardon and mercy and grace. Our
need of Christ’s intercession is constant. Day by day, morning and evening,
the humble heart needs to offer up prayers to which will be returned
answers of grace and peace and joy. “By Him therefore let us offer the
sacrifice of praise to God [156] continually, that is, the fruit of our lips
giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not:
for with such sacrifice God is well pleased”(SDA Bible Commentary
6:1078.)
Begin your day with prayer—It is our privilege to open our hearts,
and let the sunshine of Christ’s presence in. My brother, my sister, face the
light. Come into actual, personal contact with Christ, that you may exert an
influence that is uplifting and reviving. Let your faith be strong and pure
and steadfast. Let gratitude to God fill your hearts. When you rise in the
morning, kneel at your bedside, and ask God to give you strength to fulfil
the duties of the day, and to meet its temptations. Ask Him to help you to
bring into your work Christ’s sweetness of character. Ask Him to help you
to speak words that will inspire those around you with hope and courage,
and draw you nearer to the Saviour.—(Sons and Daughters of God, 199.)
 Every morning take time to begin your work with prayer. Do not think
this wasted time; it is time that will live through eternal ages. By this means
success and spiritual victory will be brought in. The machinery will respond
to the touch of the Master’s hand. God’s blessing is certainly worth asking
for, and the work cannot be done aright unless the beginning is right.—
(Testimonies for the Church 7:194.)
My brethren and sisters, old and young, when you have an hour of
leisure, open the Bible and store the mind with its precious truths. When
engaged in labor, guard the mind, keep it stayed upon God, talk less, and
meditate more. Remember: “Every idle word that men shall speak, they
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Let your words be
select; this will close a door against the adversary of souls. Let your day be
entered upon with prayer; work as in God’s sight. His angels are ever by
your side, making a record of your words, your deportment, and the manner
in which your work is done. If you turn from good counsel and choose to
associate with those who you have reason to suspect are [157] not
religiously inclined, although they profess to be Christians, you will soon
become like them. You place yourself in the way of temptation, on Satan’s
battleground, and will, unless constantly guarded, be overcome by his
devices.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:588, 589.)
Go daily to the Lord for instruction and guidance; depend upon God for
light and knowledge. Pray for this instruction and this light, until you get it.
It will not avail for you to ask, and then forget the thing for which you
prayed. Keep your mind upon your prayer. You can do this while working
with your hands. You can say, Lord, I believe; with all my heart I believe
Let the Holy Spirit’s power come upon me.—(Fundamentals of Christian
Education, 531.)
In following Christ, looking unto Him who is the Author and Finisher of
your faith, you will feel that you are working under His eye, that you are
influenced by His presence, and that He knows your motives. At every step
you will humbly inquire: Will this please Jesus? Will it glorify God?
Morning and evening your earnest prayers should ascend to God for His
blessing and guidance. True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence and gives
us the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist
temptation.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:615.)
 Devote some time every day to prayer—Those who will put on the
whole armor of God and devote some time every day to meditation and
prayer and to the study of the Scriptures will be connected with heaven and
will have a saving, transforming influence upon those around them. Great
thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty to God, will
be theirs. They will be yearning for purity, for light, for love, for all the
graces of heavenly birth. Their earnest prayers will enter into that within the
veil. This class will have a sanctified boldness to come into the presence of
the Infinite One. They will feel that heaven’s light and glories are for them,
and they will become refined, elevated, ennobled [158] by this intimate
acquaintance with God. Such is the privilege of true Christians.
Abstract meditation is not enough; busy action is not enough; both are
essential to the formation of Christian character. Strength acquired in
earnest, secret prayer prepares us to withstand the allurements of society.
And yet we should not exclude ourselves from the world, for our Christian
experience is to be the light of the world. The society of unbelievers will do
us no harm if we mingle with them for the purpose of connecting them with
God and are strong enough spiritually to withstand their influence.—
(Testimonies for the Church 5:112, 113.)
The results of daily prayer—The soul that turns to God for its help, its
support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations,
clear perceptions of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual
hungering and thirsting after righteousness. By maintaining a connection
with God, we shall be enabled to diffuse to others, through our association
with them, the light, the peace, the serenity, that rule in our hearts. The
strength acquired in prayer to God, united with persevering effort in training
the mind in thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares one for daily duties
and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances.
If we draw near to God, He will put a word in our mouth to speak for
Him, even praise unto His name. He will teach us a strain from the song of
the angels, even thanksgiving to our heavenly Father. In every act of life,
the light and love of an indwelling Saviour will be revealed. Outward
troubles cannot reach the life that is lived by faith in the Son of God.—
(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 85.)
Prayer needed daily to resist Satan—Sanctification is not the work of
a moment, an hour, or a day. It is a continual growth in grace. We know not
one day how strong will be our conflict the next. Satan lives, and is active,
and every day we need to cry earnestly to God for help and strength to resist
him. As long as Satan reigns we shall have [159] self to subdue, besetments
to overcome, and there is no stopping place, there is no point to which we
can come and say we have fully attained.—(Testimonies for the Church
1:340.)
Daily prayer to include both physical and spiritual needs—The
prayer for daily bread includes not only food to sustain the body, but that
spiritual bread which will nourish the soul unto life everlasting. Jesus bids
us, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which
endureth unto everlasting life.” John 6:27. He says, “I am the living bread
which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live
forever.” Verse 51. Our Saviour is the bread of life, and it is by beholding
His love, by receiving it into the soul, that we feed upon the bread which
came down from heaven.
We receive Christ through His word, and the Holy Spirit is given to
open the word of God to our understanding, and bring home its truths to our
hearts. We are to pray day by day that as we read His word, God will send
His Spirit to reveal to us the truth that will strengthen our souls for the day’s
need.
In teaching us to ask every day for what we need—both temporal and
spiritual blessings—God has a purpose to accomplish for our good. He
would have us realize our dependence upon His constant care, for He is
seeking to draw us into communion with Himself. In this communion with
Christ, through prayer and the study of the great and precious truths of His
word, we shall as hungry souls be fed; as those that thirst, we shall be
refreshed at the fountain of life.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing,
112, 113.)
Like the early Christians, we need to pray daily for the holy spirit—
Those who at Pentecost were endued with power from on high, were not
thereby freed from further temptation and trial. As they witnessed for truth
and righteousness they were repeatedly assailed by the enemy of all truth,
who sought to rob them of their Christian experience. They were compelled
to strive with all their God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature
of men and women in Christ Jesus. Daily they prayed for fresh [160]
supplies of grace, that they might reach higher and still higher toward
perfection. Under the Holy Spirit’s working even the weakest, by exercising
faith in God, learned to improve their entrusted powers and to become
sanctified, refined, and ennobled. As in humility they submitted to the
molding influence of the Holy Spirit, they received of the fullness of the
Godhead and were fashioned in the likeness of the divine.
The lapse of time has wrought no change in Christ’s parting promise to
send the Holy Spirit as His representative. It is not because of any
restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow
earthward to men. If the fulfillment of the promise is not seen as it might
be, it is because the promise is not appreciated as it should be. If all were
willing, all would be filled with the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy
Spirit is a matter little thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual
darkness, spiritual declension and death. Whenever minor matters occupy
the attention, the divine power which is necessary for the growth and
prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its
train, is lacking, though offered in infinite plenitude.
Since this is the means by which we are to receive power, why do we
not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it,
pray for it, and preach concerning it? The Lord is more willing to give the
Holy Spirit to those who serve Him than parents are to give good gifts to
their children. For the daily baptism of the Spirit every worker should offer
his petition to God. Companies of Christian workers should gather to ask
for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and
execute wisely. Especially should they pray that God will baptize His
chosen ambassadors in mission fields with a rich measure of His Spirit. The
presence of the Spirit with God’s workers will give the proclamation of
truth a power that not all the honor or glory of the world could give.—(The
Acts of the Apostles, 49-51.)
Pray for grace for each day’s needs—The truth of God received into
the heart is able to make you wise unto salvation. In [161] believing and
obeying it you will receive grace sufficient for the duties and trials of today.
Grace for tomorrow you do not need. You should feel that you have only to
do with today. Overcome for today; deny self for today; watch and pray for
today; obtain victories in God for today. Our circumstances and
surroundings, the changes daily transpiring around us, and the written word
of God which discerns and proves all things—these are sufficient to teach
us our duty and just what we ought to do, day by day. Instead of suffering
your mind to run in a channel of thought from which you will derive no
benefit, you should be searching the Scriptures daily and doing those duties
in daily life which may now be irksome to you, but which must be done by
someone.—(Testimonies for the Church 3:333.)
Pray daily for understanding of the bible—Those who profess to
believe in Jesus, should ever press to the light. They should daily pray for
the light of the Holy Spirit to shine upon the pages of the sacred book, that
they may be enabled to comprehend the things of the Spirit of God.—
(Fundamentals of Christian Education, 188, 189.)
Pray daily for the blessing the sabbath brings—All who regard the
Sabbath as a sign between them and God, showing that He is the God who
sanctifies them, will represent the principles of His government. They will
bring into daily practice the laws of His kingdom. Daily it will be their
prayer that the sanctification of the Sabbath may rest upon them. Every day
they will have the companionship of Christ and will exemplify the
perfection of His character. Every day their light will shine forth to others in
good works.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:353.)
A parent’s daily prayer—Make your work pleasant with songs of
praise. If you would have a clean record in the books of heaven, never fret
or scold. Let your daily prayer be, “Lord, teach me to do my best. Teach me
how to do better work. Give me energy and [162] cheerfulness.” ... Bring
Christ into all that you do. Then your lives will be filled with brightness and
thanksgiving.... Let us do our best, moving forward cheerfully in the service
of the Lord, with our hearts filled with His joy.—(Child Guidance, 148.)
Youth to pray daily for wisdom and grace—The trials and privations
of which so many youth complain, Christ endured without murmuring. And
this discipline is the very experience the youth need, which will give
firmness to their characters, and make them like Christ, strong in spirit to
resist temptation. They will not, if they separate from the influence of those
who would lead them astray and corrupt their morals, be overcome by the
devices of Satan. Through daily prayer to God, they will have wisdom and
grace from Him to bear the conflict and stern realities of life, and come off
victorious. Fidelity and serenity of mind can only be retained by
watchfulness and prayer. Christ’s life was an example of persevering
energy, which was not allowed to become weakened by reproach, ridicule,
privation or hardships.
Thus should it be with the youth. If trials increase upon them, they may
know that God is testing and proving their fidelity. And in just that degree
that they maintain their integrity of character under discouragements, will
their fortitude, stability, and power of endurance increase, and they wax
strong in spirit.—(Messages to Young People, 80.)
The teacher’s need of daily prayer—Every teacher should daily
receive instruction from Christ and should labor constantly under His
guidance. It is impossible for him rightly to understand or to perform his
work unless he is much with God in prayer. Only by divine aid, combined
with earnest, self-denying effort, can he hope to do his work wisely and
well.
Unless the teacher realizes the need of prayer and humbles his heart
before God, he will lose the very essence of education. He should know
how to pray and what language to use in prayer. “I am the vine,” Jesus said,
“ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in [163] him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.
The teacher should let the fruit of faith be manifest in his prayers. He
should learn how to come to the Lord and plead with Him until he receives
the assurance that his petitions are heard.—(Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students, 231.)
In old testament times, the israelites prayed daily—As the priests’
morning and evening entered the holy place at the time of incense, the daily
sacrifice was ready to be offered upon the altar in the court without. This
was a time of intense interest to the worshipers who assembled at the
tabernacle. Before entering into the presence of God through the
ministration of the priest, they were to engage in earnest searching of heart
and confession of sin. They united in silent prayer, with their faces toward
the holy place. Thus their petitions ascended with the cloud of incense,
while faith laid hold upon the merits of the promised Saviour prefigured by
the atoning sacrifice. The hours appointed for the morning and the evening
sacrifice were regarded as sacred, and they came to be observed as the set
time for worship throughout the Jewish nation. And when in later times the
Jews were scattered as captives in distant lands, they still at the appointed
hour turned their faces toward Jerusalem and offered up their petitions to
the God of Israel. In this custom Christians have an example for morning
and evening prayer. While God condemns a mere round of ceremonies,
without the spirit of worship, He looks with great pleasure upon those who
love Him, bowing morning and evening to seek pardon for sins committed
and to present their requests for needed blessings.—(Patriarchs and
Prophets, 353, 354.)
Daily prayer nutures our religious experience—Religion must begin
with emptying and purifying the heart, and must be nurtured by daily
prayer.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:535.)
A daily prayer life requires earnest effort—A life of daily prayer and
praise, a life which will shed light upon the path of [164] others, cannot be
maintained without earnest effort. But such effort will yield precious fruit,
blessing not only the receiver, but the giver. The spirit of unselfish labor for
others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character and
brings peace and happiness to its possessor. The aspirations are elevated.
There is no room for sloth or selfishness. Those who exercise the Christian
graces will grow. They will have spiritual sinew and muscle, and will be
strong to work for God. They will have clear spiritual perceptions, a steady,
increasing faith, and prevailing power in prayer. Those who are watching
for souls, who devote themselves most fully to the salvation of the erring,
are most surely working out their own salvation.—(Testimonies for the
Church 5:607.)
Angels mark the morning prayer—You all have an influence for good
or for evil on the minds and characters of others. And just the influence
which you exert is written in the book of records in heaven. An angel is
attending you and taking record of your words and actions. When you rise
in the morning, do you feel your helplessness and your need of strength
from God? and do you humbly, heartily make known your wants to your
heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have
not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously
doing wrong and exerting an influence which will lead others to do wrong,
your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course,
choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.
If you feel in no danger, and if you offer no prayer for help and strength
to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray; your neglect of duty will
be marked in the book of God in heaven, and you will be found wanting in
the trying day.—(Testimonies for the Church 3:363, 364.)
The practice of daily prayer is not to be followed haphazardly—
Family worship should not be governed by circumstances. You are not to
pray occasionally and, when you have a large day’s work to do, neglect it.
In thus doing you lead your [165] children to look upon prayer as of no
special consequence. Prayer means very much to the children of God, and
thank offerings should come up before God morning and evening. Says the
psalmist, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to
the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with
thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.”
Fathers and mothers, however pressing your business, do not fail to
gather your family around God’s altar. Ask for the guardianship of holy
angels in your home. Remember that your dear ones are exposed to
temptations.
In our efforts for the comfort and happiness of guests, let us not
overlook our obligations to God. The hour of prayer should not be
neglected for any consideration. Do not talk and amuse yourselves till all
are too weary to enjoy the season of devotion. To do this is to present to
God a lame offering. At an early hour of the evening, when we can pray
unhurriedly and understandingly, we should present our supplications and
raise our voices in happy, grateful praise.
Let all who visit Christians see that the hour of prayer is the most
precious, the most sacred, and the happiest hour of the day. These seasons
of devotion exert a refining, elevating influence upon all who participate in
them. They bring a peace and rest grateful to the spirit.—(Child Guidance,
520, 521.)
Daily prayer to ascend to God as sweet incense—The life of
Abraham, the friend of God, was a life of prayer. Wherever he pitched his
tent, close beside it was built an altar, upon which were offered the morning
and the evening sacrifice. When his tent was removed, the altar remained.
And the roving Canaanite, as he came to that altar, knew who had been
there. When he had pitched his tent he repaired the altar and worshiped the
living God.
So the homes of Christians should be lights in the world. From them,
morning and evening, prayer should ascend to God as sweet incense. And
as the morning dew, His mercies and blessings will descend upon the
suppliants. [166]
Fathers and mothers, each morning and evening gather your children
around you, and in humble supplication lift the heart to God for help. Your
dear ones are exposed to temptation. Daily annoyances beset the path of
young and old. Those who would live patient, loving, cheerful lives must
pray. Only by receiving constant help from God can we gain the victory
over self.
Each morning consecrate yourselves and your children to God for that
day. Make no calculation for months or years; these are not yours. One brief
day is given you. As if it were your last on earth, work during its hours for
the Master. Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up, as
His providence shall indicate. Accept His plans instead of your own, even
though their acceptance requires the abandonment of cherished projects.
Thus the life will be molded more and more after the divine example; “and
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.—(Testimonies for the
Church 7:44.)
What to pray for daily—We are to look upon every duty, however
humble, as sacred because it is a part of God’s service. Our daily prayer
should be, “Lord, help me to do my best. Teach me how to do better work.
Give me energy and cheerfulness. Help me to bring into my service the
loving ministry of the Saviour.”(The Ministry of Healing, 474.)
Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first
work. Let your prayer be, “Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my
plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all
my work be wrought in Thee.” This is a daily matter. Each morning
consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to
be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day
you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will
be molded more and more after the life of Christ.—(Steps to Christ, 70.)
[167]
 Chapter 15—Jesus’ Example in
Prayer
Follow Jesus’ example by starting the day with prayer—It was in
hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth life received wisdom and
power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn and twilight a
quiet season for communion with their Father in heaven. And throughout
the day let them lift up their hearts to God. At every step of our way He
says, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, ... Fear not; I will help
thee.” Isaiah 41:13. Could our children learn these lessons in the morning of
their years, what freshness and power, what joy and sweetness, would be
brought into their lives!—(Education, 259.)
The earnest prayers of Jesus contrast with our feeble prayers—Of
Christ it is said: “And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.” In
what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble,
heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip service,
and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.—
(Testimonies for the Church 4:534.) [168]
If Jesus needed to pray while on earth, how much more should we
—When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He
directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their
care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should
be heard, is assurance also to us.
Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our
Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became
a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength,
that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all
things. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points tempted like as we
are;” but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured
struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a
necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His
Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer,
how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent,
constant prayer.—(Steps to Christ, 93, 94.)
Christ wrestled in earnest prayer; He offered up His supplications to the
Father with strong crying and tears in behalf of those for whose salvation
He had left heaven, and had come to this earth. Then how proper, yea, how
essential that men should pray and not faint!—(The Review and Herald,
April 1, 1890.)
Jesus prayed for strength to endure trials—Few will follow the
example of our Saviour in earnest, frequent prayer to God for strength to
endure the trials, and to perform the daily duties, of this life. Christ is the
captain of our salvation, and by His own sufferings and sacrifice, has given
an example to all His followers, that watchfulness and prayer and
persevering effort were necessary on their part if they would rightly
represent the love which dwelt in His bosom for the fallen race.—(The
Review and Herald, February 23, 1886.) [169]
Jesus’ strength came from prayer—The strength of Christ was in prayer.
He had taken humanity, and He bore our infirmities and became sin for us.
Christ retired to the groves or mountains with the world and everything else
shut out. He was alone with His Father. With intense earnestness, He
poured out His supplications, and put forth all the strength of His soul in
grasping the hand of the Infinite. When new and great trials were before
Him, He would steal away to the solitude of the mountains, and pass the
entire night in prayer to His Heavenly Father.
As Christ is our example in all things, if we imitate His example in
earnest, importunate prayer to God that we may have strength in His name
who never yielded to the temptations of Satan to resist the devices of the
wily foe, we shall not be overcome by him.—(The Youth’s Instructor, April
1, 1873.) In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the Saviour found it
necessary to withdraw from the thoroughfares of travel and from the throng
that followed Him day after day. He must turn aside from a life of ceaseless
activity and contact with human needs, to seek retirement and unbroken
communion with His Father. As one with us, a sharer in our needs and
weaknesses, He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of
prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced for duty
and trial. In a world of sin Jesus endured struggles and torture of soul. In
communion with God He could unburden the sorrows that were crushing
Him. Here He found comfort and joy.
In Christ the cry of humanity reached the Father of infinite pity. As a
man He supplicated the throne of God till His humanity was charged with a
heavenly current that should connect humanity with divinity. Through
continual communion He received life from God, that He might impart life
to the world. His experience is to be ours.
“Come ye yourselves apart,” He bids us. If we would give heed to His
word, we should be stronger and more useful. The disciples sought Jesus,
and told Him all things; and He encouraged and [170] instructed them. If
today we would take time to go to Jesus and tell Him our needs, we should
not be disappointed.—(The Desire of Ages, 362, 363.)
The Man of Sorrows pours out His supplications with strong crying and
tears. He prays for strength to endure the test in behalf of humanity. He
must Himself gain a fresh hold on Omnipotence, for only thus can He
contemplate the future. And He pours out His heart longings for His
disciples, that in the hour of the power of darkness their faith may not fail.
The dew is heavy upon His bowed form, but He heeds it not. The shadows
of night gather thickly about Him, but He regards not their gloom.—(The
Desire of Ages, 419, 420.)
When Jesus entered the wilderness He was shut in by the Father’s glory.
Absorbed in communion with God, He was lifted above human weakness.
But the glory departed, and He was left to battle with temptation. It was
pressing upon Him every moment. His human nature shrank from the
conflict that awaited Him. For forty days He fasted and prayed. Weak and
emaciated from hunger, worn and haggard with mental agony, “his visage
was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of
men” (Isaiah 52:14). Now was Satan’s opportunity. Now he supposed that
he could overcome Christ.—(Selected Messages 1:227, 228.)
To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in the
knowledge that even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily
for fresh supplies of needed grace; and from this communion with God He
went forth to strengthen and bless others.
Behold the Son of God bowed in prayer to His Father! Though He is the
Son of God, He strengthens His faith by prayer, and by communion with
Heaven gathers to Himself power to resist evil and to minister to the needs
of men. As the Elder Brother of our race, He knows the necessities of those
who, compassed with infirmity [171] and living in a world of sin and
temptation, still desire to serve Him. He knows that the messengers whom
He sees fit to send are weak, erring men; but to all who give themselves
wholly to His service He promises divine aid. His own example is an
assurance that earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith—faith that
leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His
work—will avail to bring to men the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against
sin.
Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to
receive and use the power that God has promised to His church for the
ripening of earth’s harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the
gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him,
He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying
power. As they go forth to the day’s duties, they have the assurance that the
unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be “laborers together with
God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]—(Gospel Workers, 510, 511.)
Prayer strengthened Jesus for trials—Christ our Saviour was tempted
in all points like as we are, yet He was without sin. He took human nature,
being made in fashion as a man, and His necessities were the necessities of
a man. He had bodily wants to be supplied, bodily weariness to be relieved.
It was by prayer to His Father that He was braced for duty and for trial. Day
by day He followed His round of duty, seeking to save souls.... And He
spent whole nights in prayer in behalf of the tempted ones....
The night seasons of prayer which the Saviour spent in the mountain or
in the desert were essential to prepare Him for the trials He must meet in the
days to follow. He felt the need of the refreshing and invigorating of soul
and body, that He might meet the temptations of Satan; and those who are
striving to live His life will feel this same need.—(Maranatha, 85.)
While Jerusalem was hushed in silence, and the disciples had returned
to their homes to obtain refreshment in sleep, [172] Jesus slept not. His
divine pleadings were ascending to His Father for His disciples, that they
might be kept from the evil influences which they would daily encounter in
the world, and that His own soul might be strengthened and braced for the
duties and trials of the coming day.—(The Review and Herald, August 17,
1886.)
Prayer rejuvenated Jesus—His days were passed in ministry to the
crowds that pressed upon Him, and in unveiling the treacherous sophistry of
the rabbis, and this incessant labor often left Him so utterly wearied that His
mother and brothers, and even His disciples, had feared that His life would
be sacrificed. But as He returned from the hours of prayer that closed the
toilsome day, they marked the look of peace upon His face, the sense of
refreshment that seemed to pervade His presence. It was from hours spent
with God that He came forth, morning by morning, to bring the light of
heaven to men.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 102.)
Prayer sustained Jesus’ spiritual life—It was not on the cross only
that Christ sacrificed Himself for humanity. As He “went about doing
good” (Acts 10:38), every day’s experience was an outpouring of His life.
In one way only could such a life be sustained. Jesus lived in dependence
upon God and communion with Him. To the secret place of the Most High,
under the shadow of the Almighty, men now and then repair; they abide for
a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith fails, the
communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus
was a life of constant trust, sustained by continual communion; and His
service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering.
As a man He supplicated the throne of God, till His humanity was
charged with a heavenly current that connected humanity with divinity.
Receiving life from God, He imparted life to men.—(Education, 80, 81.)
[173]
Jesus’ prayer life reveals the secret of spiritual power—The
Saviour’s life on earth was a life of communion with nature and with God.
In this communion He revealed for us the secret of a life of power.—
(Counsels on Health, 162.)
Jesus prayed in preparation for special tasks—Jesus, when preparing
for some great trial or some important work, would resort to the solitude of
the mountains and spend the night in prayer to His Father. A night of prayer
preceded the ordination of the apostles and the Sermon on the Mount, the
transfiguration, the agony of the judgment hall and the cross, and the
resurrection glory.
 We, too, must have times set apart for meditation and prayer and for
receiving spiritual refreshing. We do not value the power and efficacy of
prayer as we should.—(The Ministry of Healing, 509.)
Jesus’ humanity made prayer a necessity—As the human was upon
Him, He felt His need of strength from His Father. He had select places of
prayer. He loved to hold communion with His Father in the solitude of the
mountain. In this exercise His holy, human soul was strengthened for the
duties and trials of the day. Our Saviour identifies Himself with our needs
and weaknesses, in that He became a suppliant, a nightly petitioner, seeking
from His Father fresh supplies of strength, to come forth invigorated and
refreshed, braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a
brother in our infirmities, but not in possessing like passions. As the sinless
One, His nature recoiled from evil. He endured struggles and torture of soul
in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and privilege. He
required all the stronger divine support and comfort which His Father was
ready to impart to Him, to Him who had, for the benefit of man, left the
joys of heaven and chosen His home in a cold and thankless world. Christ
found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. Here He could
unburden His heart of the sorrows that were crushing Him. He was a man of
sorrows and acquainted with grief. [174]
Through the day He labored earnestly to do good to others, to save men
from destruction. He healed the sick, comforted the mourning, and brought
cheerfulness and hope to the despairing. He brought the dead to life. After
His work was finished for the day, He went forth, evening after evening,
away from the confusion of the city, and His form was bowed in some
retired grove in supplication to His Father. At times the bright beams of the
moon shone upon His bowed form. And then again the clouds and darkness
shut away all light. The dew and frost of night rested upon His head and
beard while in the attitude of a suppliant. He frequently continued His
petitions through the entire night. He is our example. If we could remember
this, and imitate Him, we would be much stronger in God.
If the Saviour of men, with His divine strength, felt the need of prayer,
how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of prayer—
fervent, constant prayer! When Christ was the most fiercely beset by
temptation, He ate nothing. He committed Himself to God and, through
earnest prayer and perfect submission to the will of His Father, came off
conqueror. Those who profess the truth for these last days, above every
other class of professed Christians, should imitate the great Exemplar in
prayer.
“It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as
his lord.” Our tables are frequently spread with luxuries neither healthful
nor necessary, because we love these things more than we love self-denial,
freedom from disease, and soundness of mind. Jesus sought earnestly for
strength from His Father. This the divine Son of God considered of more
value, even for Himself, than to sit at the most luxurious table. He has given
us evidence that prayer is essential in order to receive strength to contend
with the powers of darkness, and to do the work allotted us. Our own
strength is weakness, but that which God gives is mighty and will make
everyone who obtains it more than conqueror.—(Testimonies for the
Church 2:201-203.)
Jesus took time for prayer no matter how busy or weary—Christ
gave no stinted service. He did not measure His work by [175] hours. His
time, His heart, His soul and strength, were given to labor for the benefit of
humanity. Through weary days He toiled, and through long nights He bent
in prayer for grace and endurance that He might do a larger work. With
strong crying and tears He sent His petitions to heaven, that His human
nature might be strengthened, that He might be braced to meet the wily foe
in all his deceptive workings, and fortified to fulfill His missions of
uplifting humanity. To His workers He says, “I have given you an example,
that ye should do as I have done.” John 13:15.—(Ministry of Healing, 500.)
Jesus prayed early in the morning—The early morning often found
Him in some secluded place, meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in
prayer. With the voice of singing He welcomed the morning light. With
songs of thanksgiving He cheered His hours and brought heaven’s gladness
to the toilworn and disheartened.—(Counsels on Health, 162.)
Jesus had specific places for prayer—Have a place for secret prayer.
Jesus had select places for communion with God, and so should we. We
need often to retire to some spot, however humble, where we can be alone
with God.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 84.)
Jesus prayed on our account—Jesus was often weary from incessant
toil and self-denial and self-sacrifice to bless the suffering and needy. He
spent whole nights in prayer upon the lonely mountains, not because of His
weakness and His necessities, but because He saw, He felt, the weakness of
your natures to resist the temptations of the enemy upon the very points
where you are now overcome. He knew that you would be indifferent in
regard to your dangers and would not feel your need of prayer. It was on
our account that He poured out His prayers to His Father with strong cries
and tears.—(Testimonies for the Church 3:379.) [176]
Jesus’ disciples were impressed by his prayer habits—“The Son of
man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Not for Himself, but
for others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He
came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily
He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new
day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips
were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His words were
given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He might speak in
season to the weary and oppressed. “The Lord God hath given me,” He
said, “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in
season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth
mine ear to hear as the learned.”
Christ’s disciples were much impressed by His prayers and by His habit
of communion with God. One day after a short absence from their Lord,
they found Him absorbed in supplication. Seemingly unconscious of their
presence, He continued praying aloud. The hearts of the disciples were
deeply moved. As He ceased praying, they exclaimed, “Lord, teach us to
pray.”(The Review and Herald, August 11, 1910.)
The Lord’s prayer exhibits beauty in simplicty—Jesus taught His
disciples that only that prayer which arises from unfeigned lips, prompted
by the actual wants of the soul, is genuine, and will bring heaven’s blessing
to the petitioner. He gave a brief, comprehensive prayer to His disciples.
This prayer, for its beautiful simplicity, is without a parallel. It is a perfect
prayer for public and private life; it is dignified and elevated, yet so simple
that the child at its mother’s knee can understand it. The children of God
have repeated this prayer for centuries, and yet its luster has not dimmed.
Like a gem of value it continues to be loved and cherished. This prayer is a
wonderful production. None will pray in vain if in their prayers are
incorporated the principles contained therein. Our prayers in public should
be short, and express only [177] the real wants of the soul, asking in
simplicity and simple trusting faith for the very things we need. Prayer from
the humble, contrite heart is the vital breath of the soul hungering for
righteousness.—(The Signs of the Times, December 3, 1896.)
Jesus knelt when he prayed—Both in public and in private worship, it
is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our
petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Of His
disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Paul
declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In
confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel “kneeled upon
his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his
God.”(Messages to Young People, 251.)
Carefully consider Jesus’ lessons about prayer—Christ’s lessons in
regard to prayer should be carefully considered. There is a divine science in
prayer, and His illustration brings to view principles that all need to
understand. He shows what is the true spirit of prayer, He teaches the
necessity of perseverance in presenting our requests to God, and assures us
of His willingness to hear and answer prayer.—(Christ’s Object Lessons,
142.) [178]
 Chapter 16—Private Prayer
Private prayer is essential—It is impossible for the soul to flourish
while prayer is not a special exercise of the mind. Family or public prayer
alone is not sufficient. Secret prayer is very important; in solitude the soul is
laid bare to the inspecting eye of God, and every motive is scrutinized.
Secret prayer! How precious! The soul communing with God! Secret prayer
is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive
the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free from
surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fervently, will it
reach out after God. Secret prayer is frequently perverted, and its sweet
designs lost, by loud vocal prayer. Instead of the calm, quiet trust and faith
in God, the soul drawn out in low, humble tones, the voice is raised to a
loud pitch, and excitement is encouraged, and secret prayer loses its
softening, sacred influence. There is a storm of feeling, a storm of words,
making it impossible to discern the still, small voice that speaks to the soul
while engaged in its secret, true, heartfelt devotion. Secret prayer, properly
carried out, is productive of great good. But prayer which is made public to
the entire family and neighborhood is not secret prayer, even though
thought to be, and divine strength is not received from [179] it. Sweet and
abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who seeth in secret,
whose ear is open to answer the prayer arising from the heart. By calm,
simple faith the soul holds communion with God and gathers to itself divine
rays of light to strengthen and sustain it to endure the conflicts of Satan.
God is our tower of strength.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:189, 190.)
Private prayer, family prayer, prayer in public gatherings for the
worship of God—all are essential. And we are to live our prayers. We are to
co-operate with Christ in His work.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:239.)
All need to watch and pray continually—The very beginning of the
evil was a neglect of watchfulness and secret prayer, then came a neglect of
other religious duties, and thus the way was opened for all the sins that
followed. Every Christian will be assailed by the allurements of the world,
the clamors of the carnal nature, and the direct temptations of Satan. No one
is safe. No matter what our experience has been, no matter how high our
station, we need to watch and pray continually. We must be daily controlled
by the Spirit of God or we are controlled by Satan.—(Testimonies for the
Church 5:102.)
Pray at all times—Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when
you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your
daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help,
for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer.—
(Temperance, 135.)
The way to the throne of God is always open. You cannot always be on
your knees in prayer, but your silent petitions may constantly ascend to God
for strength and guidance. When tempted, as you will be, you may flee to
the secret place of the Most High. His everlasting arms will be underneath
you.—(Counsels on Health, 362.) [180]
Secret prayer is appropriate anywhere, anytime—Pray in your closet,
and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be often uplifted to God.
It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like
precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him
whose heart is thus stayed upon God.
There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a
petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our
hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst
of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for
divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King
Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We
should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going
up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.—(Steps
to Christ, 98, 99).
Prayer brings us into the presence of God himself—Prayer, whether
offered in the public assembly, at the family altar, or in secret, places man
directly in the presence of God. By constant prayer the youth may obtain
principles so firm that the most powerful temptations will not draw them
from their allegiance to God.—(My Life Today, 18.)
 Prayer keeps us connected with Christ—We should be much in secret
prayer. Christ is the vine, ye are the branches. And if we would grow and
flourish, we must continually draw sap and nourishment from the Living
Vine; for separated from the Vine we have no strength.
I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He
said, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the
throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure.”(Early Writings,
73.)
Private prayer sustains the soul—To live thus by the word of God
means the surrender to Him of the whole life. There will be [181] felt a
continual sense of need and dependence, a drawing out of the heart after
God. Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of the soul. Family prayer, public
prayer, have their place; but it is secret communion with God that sustains
the soul life.—(Education, 258.)
Private prayer is needed in order to become personally acquainted
with God—Oh, do we know God as we should? What comfort, what joy,
we should have if we were to learn daily the lessons He desires us to learn!
We must know Him by an experimental knowledge. It will be profitable for
us to spend more time in secret prayer, in becoming personally acquainted
with our heavenly Father.—(Medical Ministry, 102.)
God’s people neglect secret prayer—I have frequently seen that the
children of the Lord neglect prayer, especially secret prayer, altogether too
much; that many do not exercise that faith which it is their privilege and
duty to exercise, often waiting for that feeling which faith alone can bring.
Feeling is not faith; the two are distinct.—(Early Writings, 72.)
Our Creator demands our supreme devotion, our first allegiance.
Anything which tends to abate our love for God, or to interfere with the
service due Him, becomes thereby an idol. With some their lands, their
houses, their merchandise, are the idols. Business enterprises are prosecuted
with zeal and energy, while the service of God is made a secondary
consideration. Family worship is neglected, secret prayer is forgotten.—
(SDA Bible Commentary 2:1011, 1012.)
Neglect of prayer is progressive—Beware how you neglect secret
prayer and a study of God’s word. These are your weapons against him who
is striving to hinder your progress heavenward. The first neglect of prayer
and Bible study makes easier the second neglect. The first resistance to the
Spirit’s pleading prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the heart
is hardened, and [182] the conscience seared.—(Messages to Young People,
96.)
Sporadic prayer will cause you to lose your hold on God—Prayer is
the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of
grace can be substituted and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer
brings the heart into immediate contact with the Wellspring of life, and
strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the
exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as
seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties
lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.—
(Messages to Young People, 249, 250.)
Private prayer should be private—In private prayer all have the
privilege of praying as long as they desire and of being as explicit as they
please. They can pray for all their relatives and friends. The closet is the
place to tell all their private difficulties, and trials, and temptations. A
common meeting to worship God is not the place to open the privacies of
the heart.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:578.)
In secret devotion our prayers are to reach the ears of none but the
prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of such
petitions.
“When thou prayest, enter into thy closet.” Have a place for secret
prayer. Jesus had select places for communion with God, and so should we.
We need often to retire to some spot, however humble, where we can be
alone with God.
“Pray to thy Father which is in secret.” In the name of Jesus we may
come into God’s presence with the confidence of a child. No man is needed
to act as a mediator. Through Jesus we may open our hearts to God as to
one who knows and loves us.
In the secret place of prayer, where no eye but God’s can see, no ear but
His can hear, we may pour out our most hidden desires and longings to the
Father of infinite pity, and in the hush and [183] silence of the soul that
voice which never fails to answer the cry of human need will speak to our
hearts.
“The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11. He waits
with unwearied love to hear the confessions of the wayward and to accept
their penitence. He watches for some return of gratitude from us, as the
mother watches for the smile of recognition from her beloved child. He
would have us understand how earnestly and tenderly His heart yearns over
us. He invites us to take our trials to His sympathy, our sorrows to His love,
our wounds to His healing, our weakness to His strength, our emptiness to
His fullness. Never has one been disappointed who came unto Him. “They
looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.”
Psalm 34:5.
Those who seek God in secret telling the Lord their needs and pleading
for help, will not plead in vain. “Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself
shall reward thee openly.” As we make Christ our daily companion we shall
feel that the powers of an unseen world are all around us; and by looking
unto Jesus we shall become assimilated to His image. By beholding we
become changed. The character is softened, refined, and ennobled for the
heavenly kingdom. The sure result of our intercourse and fellowship with
our Lord will be to increase piety, purity, and fervor. There will be a
growing intelligence in prayer. We are receiving a divine education, and this
is illustrated in a life of diligence and zeal.
The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily,
earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and
duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after
righteousness. By maintaining a connection with God, we shall be enabled
to diffuse to others, through our association with them, the light, the peace,
the serenity, that rule in our hearts. The strength acquired in prayer to God,
united with persevering effort in training the mind in thoughtfulness and
care-taking, prepares one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under
all circumstances.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 84, 85.) [184]
There are some, I fear, who do not take their troubles to God in private
prayer, but reserve them for the prayer meeting, and there do up their
praying for several days. Such may be named conference and prayer
meeting killers. They emit no light; they edify no one. Their cold, frozen
prayers and long, backslidden testimonies cast a shadow. All are glad when
they get through, and it is almost impossible to throw off the chill and
darkness which their prayers and exhortations bring into the meeting. From
the light which I have received, our meetings should be spiritual and social,
and not too long. Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of man should be left at
home. Little differences and prejudices should not be taken with us to these
meetings. As in a united family, simplicity, meekness, confidence, and love
should exist in the hearts of brethren and sisters who meet to be refreshed
and invigorated by bringing their lights together.—(Testimonies for the
Church 2:578, 579.)
Secret prayer provides a clear picture of self—Nothing will give such
clear views of self as secret prayer. He who seeth in secret and knoweth all
things, will enlighten your understanding and answer your petitions. Plain,
simple duties that must not be neglected will open before you.—
(Testimonies for the Church 5:163.)
Private prayer cultivates a noble character—Amid the perils of these
last days, the only safety of the youth lies in ever-increasing watchfulness
and prayer. The youth who finds his joy in reading the word of God, and in
the hour of prayer, will be constantly refreshed by drafts from the fountain
of life. He will attain a height of moral excellence and a breadth of thought
of which others can not conceive. Communion with God encourages good
thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, and lofty purposes of
action. Those who thus connect themselves with God are acknowledged by
Him as His sons and daughters. They are constantly reaching higher and
still higher, obtaining clearer views of God and of eternity, until the Lord
makes them channels of light and wisdom to the world. [185]
But prayer is not understood as it should be. Our prayers are not to
inform God of something He does not know. The Lord is acquainted with
the secrets of every soul. Our prayers need not be long and loud. God reads
the hidden thought. We may pray in secret, and He who sees in secret will
hear, and will reward us openly.
The prayers that are offered to God to tell Him of all our wretchedness,
when we do not feel wretched at all, are the prayers of hypocrisy. It is the
contrite prayer that the Lord regards. “For thus saith the high and lofty One
that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy
place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the
spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”(The
Youth’s Instructor, August 18, 1898.)
Spiritual strength comes through private prayer—Those who will
put on the whole armor of God and devote some time every day to
meditation and prayer and to the study of the Scriptures will be connected
with heaven and will have a saving, transforming influence upon those
around them. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth
and duty to God, will be theirs. They will be yearning for purity, for light,
for love, for all the graces of heavenly birth. Their earnest prayers will enter
into that within the veil. This class will have a sanctified boldness to come
into the presence of the Infinite One. They will feel that heaven’s light and
glories are for them, and they will become refined, elevated, ennobled by
this intimate acquaintance with God. Such is the privilege of true
Christians.
Abstract meditation is not enough; busy action is not enough; both are
essential to the formation of Christian character. Strength acquired in
earnest, secret prayer prepares us to withstand the allurements of society.
And yet we should not exclude ourselves from the world, for our Christian
experience is to be the light of the world. The society of unbelievers will do
us no harm if we mingle with them for the purpose of connecting them with
God and are strong enough spiritually to withstand their influence.—
(Testimonies for the Church 5:112, 113.) [186]
God accepts silent prayer—The Lord will accept even the silent
petition of a burdened heart.—(The SDA Bible Commentary 2:1014.)
Prayer must precede witnessing—Personal effort for others should be
preceded by much secret prayer; for it requires great wisdom to understand
the science of saving souls. Before communicating with men, commune
with Christ. At the throne of heavenly grace obtain a preparation for
ministering to the people.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 149.)
We must receive light and blessing, that we may have something to
impart. It is the privilege of every worker first to talk with God in the secret
place of prayer and then to talk with the people as God’s mouthpiece. Men
and women who commune with God, who have an abiding Christ, make the
very atmosphere holy, because they are co-operating with holy angels. Such
witness is needed for this time.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:52.)
Work and prayer must be combined—We must live a twofold life—a
life of thought and action, of silent prayer and earnest work.... The soul that
turns to God for its strength, its support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer,
will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty, lofty
purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after
righteousness.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:459, 460.)
 If the rush of work is allowed to drive us from our purpose of seeking
the Lord daily, we shall make the greatest mistakes; we shall incur losses,
for the Lord is not with us. We have closed the door so that He cannot find
access to our souls. But if we pray, even when our hands are employed, the
Saviour’s ear is open to hear our petitions.... God takes care of you in the
place where it is your duty to be. But be sure, as often as possible, to go
where prayer is wont to be made.—(Medical Ministry, 216.) [187]
Use simple language in prayer—High-flown language is inappropriate in
prayer, whether the petition be offered in the pulpit, in the family circle, or
in secret. Especially should the one offering public prayer use simple
language, that others may understand what is said and unite with the
petition.
It is the heart-felt prayer of faith that is heard in heaven and answered
on earth.—(Gospel Workers, 177.)
It is our privilege to kneel when in prayer—Both in public and in
private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we
offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.”
Luke 22:41. Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down,
and prayed.” Acts 9:40. Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. In confessing before God the sins
of Israel, Ezra knelt. See Ezra 9:5. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three
times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10.—
(Prophets and Kings, 48.)
Engage in no amusement that disqualifies you for private prayer—
Any amusement in which you can engage asking the blessing of God upon
it in faith, will not be dangerous. But any amusement which disqualifies
you for secret prayer, for devotion at the altar of prayer, or for taking part in
the prayer meeting, is not safe, but dangerous.—(Messages to Young
People, 386.)
God sees us in our secret prayer place—Like Nathanael, we need to
study God’s word for ourselves, and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy
Spirit. He who saw Nathanael under the fig tree will see us in the secret
place of prayer. Angels from the world of light are near to those who in
humility seek for divine guidance.—(The Desire of Ages, 141.)
Our prayers cannot be lost—It is a wonderful thing that we can pray
effectually; that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their
requests to God. What higher power can [188] man desire than this,—to be
linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of
speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the
Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way,
and He says, I am at thy right hand. [See Psalm 16:8.]
We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in
companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may
breathe out our heart’s desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word
cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the
soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of
machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.
Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage,
increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not
come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the
way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in
loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your
expectations, but always for your good.—(Gospel Workers, 258.)
Let all who are afflicted or unjustly used, cry to God. Turn away from
those whose hearts are as steel, and make your requests known to your
Maker. Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not
one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God
hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart’s desire
in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words
reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. They may be inaudible to
any human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can they be lost
through the activities of business that are going on. Nothing can drown the
soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion of the
multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is God to whom we are speaking, and
our prayer is heard.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 174.) [189]
 Chapter 17—Prayer in the Home
Circle
Families should pray together every morning and evening—Family
worship should not be governed by circumstances. You are not to pray
occasionally and, when you have a large day’s work to do, neglect it. In
thus doing you lead your children to look upon prayer as of no special
consequence. Prayer means very much to the children of God, and thank
offerings should come up before God morning and evening. Says the
psalmist, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to
the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with
thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”
Fathers and mothers, however pressing your business, do not fail to
gather your family around God’s altar. Ask for the guardianship of holy
angels in your home. Remember that your dear ones are exposed to
temptations.
In our efforts for the comfort and happiness of guests, let us not overlook
our obligations to God. The hour of prayer should not be neglected for any
consideration. Do not talk and amuse yourselves till all are too weary to
enjoy the season of devotion. To [190] do this is to present to God a lame
offering. At an early hour of the evening, when we can pray unhurriedly
and understandingly, we should present our supplications and raise our
voices in happy, grateful praise.
Let all who visit Christians see that the hour of prayer is the most
precious, the most sacred, and the happiest hour of the day. These seasons
of devotion exert a refining, elevating influence upon all who participate in
them. They bring a peace and rest grateful to the spirit.—(Child Guidance,
520, 521.)
 The Lord has a special interest in the families of His children here
below. Angels offer the smoke of the fragrant incense for the praying saints.
Then in every family let prayer ascend to heaven both at morning and at the
cool sunset hour, in our behalf presenting before God the Saviour’s merits.
Morning and evening the heavenly universe takes notice of every praying
household.—(My Life Today, 29.)
Morning and evening the heavenly universe behold every household
that prays, and the angel with the incense, representing the blood of the
atonement, finds access to God.—(SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 971.)
In the morning the Christian’s first thoughts should be upon God.
Worldly labor and self-interest should be secondary. Children should be
taught to respect and reverence the hour of prayer.... It is the duty of
Christian parents, morning and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering
faith, to make a hedge about their children. They should patiently instruct
them—kindly and untiringly teach them how to live in order to please God.
—(Child Guidance, 519.)
In every Christian home God should be honored by the morning and
evening sacrifices of prayer and praise. Children should be taught to respect
and reverence the hour of prayer. It is the duty [191] of Christian parents,
morning and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering faith, to make a
hedge about their children.
In the church at home the children are to learn to pray and to trust in
God. Teach them to repeat God’s law. Concerning the commandments the
Israelites were instructed: “Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy
children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when
thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest
up.” Deuteronomy 6:7. Come in humility, with a heart full of tenderness,
and with a sense of the temptations and dangers before yourselves and your
children; by faith bind them to the altar, entreating for them the care of the
Lord. Train the children to offer their simple words of prayer. Tell them that
God delights to have them call upon Him.—(Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students, 110.)
Before leaving the house for labor, all the family should be called
together; and the father, or the mother in the father’s absence, should plead
fervently with God to keep them through the day. Come in humility, with a
heart full of tenderness, and with a sense of the temptations and dangers
before yourselves and your children; by faith bind them upon the altar,
entreating for them the care of the Lord. Ministering angels will guard
children who are thus dedicated to God.—(Child Guidance, 519.)
Families should have fixed times for morning and evening prayer—
In every family there should be a fixed time for morning and evening
worship. How appropriate it is for parents to gather their children about
them before the fast is broken, to thank the heavenly Father for His
protection during the night, and to ask Him for His help and guidance and
watch care during the day! How fitting, also, when evening comes, for
parents and children to gather once more before Him and thank Him for the
blessings of the day that is past!—(Child Guidance, 520.) [192]
Family prayer is essential—Private prayer, family prayer, prayer in
public gatherings for the worship of God—all are essential. And we are to
live our prayers. We are to co-operate with Christ in His work.—
(Testimonies for the Church 7:239.)
Nothing so sad as a home without prayer—I know of nothing that
causes me so great sadness as a prayerless home. I do not feel safe in such a
house for a single night; and were it not for the hope of helping the parents
to realize their necessity and their sad neglect, I would not remain. The
children show the result of this neglect, for the fear of God is not before
them.—(Child Guidance, 518.)
Every home to be a house of prayer—If ever there was a time when
every house should be a house of prayer it is now.—(Testimonies for the
Church 7:42.)
Family prayer places us in God’s direct presence—Prayer, whether
offered in the public assembly, at the family altar, or in secret, places man
directly in the presence of God. By constant prayer the youth may obtain
principles so firm that the most powerful temptations will not draw them
from their allegiance to God.—(My Life Today, 18.)
Family prayer brings strength and blessings—We should pray to
God much more than we do. There is great strength and blessing in praying
together in our families, with and for our children. When my children have
done wrong, and I have talked with them kindly and then prayed with them,
I have never found it necessary after that to punish them. Their hearts
would melt in tenderness before the Holy Spirit that came in answer to
prayer.—(Child Guidance, 525.)
 Simple language is the most appropriate for prayer—High-flown
language is inappropriate in prayer, whether the petition be [193] offered in
the pulpit, in the family circle, or in secret. Especially should the one
offering public prayer use simple language, that others may understand
what is said and unite with the petition.
It is the heart-felt prayer of faith that is heard in heaven and answered
on earth.—(Gospel Workers, 177.)
Teach your children to respect the time for prayer—Your children
should be educated to be kind, thoughtful of others, gentle, easy to be
entreated, and, above everything else, to respect religious things and feel
the importance of the claims of God. They should be taught to respect the
hour of prayer; they should be required to rise in the morning so as to be
present at family worship.—(Child Guidance, 521.)
Prayers for our family are best prayed at home—We should not
come to the house of God to pray for our families unless deep feeling shall
lead us while the Spirit of God is convicting them. Generally, the proper
place to pray for our families is at the family altar. When the subjects of our
prayers are at a distance, the closet is the proper place to plead with God for
them. When in the house of God, we should pray for a present blessing and
should expect God to hear and answer our prayers. Such meetings will be
lively and interesting.—(Testimonies for the Church 1:145, 146.)
The Lord does not accept family worship that has become a mere
form—In many cases the morning and evening worship is little more than a
mere form, a dull, monotonous repetition of set phrases in which the spirit
of gratitude or the sense of need finds no expression. The Lord accepts not
such service. But the petitions of a humble heart and contrite spirit He will
not despise. The opening of our hearts to our heavenly Father, the
acknowledgment of our entire dependence, the expression of our wants, the
homage of grateful love—this is true prayer.—(Child Guidance, 518.) [194]
Parents need to pray for wisdom to train their children wisely—Every
family should rear its altar of prayer, realizing that the fear of the Lord is
the beginning of wisdom. If any persons in the world need the strength and
encouragement that religion gives, it is those who are responsible for the
education and training of children. They cannot do their work in a manner
acceptable to God while their daily example teaches those who look to them
for guidance that they can live without God. If they educate their children to
live for this life only, they will make no preparation for eternity. They will
die as they have lived, without God, and parents will be called to account
for the loss of their souls. Fathers, mothers, you need to seek God morning
and evening at the family altar, that you may learn how to teach your
children wisely, tenderly, lovingly.—(Child Guidance, 517.)
You have brought children into the world who have had no voice in
regard to their existence. You have made yourselves responsible in a great
measure for their future happiness, their eternal well-being. The burden is
upon you, whether you are sensible of it or not, to train these children for
God, to watch with jealous care the first approach of the wily foe and be
prepared to raise a standard against him. Build a fortification of prayer and
faith about your children, and exercise diligent watching thereunto. You are
not secure a moment against the attacks of Satan.—(Testimonies for the
Church 2:397, 398.)
Let parents seek God for guidance in their work. On their knees before
Him they will gain a true understanding of their great responsibilities and
there they can commit their children to One who will never err in counsel
and instruction.—(The Adventist Home, 321.)
By sincere, earnest prayer parents should make a hedge about their
children. They should pray with full faith that God will abide with them,
and that holy angels will guard them and their children [195] from Satan’s
cruel power.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:42, 43.)
Patiently, lovingly, as faithful stewards of the manifold grace of Christ,
parents are to do their appointed work. It is expected of them that they will
be found faithful. Everything is to be done in faith. Constantly they must
pray that God will impart His grace to their children. Never must they
become weary, impatient, or fretful in their work. They must cling closely
to their children and to God. If parents work in patience and love, earnestly
endeavoring to help their children to reach the highest standard of purity
and modesty, they will succeed.—(The Adventist Home, 208.)
Without human effort divine effort is in vain. God will work with power
when in trustful dependence upon Him parents will awake to the sacred
responsibility resting upon them, and seek to train their children aright. He
will co-operate with those parents who carefully and prayerfully educate
their children, working out their own and their children’s salvation. He will
work in them, to will and to do of His own good pleasure.—(The Adventist
Home, 206, 207.)
Parents, are you working with unflagging energy in behalf of your
children? The God of heaven marks your solicitude, your earnest work,
your constant watchfulness. He hears your prayers. With patience and
tenderness train your children for the Lord. All heaven is interested in your
work. Angels of light will unite with you as you strive to lead your children
to heaven. God will unite with you, crowning your efforts with success.
Christ delights to honor a Christian family; for such a family is a symbol of
the family in heaven.—(The Review and Herald, January 29, 1901.)
The great importance of a mother’s prayers—Those who keep the
law of God look upon their children with indefinable feelings of hope and
fear, wondering what part they will act in the [196] great conflict that is just
before them. The anxious mother questions, “What stand will they take?
What can I do to prepare them to act well their part, so that they will be the
recipients of eternal glory?” Great responsibilities rest upon you, mothers.
Although you may not stand in national councils, ... you may do a great
work for God and your country. You may educate your children. You may
aid them to develop characters that will not be swayed or influenced to do
evil, but will sway and influence others to do right. By your fervent prayers
of faith you can move the arm that moves the world.—(The Adventist
Home, 264.)
The influence of a praying, God-fearing mother will last through
eternity. She may die, but her work will endure.—(Testimonies for the
Church 4:500.)
Did mothers but realize the importance of their mission, they would be
much in secret prayer, presenting their children to Jesus, imploring His
blessing upon them, and pleading for wisdom to discharge aright their
sacred duties. Let the mother improve every opportunity to mold and
fashion the disposition and habits of her children. Let her watch carefully
the development of character, repressing traits that are too prominent,
encouraging those that are deficient. Let her make her own life a pure and
noble example to her precious charge.
The mother should enter upon her work with courage and energy,
relying constantly upon divine aid in all her efforts. She should never rest
satisfied until she sees in her children a gradual elevation of character, until
they have a higher object in life than merely to seek their own pleasure.
It is impossible to estimate the power of a praying mother’s influence.
She acknowledges God in all her ways. She takes her children before the
throne of grace and presents them to Jesus, pleading for His blessing upon
them. The influence of those prayers is to those children as “a wellspring of
life.” These prayers, offered in faith, are the support and strength of the
Christian mother. To [197] neglect the duty of praying with our children is
to lose one of the greatest blessings within our reach, one of the greatest
helps amid the perplexities, cares, and burdens of our lifework.
The power of a mother’s prayers cannot be too highly estimated. She
who kneels beside her son and daughter through the vicissitudes of
childhood, through the perils of youth, will never know till the judgment the
influence of her prayers upon the life of her children. If she is connected by
faith with the Son of God, the mother’s tender hand may hold back her son
from the power of temptation, may restrain her daughter from indulging in
sin. When passion is warring for the mastery, the power of love, the
restraining, earnest, determined influence of the mother, may balance the
soul on the side of right.—(The Adventist Home, 265, 266.)
The prayers of Christian mothers are not disregarded by the Father of
all, who sent His Son to the earth to ransom a people for Himself. He will
not turn away your petitions and leave you and yours to the buffetings of
Satan in the great day of final conflict. It is for you to work with simplicity
and faithfulness, and God will establish the work of your hands.—(Child
Guidance, 526.)
Family prayer is important, but other types of prayer are needed as
well—Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. Secret prayer is very
important; in solitude the soul is laid bare to the inspecting eye of God, and
every motive is scrutinized. Secret prayer! How precious! The soul
communing with God! Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-
hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of such petitions.—
(Testimonies for the Church 2:189, 190.) [198]
 Chapter 18—Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are essential to spiritual growth—Seek every
opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really
seeking for communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting,
faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they
can gain. They will improve every opportunity of placing themselves where
they can receive the rays of light from heaven.—(Steps to Christ, 98.)
Private prayer, family prayer, prayer in public gatherings for the
worship of God—all are essential. And we are to live our prayers. We are to
co-operate with Christ in His work.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:239.)
In our devotional meetings, our voices should express by prayer and
praise our adoration of the heavenly Father, that all may know that we
worship God in simplicity and truth, and in the beauty of holiness.—
(Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 245.)
Let small companies assemble in the evening, at noon, or in the [199]
early morning to study the Bible. Let them have a season of prayer, that
they may be strengthened, enlightened, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
This work Christ wants to have done in the heart of every worker. If you
yourselves will open the door to receive it, a great blessing will come to
you. Angels of God will be in your assembly. You will feed upon the leaves
of the tree of life. What testimonies you may bear of the loving
acquaintance made with your fellow workers in these precious seasons
when seeking the blessing of God. Let each tell his experience in simple
words. This will bring more comfort and joy to the soul than all the pleasant
instruments of music that could be brought into the churches. Christ will
come into your hearts. It is by this means only that you can maintain your
integrity.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:195.)
Prepare for eternity with such zeal as you have not yet manifested.
Educate your mind to love the Bible, to love the prayer meeting, to love the
hour of meditation, and, above all, the hour when the soul communes with
God. Become heavenly-minded if you would unite with the heavenly choir
in the mansions above.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:267.)
When the Spirit of God shall work upon the heart, cleansing the soul-
temple of its defilement of worldliness and pleasure-loving, all will be seen
in the prayer meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to
reap all the benefit they can gain. The faithful worker for the Master will
improve every opportunity to place himself directly under the rays of light
from the throne of God, and this light will be reflected upon others.—
(Testimonies for the Church 4:461.)
God’s presence makes times of prayer and public worship sacred—
True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a
realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen the heart of every
child should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer and the
services of public worship [200] the child should be taught to regard as
sacred because God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and
demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened.—(Education, 242,
243.)
Public prayer brings us into God’s presence—Prayer, whether
offered in the public assembly, at the family altar, or in secret, places man
directly in the presence of God. By constant prayer the youth may obtain
principles so firm that the most powerful temptations will not draw them
from their allegiance to God.—(My Life Today, 18.)
Public prayers should not be long and dry—As children of the
heavenly King, you should educate yourselves to bear testimony in a clear,
distinct voice, and in such a manner that no one may have the impression
that you are reluctant to speak of the mercies of the Lord. In social meeting,
prayer should be offered so that all may be edified, and those who take part
in this exercise should follow the example given us in the Lord’s beautiful
prayer for the world. The prayer of Jesus is simple, clear, comprehensive,
and yet not long and spiritless as are the dry prayers that are often offered in
public. These spiritless prayers better not be uttered; for they fail to bless or
edify, and are a mere form without vital power.—(Christian Education,
129.)
The prayers offered in public should be short and to the point. God does
not require us to make the season of worship tedious by lengthy petitions....
A few minutes is long enough for any ordinary public petition.—
(Evangelism, 146.)
Our prayer and social meetings should be seasons of special help and
encouragement. Each one has a work to do to make these gatherings as
interesting and profitable as possible. This can best be done by having a
fresh experience daily in the things of God, and by not hesitating to speak
of His love in the assemblies of His people. If you allow no darkness or
unbelief to enter your hearts, they will not be manifest in your meetings.
[201]
Our meetings should be made intensely interesting. They should be
pervaded with the very atmosphere of heaven. Let there be no long, dry
speeches and formal prayers, merely for the sake of occupying the time.—
(Christian Service, 211.)
At family worship let the children take a part. Let all bring their Bibles
and each read a verse or two. Then let some familiar hymn be sung,
followed by prayer. For this, Christ has given a model. The Lord’s Prayer
was not intended to be repeated merely as a form, but it is an illustration of
what our prayers should be—simple, earnest, and comprehensive. In a
simple petition tell the Lord your needs and express gratitude for His
mercies. Thus you invite Jesus as a welcome guest into your home and
heart. In the family long prayers concerning remote objects are not in place.
They make the hour of prayer a weariness, when it should be regarded as a
privilege and blessing. Make the season one of interest and joy.—(Child
Guidance, 524.)
Long, prosy talks and prayers are out of place anywhere, and especially
in the social meeting. They weary the angels as well as the people who
listen to them. Our prayers should be short, and right to the point. Let the
Spirit of God pervade the hearts of the worshipers, and it will sweep away
all formality and dullness.—(The Review and Herald, October 10, 1882.)
One or two minutes is long enough for any ordinary prayer.—
(Testimonies for the Church 2:581.)
Long prayers make worship wearisome—In every family there
should be a fixed time for morning and evening worship. How appropriate
it is for parents to gather their children about them before the fast is broken,
to thank the heavenly Father for His protection during the night, and to ask
Him for His help and guidance and watchcare during the day! How fitting,
also, when evening comes, for parents and children to gather once more
before Him and thank Him for the blessings of the day that is past! [202]
The father, or, in his absence, the mother, should conduct the worship,
selecting a portion of Scripture that is interesting and easily understood.
The service should be short. When a long chapter is read and a long prayer
offered, the service is made wearisome, and at its close a sense of relief is
felt. God is dishonored when the hour of worship is made dry and irksome,
when it is so tedious, so lacking in interest, that the children dread it.
Fathers and mothers, make the hour of worship intensely interesting.
There is no reason why this hour should not be the most pleasant and
enjoyable of the day. A little thought given to preparation for it will enable
you to make it full of interest and profit. From time to time let the service
be varied. Questions may be asked on the portion of Scripture read, and a
few earnest, timely remarks may be made. A song of praise may be sung.
The prayer offered should be short and pointed. In simple, earnest words let
the one who leads in prayer praise God for His goodness and ask Him for
help. As circumstances permit, let the children join in the reading and the
prayer.
Eternity alone will reveal the good with which such seasons of worship
are fraught.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:43, 44.)
Our prayers in public should be short, and express only the real wants of
the soul, asking in simplicity and simple trusting faith for the very things
we need. Prayer from the humble, contrite heart is the vital breath of the
soul hungering for righteousness.—(The Signs of the Times, December 3,
1896.)
From the light I have had upon the subject I have decided that God does
not require us, as we assemble for His worship, to make these seasons
tedious and wearisome by remaining bowed quite a length of time, listening
to several long prayers. Those in feeble health cannot endure this taxation
without extreme weariness and exhaustion. The body becomes weary by
remaining bowed down so long; and what is worse still, the mind becomes
so wearied by the continuous exercise of prayer that no spiritual
refreshment is realized, and the meeting is to them worse than a loss. [203]
They have become wearied mentally and physically, and they have obtained
no spiritual strength.
 Meetings for conference and prayer should not be made tedious. If
possible, all should be prompt to the hour appointed; and if there are
dilatory ones, who are half an hour or even fifteen minutes behind the time,
there should be no waiting. If there are but two present, they can claim the
promise.
The meeting should open at the appointed hour if possible, be there few
or many present. Formality and cold stiffness should be laid aside, and all
should be prompt to duty. Upon common occasions there should not be
prayer of more than ten minutes’ duration. After there has been a change of
position, and the exercise of singing or exhortation has relieved the
sameness, then, if any feel the burden of prayer, let them pray.
All should feel it a Christian duty to pray short. Tell the Lord just what
you want, without going all over the world. In private prayer all have the
privilege of praying as long as they desire and of being as explicit as they
please. They can pray for all their relatives and friends. The closet is the
place to tell all their private difficulties, and trials, and temptations. A
common meeting to worship God is not the place to open the privacies of
the heart.
What is the object of assembling together? Is it to inform God, to
instruct Him by telling Him all we know in prayer? We meet together to
edify one another by an interchange of thoughts and feelings, to gather
strength, and light, and courage by becoming acquainted with one another’s
hopes and aspirations; and by our earnest, heartfelt prayers, offered up in
faith, we receive refreshment and vigor from the Source of our strength.
These meetings should be most precious seasons and should be made
interesting to all who have any relish for religious things.
There are some, I fear, who do not take their troubles to God in private
prayer, but reserve them for the prayer meeting, and there do up their
praying for several days. Such may be named conference and prayer
meeting killers. They emit no light; they edify no one. Their cold, frozen
prayers and long, backslidden testimonies cast a [204] shadow. All are glad
when they get through, and it is almost impossible to throw off the chill and
darkness which their prayers and exhortations bring into the meeting. From
the light which I have received, our meetings should be spiritual and social,
and not too long. Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of man should be left at
home. Little differences and prejudices should not be taken with us to these
meetings. As in a united family, simplicity, meekness, confidence, and love
should exist in the hearts of brethren and sisters who meet to be refreshed
and invigorated by bringing their lights together.—(Testimonies for the
Church 2:577-579.)
Public prayers should be spoken distinctly and clearly—Let those
who pray and those who speak pronounce their words properly and speak in
clear, distinct, even tones. Prayer, if properly offered, is a power for good. It
is one of the means used by the Lord to communicate to the people the
precious treasures of truth. But prayer is not what it should be, because of
the defective voices of those who utter it. Satan rejoices when the prayers
offered to God are almost inaudible. Let God’s people learn how to speak
and pray in a way that will properly represent the great truths they possess.
Let the testimonies borne and the prayers offered be clear and distinct. Thus
God will be glorified.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:382.)
Use simple language when praying publicly—High-flown language is
inappropriate in prayer, whether the petition be offered in the pulpit, in the
family circle, or in secret. Especially should the one offering public prayer
use simple language, that others may understand what is said and unite with
the petition.
It is the heart-felt prayer of faith that is heard in heaven and answered
on earth.—(Gospel Workers, 177.)
Our prayers should be orderly—I have seen that confusion is
displeasing to the Lord, and that there should be order in praying and also in
singing. We should not come to the house of God to pray for our families
unless deep feeling shall lead us while the Spirit of God is [205] convicting
them. Generally, the proper place to pray for our families is at the family
altar. When the subjects of our prayers are at a distance, the closet is the
proper place to plead with God for them. When in the house of God, we
should pray for a present blessing and should expect God to hear and
answer our prayers. Such meetings will be lively and interesting.—
(Testimonies for the Church 1:145, 146.)
God should be approached with reverence in prayer—Some think it
a mark of humility to pray to God in a common manner, as if talking with a
human being. They profane His name by needlessly and irreverently
mingling with their prayers the words, “God Almighty,” awful, sacred
words, which should never pass the lips except in subdued tones and with a
feeling of awe.—(Gospel Workers, 176.)
It is our privilege to kneel when praying publicly—Both in public and
private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God
when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon
God.—(Selected Messages 2:312.)
According to the light that has been given me, it would be pleasing to
God for ministers to bow down as soon as they step into the pulpit, and
solemnly ask help from God. What impression would that make? There
would be solemnity and awe upon the people. Their minister is communing
with God; he is committing himself to God before he dares to stand before
the people. Solemnity rests upon the people, and angels of God are brought
very near. Ministers should look to God the first thing as they come into the
desk, thus saying to all: God is the source of my strength.—(Testimonies
for the Church 2:612.)
When the minister enters, it should be with dignified, solemn mien. He
should bow down in silent prayer as soon as he steps into the pulpit, and
earnestly ask help of God. What an impression this will make! There will
be solemnity and awe upon the people. Their [206] minister is communing
with God; he is committing himself to God before he dares to stand before
the people. Solemnity rests upon all, and angels of God are brought very
near. Every one of the congregation, also, who fears God should with
bowed head unite in silent prayer with him that God may grace the meeting
with His presence and give power to His truth proclaimed from human lips.
When the meeting is opened by prayer, every knee should bow in the
presence of the Holy One, and every heart should ascend to God in silent
devotion. The prayers of faithful worshipers will be heard, and the ministry
of the word will prove effectual. The lifeless attitude of the worshipers in
the house of God is one great reason why the ministry is not more
productive of good. The melody of song, poured forth from many hearts in
clear, distinct utterance, is one of God’s instrumentalities in the work of
saving souls. All the service should be conducted with solemnity and awe,
as if in the visible presence of the Master of assemblies.—(Testimonies for
the Church 5:492, 493.)
Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our
knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example,
“kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. Of His disciples it is recorded
that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Acts 9:40. Paul declared, “I
bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. In
confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. See Ezra 9:5. Daniel
“kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God.” Daniel 6:10.—(Prophets and Kings, 48.)
Public prayer is important but not sufficient by itself—Family or
public prayer alone is not sufficient. Secret prayer is very important; in
solitude the soul is laid bare to the inspecting eye of God, and every motive
is scrutinized. Secret prayer! How precious! The soul communing with
God! Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No
curious ear is to receive the burden of such petitions.—(Testimonies for the
Church 2:189, 190). [207]
 Chapter 19—Attitudes in Prayer
Proper attitudes for public prayer—I have received letters
questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person
offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren
obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to
God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was
asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But
as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to
open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open
rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, “Get down upon your knees.” This is
the proper position always....
To bow down when in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy.
This act of worship was required of the three Hebrew captives in
Babylon.... But such an act was homage to be rendered to God alone—the
Sovereign of the world, the Ruler of the universe; and these three Hebrews
refused to give such honor to any idol even though composed of pure gold.
In doing so, they would, to all intents and purposes, be bowing to the king
of Babylon. Refusing to do as the king had commanded, they suffered the
penalty, and were cast into the burning fiery furnace. [208] But Christ came
in person and walked with them through the fire, and they received no
harm.
Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our
knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our
dependence upon God....
“Where did Brother H obtain his education?”At Battle Creek. Is it
possible that with all the light that God has given to His people on the
subject of reverence, that ministers, principals, and teachers in our schools,
by precept and example, teach young men to stand erect in devotion as did
the Pharisees? Shall we look upon this as significant of their self-
sufficiency and self-importance? Are these traits to become conspicuous?....
We hope that our brethren will not manifest less reverence and awe as
they approach the only true and living God than the heathen manifest for
their idol deities, or these people will be our judges in the day of final
decision. I would speak to all who occupy the place of teachers in our
schools. Men and women, do not dishonor God by your irreverence and
pomposity. Do not stand up in your Pharisaism and offer your prayers to
God. Mistrust your own strength. Depend not in it; but often bow down on
your knees before God, and worship Him.
And when you assemble to worship God, be sure and bow your knees
before Him. Let this act testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in
subjection to the Spirit of truth. Who have searched the Word closely for
examples and direction in this respect? Whom can we trust as teachers in
our schools in America and foreign countries? After years of study shall
students return to their own country with perverted ideas of the respect and
honor and reverence that should be given to God, and feel under no
obligation to honor the men of gray hairs, the men of experience, the chosen
servants of God who have been connected with the work of God through
almost all the years of their life? I advise all who attend the schools in
America or in any other place, do not catch the spirit of irreverence. Be sure
you understand for yourself what kind of education you need, that you may
educate others to [209] obtain a fitness of character that will stand the test
that is soon to be brought upon all who live upon the earth. Keep company
with the soundest Christians. Choose not the pretentious instructors or
pupils, but those who show the deepest piety, those who have a spirit of
intelligence in the things of God.
We are living in perilous times. Seventh-day Adventists are professedly
the commandment-keeping people of God; but they are losing their
devotional spirit. This spirit of reverence for God teaches men how to
approach their Maker—with sacredness and awe through faith, not in
themselves, but in a Mediator. Thus man is kept fast, under whatever
circumstances he is placed. Man must come on bended knee, as a subject of
grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. And as he receives daily
mercies at the hand of God, he is ever to cherish gratitude in his heart, and
give expression to it in the words of thanksgiving and praise for these
unmerited favors. Angels have been guarding his pathway through all his
life, and many of the snares he has been delivered from he has not seen.
And for this guardianship and watchcare by eyes that never slumber and
never sleep, he is to recognize in every prayer the service of God for him.—
(Selected Messages 2:311-315.)
Kneeling in prayer teaches reverence and awe for God—May God
teach His people how to pray. Let the teachers in our schools and the
ministers in our churches, learn daily in the school of Christ. Then they will
pray with earnestness, and their requests will be heard and answered. Then
the word will be proclaimed with power.
Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our
knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our
example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Of His disciples it is recorded that
they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Paul declared, “I bow my knees
unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In confessing before God the sins
of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and
prayed, and gave thanks before his God.”
True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness
and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart
should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer [210] are sacred,
because God is there; and as reverence is manifested in attitude and
demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. “Holy and reverend
is His name,” the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that name,
veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and
sinful, take it upon our lips!
Well would it be for old and young to ponder those words of Scripture
that show how the place marked by God’s special presence should be
regarded. “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet,” He commanded Moses at
the burning bush, “for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”
Jacob, after beholding the vision of the angels, exclaimed, “The Lord is in
this place; and I knew it not.... This is none other but the house of God, and
this is the gate of heaven.”(Gospel Workers, 178, 179.)
The humility of Solomon at the time he began to bear the burdens of
state, when he acknowledged before God, “I am but a little child” (1 Kings
3:7), his marked love of God, his profound reverence for things divine, his
distrust of self, and his exaltation of the infinite Creator of all—all these
traits of character, so worthy of emulation, were revealed during the
services connected with the completion of the temple, when during his
dedicatory prayer he knelt in the humble position of a petitioner. Christ’s
followers today should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of
reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how they should
approach their Maker—with humility and awe, through faith in a divine
Mediator.—(Prophets and Kings, 47, 48.)
“In the midst of the court” of the temple had been erected “a brazen
scaffold,” or platform, “five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three
cubits high.” Upon this Solomon stood and with uplifted hands blessed the
vast multitude before him. “And all the congregation of Israel stood.” 2
Chronicles 6:13, 3.
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,” Solomon exclaimed, “who hath
with His hands fulfilled that which He spake with His mouth to my father
David, saying, ... I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name might be there.”
Verses 4-6. [211]
Solomon then knelt upon the platform, and in the hearing of all the people
offered the dedicatory prayer. Lifting his hands toward heaven, while the
congregation were bowed with their faces to the ground, the king pleaded:
“Lord God of Israel, there is no God like Thee in the heaven, nor in the
earth; which keepest covenant, and showest mercy unto Thy servants, that
walk before Thee with all their heart.”(Prophets and Kings, 39, 40.)
King Solomon stood upon a brazen scaffold before the altar and blessed
the people. He then knelt down and, with his hands raised upward, poured
forth earnest and solemn prayer to God while the congregation were bowed
with their faces to the ground. After Solomon had ended his prayer, a
miraculous fire came from heaven and consumed the sacrifice.—(The Story
of Redemption, 194.)
Your mind was given that you might understand how to work. Your
eyes were given that you might be keen to discern your God-given
opportunities. Your ears are to listen for the commands of God. Your knees
are to bow three times a day in heartfelt prayer. Your feet are to run in the
way of God’s commandments.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:297.)
Ministers to bow in prayer before preaching—According to the light
that has been given me, it would be pleasing to God for ministers to bow
down as soon as they step into the pulpit, and solemnly ask help from God.
What impression would that make? There would be solemnity and awe
upon the people. Their minister is communing with God; he is committing
himself to God before he dares to stand before the people. Solemnity rests
upon the people, and angels of God are brought very near. Ministers should
look to God the first thing as they come into the desk, thus saying to all:
God is the source of my strength.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:612.)
When the minister enters, it should be with dignified, solemn mien. He
should bow down in silent prayer as soon as he steps into [212] the pulpit,
and earnestly ask help of God. What an impression this will make! There
will be solemnity and awe upon the people. Their minister is communing
with God; he is committing himself to God before he dares to stand before
the people. Solemnity rests upon all, and angels of God are brought very
near. Every one of the congregation, also, who fears God should with
bowed head unite in silent prayer with him that God may grace the meeting
with His presence and give power to His truth proclaimed from human lips.
When the meeting is opened by prayer, every knee should bow in the
presence of the Holy One, and every heart should ascend to God in silent
devotion. The prayers of faithful worshipers will be heard, and the ministry
of the word will prove effectual. The lifeless attitude of the worshipers in
the house of God is one great reason why the ministry is not more
productive of good. The melody of song, poured forth from many hearts in
clear, distinct utterance, is one of God’s instrumentalities in the work of
saving souls. All the service should be conducted with solemnity and awe,
as if in the visible presence of the Master of assemblies.—(Testimonies for
the Church 5:492, 493.)
Kneeling not always required while praying—We cannot always be
on our knees in prayer, but the way to the mercy seat is always open. While
engaged in active labor, we may ask for help; and we are promised by One
who will not deceive us, “Ye shall receive.” The Christian can and will find
time to pray. Daniel was a statesman; heavy responsibilities rested upon
him; yet three times a day he sought God, and the Lord gave him the Holy
Spirit. So today men may resort to the sacred pavilion of the Most High and
feel the assurance of His promise, “My people shall dwell in a peaceable
habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18.
All who really desire it can find a place for communion with God, where no
ear can hear but the one open to the cries of the helpless, distressed, and
needy—the One who notices even the fall of the little sparrow. He says, “Ye
are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31.—(Counsels on
Health, 423, 424.) [213]
The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation
is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we permit our
communion with God to be broken, our defense is departed from us. Not all
your good purposes and good intentions will enable you to withstand evil.
You must be men and women of prayer. Your petitions must not be faint,
occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not
always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the
habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are
walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be
continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for
knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer.—(The Ministry of Healing, 510,
511.)
In the work of heart-keeping we must be instant in prayer, unwearied in
petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those who take the name of
Christian should come to God in earnestness and humility, pleading for
help. The Saviour has told us to pray without ceasing. The Christian can not
always be in the position of prayer, but his thoughts and desires can always
be upward. Our self-confidence would vanish, did we talk less and pray
more.—(Sons and Daughters of God, 99.)
The way to the throne of God is always open. You cannot always be on
your knees in prayer, but your silent petitions may constantly ascend to God
for strength and guidance. When tempted, as you will be, you may flee to
the secret place of the Most High. His everlasting arms will be underneath
you. Let these words cheer you, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis
which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in
white: for they are worthy.” Revelation 3:4.—(Counsels on Health, 362.)
If all our workers were so situated that they could spend a few hours
each day in outdoor labor, and felt free to do this, it would be a blessing to
them; they would be able to discharge more successfully the duties of their
calling. If they have not time for complete relaxation, they could be
planning and praying while at work [214] with their hands, and could return
to their labor refreshed in body and spirit.—(Gospel Workers, 240.)
Genuine prayer does not depend upon time or place or
circumstances—Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor
let your heart be often uplifted to God.
It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like
precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him
whose heart is thus stayed upon God.
There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a
petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our
hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst
of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for
divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King
Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We
should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going
up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.—(Steps
to Christ, 98, 99).
Wherever we are, whatever our employment, our hearts are to be
uplifted to God in prayer. This is being instant in prayer. We need not wait
until we can bow upon our knees before we pray. On one occasion, when
Nehemiah came in before the king, the king asked why he looked so sad,
and what request he had to make. But Nehemiah dared not answer at once.
Important interests were at stake. The fate of a nation hung upon the
impression that should then be made upon the monarch’s mind; and
Nehemiah darted up a prayer to the God of Heaven, before he dared to
answer the king. The result was that he obtained all that he asked or even
desired.—(The Signs of the Times, October 20, 1887.)
All your good purposes and good intentions will not enable you to
withstand the test of temptation. You must be men of prayer. Your petitions
must be not faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and
constant. It is not necessary to be alone, or to bow upon your knees, to pray;
but in the midst of your labor [215] your souls may be often uplifted to
God, taking hold upon His strength; then you will be men of high and holy
purpose, of noble integrity, who will not for any consideration be swayed
from truth, right, and justice.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:542, 543.)
We must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly
spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can
pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be.—(Selected Messages
3:266.)
 Prayers in pubic should be short and characterized by a natural
tone of voice—The long prayers made by some ministers have been a great
failure. Praying to great length, as some do, is all out of place. They injure
the throat and vocal organs, and then they talk of breaking down by their
hard labor. They injure themselves when it is not called for. Many feel that
praying injures their vocal organs more than talking. This is in consequence
of the unnatural position of the body, and the manner of holding the head.
They can stand and talk, and not feel injured. The position in prayer should
be perfectly natural. Long praying wearies, and is not in accordance with
the gospel of Christ. Half or even quarter of an hour is altogether too long.
A few minutes’ time is long enough to bring your case before God and tell
Him what you want; and you can take the people with you and not weary
them out and lessen their interest in devotion and prayer. They may be
refreshed and strengthened, instead of exhausted.
A mistake has been made by many in their religious exercises in long
praying and long preaching, upon a high key, with a forced voice, in an
unnatural strain and an unnatural tone.—(Testimonies for the Church
2:617.)
Speak clearly and distinctly in prayer—By your own example teach
your children to pray with clear, distinct voice. Teach them to lift their
heads from the chair and never to cover their faces with their hands. Thus
they can offer their simple prayers, repeating the Lord’s prayer in concert.
—(Child Guidance, 522, 523.) [216]
Discipline the mind to pay attention during prayer—Daily prayer is
as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is
temporal food to physical well-being. We should accustom ourselves to
often lift the thoughts to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring
it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy.—(The
Sanctified Life, 93.)
Prayer need not be long or loud—Prayer is not understood as it
should be. Our prayers are not to inform God of something He does not
know. The Lord is acquainted with the secrets of every soul. Our prayers
need not be long and loud. God reads the hidden thoughts. We may pray in
secret, and He who sees in secret will hear, and will reward us openly.—
(Messages to Young People, 247.)
 We are not to try to command God in prayer—Our petitions must
not take the form of a command, but of intercession for Him to do the
things we desire of Him.—(Counsels on Health, 379.)
Pray in faith—Pray in faith. And be sure to bring your lives into
harmony with your petitions, that you may receive the blessings for which
you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the blessings received are
proportionate to the faith exercised. “According to your faith be it unto
you.”“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall
receive.” Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22. Pray, believe, rejoice. Sing praises
to God because He has answered your prayers. Take Him at His word. “He
is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23. Not one sincere supplication is
lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It carries with it healing
properties, pouring forth a restoring current of life and health and salvation.
—(Testimonies for the Church 7:274.)
Let sincerity and faith characterize your prayers. The Lord is willing to
do for us “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians
3:20. Talk it; pray it. Do not talk unbelief. We cannot afford to let Satan see
that he has power to darken our countenances and sadden our lives.—
(Testimonies for the Church 7:273.) [217]
Chapter 20—Praying In The Name
of Jesus
Jesus’ name is the connecting link in prayer between humanity and
God—In Christ’s name our petitions ascend to the Father. He intercedes in
our behalf, and the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our
appropriation, for us to enjoy and impart to others. “Ask in My name,”
Christ says. “I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father
Himself loveth you. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers
efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace. Wherefore
ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
Christ is the connecting link between God and man. He has promised
His personal intercession. He places the whole virtue of His righteousness
on the side of the suppliant. He pleads for man, and man, in need of divine
help, pleads for himself in the presence of God, using the influence of the
One who gave His life for the life of the world. As we acknowledge before
God our appreciation of Christ’s merits, fragrance is given to our
intercessions. As we approach God through the virtue of the Redeemer’s
merits, Christ places us close by His side, encircling us with His human
arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He puts
His merits, as sweet [218] incense, in the censer in our hands, in order to
encourage our petitions. He promises to hear and answer our supplications.
Yes, Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God.
He has also become the medium of blessing between God and man. He has
united divinity with humanity. Men are to co-operate with Him for the
salvation of their own souls, and then make earnest, persevering efforts to
save those who are ready to die.—(Testimonies for the Church 8:178.)
As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Saviour’s unlimited
resources and power. He said to them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in
My name.” John 16:24. He explained that the secret of their success would
be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before
the Father to make request for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He
presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is
heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it
will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to
the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant
with the incense of His own perfection.—(The Desire of Ages, 667.)
The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christ’s name. Their
every word and act was to fasten attention on His name, as possessing that
vital power by which sinners may be saved. Their faith was to center in
Him who is the source of mercy and power. In His name they were to
present their petitions to the Father, and they would receive answer. They
were to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s name was to be their watchword, their badge of distinction, their
bond of union, the authority for their course of action, and the source of
their success.—(The Acts of the Apostles, 28.)
In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On
each end of the ark was a lovely cherub, with its wings spread out over it.
Their faces were turned toward each other, [219] and they looked
downward. Between the angels was a golden censer. Above the ark, where
the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne
where God dwelt. Jesus stood by the ark, and as the saints’ prayers came up
to Him, the incense in the censer would smoke, and He would offer up their
prayers with the smoke of the incense to His Father.—(Early Writings, 32.)
What it means to pray in Jesus’ name—To pray in Christ’s name
means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His
spirit, and work His works. The Saviour’s promise is given on condition. “If
ye love Me,” He says, “keep My commandments.” He saves men, not in
sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by
obedience.—(The Desire of Ages, 668.)
Jesus said, “Ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will
pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.”“I have chosen
you: ... that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give
it you.” John 16:26, 27; John 15:16. But to pray in the name of Jesus is
something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the
ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we
believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works.—(Steps to
Christ, 100, 101.)
God invites us to come to him in the name of Jesus—You are invited
to come, to ask, to seek, to knock; and you are assured that you will not
come in vain. Jesus says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asketh
receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be
opened.” Matthew 7:7, 8.
Christ illustrates the willingness of God to bless by the willingness of a
father to grant the request of his child. He says, “If a son shall ask bread of
any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will
he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a
scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your
children: how much more shall your heavenly [220] Father give the Holy
Spirit to them that ask Him? Luke 11:11-13.
We come to God in the name of Jesus by special invitation, and He
welcomes us to His audience chamber. He imparts to the humble, contrite
soul that faith in Christ by which he is justified. Jesus blots out as a thick
cloud his transgression, and the comforted heart exclaims, “O Lord, I will
praise Thee: though Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away,
and Thou comfortedst me.” Isaiah 12:1.—(Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students, 242.)
Pray both in Jesus’ name and by the inspiration of the holy spirit—
When a man breathes an intensely earnest prayer to God (Jesus Christ is the
only name given under heaven whereby we can be saved), there is in that
intensity and earnestness a pledge from God that He is about to answer that
prayer exceeding abundantly, above all that we can ask or think. We must
not only pray in the name of Jesus, but by the inspiration and kindling of
the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said, “the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered.” The
petitions must be offered in earnest faith. Then they will reach the mercy-
seat. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. God does not say, Pray once, and I
will answer you. His word is pray, be instant in prayer, believing ye have
the things ye ask, and ye shall receive them; I will answer you.—(The
Gospel Herald, May 28, 1902.)
 We may approach God in confidence through Jesus’ name—
Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come
into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him
with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of
presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those
who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light
unapproachable, as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There
are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume
to do in the audience chamber of an earthly ruler. These should remember
that they are in His sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil
their faces.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 252.) [221]
In the name of Jesus we may come into God’s presence with the confidence
of a child. No man is needed to act as a mediator. Through Jesus we may
open our hearts to God as to one who knows and loves us.—(Thoughts
from the Mount of Blessing, 84.)
God will honor Jesus’ name in our prayers—Every promise in the
word of God furnishes us with subject matter for prayer, presenting the
pledged word of Jehovah as our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing we
need, it is our privilege to claim through Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with
the simplicity of a child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our
temporal matters, asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread
of life and the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Your heavenly Father knows
that you have need of all these things, and you are invited to ask Him
concerning them. It is through the name of Jesus that every favor is
received. God will honor that name, and will supply your necessities from
the riches of His liberality.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 133.)
We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit
“maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
Romans 8:26. Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness
and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very
intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer
“exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20.
Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe
that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. “Whatsoever ye
shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the
Son.” John 14:13. And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance: “If we ask anything
according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us,
whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of
Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. Then press your petition to the Father in the name of
Jesus. God will honor that name.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 147, 148.)
[222]
 Chapter 21—Divine Guidance
Through Prayer
We may learn God’s will for us through prayer—The Lord works in
no haphazard way. Seek Him most earnestly in prayer. He will impress the
mind, and will give tongue and utterance. The people of God are to be
educated not to trust in human inventions and uncertain tests as a means of
learning God’s will concerning them. Satan and his agencies are always
ready to step into any opening to be found that will lead souls away from
the pure principles of the Word of God. The people who are led and taught
of God will give no place to devisings for which there is not a “Thus saith
the Lord.”(Selected Messages 2:326.)
Pray for God’s guidance—You must educate your judgment so that it
shall not be feeble and inefficient. You must pray for guidance, and commit
your way unto the Lord. You must close your heart against all foolishness
and sin, and open it to every heavenly influence. You must make the most
of your time and opportunities, in order to develop a symmetrical character.
—(Fundamentals of Christian Education, 302.) [223]
In every family there should be a fixed time for morning and evening
worship. How appropriate it is for parents to gather their children about
them before the fast is broken, to thank the heavenly Father for His
protection during the night, and to ask Him for His help and guidance and
watchcare during the day! How fitting, also, when evening comes, for
parents and children to gather once more before Him and thank Him for the
blessings of the day that is past!—(Testimonies for the Church 7:43.)
Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first
work. Let your prayer be, “Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my
plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all
my work be wrought in Thee.” This is a daily matter. Each morning
consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to
be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day
you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will
be molded more and more after the life of Christ.—(Steps to Christ, 70).
You must learn to see with your brain as well as your eyes. You must
educate your judgment so that it shall not be feeble and inefficient. You
must pray for guidance, and commit your way unto the Lord. You must
close your heart against all foolishness and sin, and open it to every
heavenly influence. You must make the most of your time and
opportunities, in order to develop a symmetrical character.—(Sons and
Daughters of God, 283.)
Prayer for God’s guidance may be offered anytime, anywhere—
There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to
God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the
spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business
engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine
guidance, as [224] did Nehemiah when he made his request before King
Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We
should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going
up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.—(Steps
to Christ, 99.)
To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a resource at the
command of the Christian under circumstances when other forms of prayer
may be impossible. Toilers in the busy walks of life, crowded and almost
overwhelmed with perplexity, can send up a petition to God for divine
guidance. Travelers by sea and land, when threatened with some great
danger, can thus commit themselves to Heaven’s protection. In times of
sudden difficulty or peril the heart may send up its cry for help to One who
has pledged Himself to come to the aid of His faithful, believing ones
whenever they call upon Him. In every circumstance, under every
condition, the soul weighed down with grief and care, or fiercely assailed
by temptation, may find assurance, support, and succor in the unfailing love
and power of a covenant-keeping God.—(Prophets and Kings, 631, 632.)
Angels are near to help as we pray for God’s guidance—Like
Nathanael, we need to study God’s word for ourselves, and pray for the
enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. He who saw Nathanael under the fig tree
will see us in the secret place of prayer. Angels from the world of light are
near to those who in humility seek for divine guidance.—(The Desire of
Ages, 141.)
The visible and the invisible world are in close contact. Could the veil
be lifted, we would see evil angels pressing their darkness around us and
working with all their power to deceive and destroy. Wicked men are
surrounded, influenced, and aided by evil spirits. The man of faith and
prayer has yielded his soul to divine guidance, and angels of God bring to
him light and strength from heaven.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:199.)
[225]
A knowledge of the truth depends not so much upon strength of intellect
as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith.
To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God
draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of the
truth.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 59.)
Whatever we need, we may claim in prayer—Every promise in the
word of God furnishes us with subject matter for prayer, presenting the
pledged word of Jehovah as our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing we
need, it is our privilege to claim through Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with
the simplicity of a child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our
temporal matters, asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread
of life and the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Your heavenly Father knows
that you have need of all these things, and you are invited to ask Him
concerning them. It is through the name of Jesus that every favor is
received. God will honor that name, and will supply your necessities from
the riches of His liberality.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 133.)
Parents to pray for God’s guidance—Parents, humble your hearts
before God. Begin a thorough work with your children. Plead with the Lord
to forgive your disregard of His Word in neglecting to train your children in
the way they should go. Ask for light and guidance, for a tender conscience,
and for clear discernment that you may see your mistakes and failures. God
will hear such prayers from a humble and contrite heart.—(Child Guidance,
557.)
Those willing to be guided may know God’s will—The Lord reveals
His will to those who are earnest and anxious to be guided. The reason for
your inefficiency is that you have given up the idea of knowing and doing
the will of God, therefore you do not know anything positively.—
(Testimonies for the Church 3:466.) [226]
Search the scriptures with prayer for divine guidance—Those who are
unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are continually
seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual,
self-denying, and humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor
with which they are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers
to serve their carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the
Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance,
they have no shield from delusion. Satan is ready to supply the heart’s
desire, and he palms off his deceptions in the place of truth.—(The Great
Controversy, 523.)
Trust God and he will direct your way—Many are unable to make
definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot discern the
outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest. Let us
remember that the life of God’s children in this world is a pilgrim life. We
have not wisdom to plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he
should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not
knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8.
Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted
God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So
should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking
of His will. As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps.
Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let
God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will
“keep the feet of His saints.” 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children
otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from
the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling
as co-workers with Him.—(The Ministry of Healing, 478, 479.)
If you have given yourself to God, to do His work, you have [227] no
need to be anxious for tomorrow. He whose servant you are, knows the end
from the beginning. The events of tomorrow, which are hidden from your
view, are open to the eyes of Him who is omnipotent.
When we take into our hands the management of things with which we
have to do, and depend upon our own wisdom for success, we are taking a
burden which God has not given us, and are trying to bear it without His
aid. We are taking upon ourselves the responsibility that belongs to God,
and thus are really putting ourselves in His place. We may well have
anxiety and anticipate danger and loss, for it is certain to befall us. But
when we really believe that God loves us and means to do us good we shall
cease to worry about the future. We shall trust God as a child trusts a loving
parent. Then our troubles and torments will disappear, for our will is
swallowed up in the will of God.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing,
100, 101.)
Eliezer prayed for—and received—God’s guidance—Remembering
the words of Abraham, that God would send His angel with him, he prayed
earnestly for positive guidance. In the family of his master he was
accustomed to the constant exercise of kindness and hospitality, and he now
asked that an act of courtesy might indicate the maiden whom God had
chosen.
Hardly was the prayer uttered before the answer was given. Among the
women who were gathered at the well, the courteous manners of one
attracted his attention. As she came from the well, the stranger went to meet
her, asking for some water from the pitcher upon her shoulder. The request
received a kindly answer, with an offer to draw water for the camels also, a
service which it was customary even for the daughters of princes to perform
for their fathers’ flocks and herds. Thus the desired sign was given.—
(Patriarchs and Prophets, 172.) [228]
 Chapter 22—Prayer for the Sick
Prayer should be offered for the sick with calm faith—I was shown
that in case of sickness, where the way is clear for the offering up of prayer
for the sick, the case should be committed to the Lord in calm faith, not
with a storm of excitement. He alone is acquainted with the past life of the
individual and knows what his future will be. He who is acquainted with the
hearts of all men knows whether the person, if raised up, would glorify His
name or dishonor Him by backsliding and apostasy. All that we are required
to do is to ask God to raise the sick up if in accordance with His will,
believing that He hears the reasons which we present and the fervent
prayers offered. If the Lord sees it will best honor Him, He will answer our
prayers. But to urge recovery without submission to His will is not right.—
(Testimonies for the Church 2:147, 148.)
With all our treatments given to the sick, simple fervent prayer should
be offered for the blessing of healing. We are to point the sick to the
compassionate Saviour, and His power to forgive and to heal.—(Selected
Messages 3:296). [229]
Those who engage in house-to-house labor will find opportunities for
ministry in many lines. They should pray for the sick and should do all in
their power to relieve them from suffering.—(Testimonies for the Church
6:83, 84).
The Saviour would have us encourage the sick, the hopeless, the
afflicted, to take hold upon His strength. Through faith and prayer the
sickroom may be transformed into a Bethel.—(The Ministry of Healing,
226.)
If we are under infirmities of body, it is certainly consistent to trust the
Lord, making supplications to our God in our own case, and if we feel
inclined to ask others in whom we have confidence to unite with us in
prayer to Jesus who is the Mighty Healer, help will surely come if we ask in
faith.—(Medical Ministry, 16.)
We sent up our humble petitions for the sick and afflicted one, who was
losing his hold on this life. As we presented this case before the Lord, we
felt the assurance of the love of God even in this affliction.—(The Review
and Herald, October 11, 1887.)
We anointed the child and prayed over it, believing that the Lord would
give both mother and child peace. It was done. The cries of the child
ceased, and we left them doing well.—(Spiritual Gifts 2:110, 111.)
The sick will be led to Christ by the patient attention of nurses who
anticipate their wants, and who bow in prayer and ask the great Medical
Missionary to look with compassion upon the sufferer and to let the
soothing influence of His grace be felt and His restoring power be
exercised.—(Medical Ministry, 191, 192.)
As missionary nurses care for the sick and relieve the distress of the
poor, they will find many opportunities to pray with them, to read to them
from God’s word, to speak of the Saviour.... [230] They can bring a ray of
hope into the lives of the defeated and disheartened.—(Medical Ministry,
246, 247.)
If more prayer were offered in our sanitariums for the healing of the
sick, the mighty power of the Healer would be seen. Many more would be
strengthened and blessed, and many more acute sicknesses would be
healed.—(Selected Messages 3:295.)
I would come before the Lord with this petition: “Lord, we cannot read
the heart of this sick one, but thou knowest whether it is for the good of his
soul and for the glory of thy name to raise him to health. In thy great
goodness, compassionate this case, and let healthy action take place in the
system. The work must be entirely thine own.”(Healthful Living, 239).
Let the voice of prayer be heard in our institutions in behalf of the sick
that they may place themselves where they can cooperate with Him who
can save both soul and body.—(Manuscript Releases 6:379).
Before we were blessed with institutions where the sick could get help
from suffering, by diligent treatment and earnest prayer in faith to God, we
carried the most seemingly hopeless cases through successfully. Today the
Lord invites the suffering ones to have faith in Him. Man’s necessity is
God’s opportunity.—(Selected Messages 3:295, 296).
All that can be done in praying for the sick is to earnestly importune
God in their behalf, and in perfect confidence rest the matter in His hands.
If we regard iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not hear us. He can do what
He will with His own.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:148.)
It has often been my privilege to pray with the sick. We should do this
much more often than we do.—(Selected Messages 3:295.) [231]
It is our work to present the sick and suffering to Christ in the arms of
our faith.... We should lay hold on His promise, and pray for the
manifestation of His power. The very essence of the gospel is restoration,
and the Saviour would have us bid the sick, the hopeless, and the afflicted
take hold upon His strength.—(The Desire of Ages, 824, 825.)
Prayer for the sick is too important to be handled carelessly—As to
praying for the sick, it is too important a matter to be handled carelessly. I
believe we should take everything to the Lord, and make known to God all
our weaknesses and specify all our perplexities.—(Medical Ministry, 16.)
Prayer for the sick is as effective today as in Bible times—The divine
Healer is present in the sick-room; He hears every word of the prayers
offered to Him in the simplicity of true faith. His disciples today are to pray
for the sick, as verily as did the disciples of old. And there will be
recoveries; for “the prayer of faith shall save the sick.”(Gospel Workers,
215.)
God is just as willing to restore the sick to health now as when the Holy
Spirit spoke these words through the psalmist. And Christ is the same
compassionate physician now that He was during His earthly ministry. In
Him there is healing balm for every disease, restoring power for every
infirmity. His disciples in this time are to pray for the sick as verily as the
disciples of old prayed. And recoveries will follow; for “the prayer of faith
shall save the sick.” We have the Holy Spirit’s power, the calm assurance of
faith, that can claim God’s promises. The Lord’s promise, “They shall lay
hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:18), is just as
trustworthy now as in the days of the apostles. It presents the privilege of
God’s children, and our faith should lay hold of all that it embraces. Christ’s
servants are the channel of His working, and through them He desires to
exercise His healing power. It is our work to present the sick and suffering
to God in the arms of our faith. We should teach them to believe in the
Great Healer.—(The Ministry of Healing, 226.) [232]
Prayer for the sick should take into account God’s will—In prayer
for the sick it should be remembered that “we know not what we should
pray for as we ought.” Romans 8:26. We do not know whether the blessing
we desire will be best or not. Therefore our prayers should include this
thought: “Lord, thou knowest every secret of the soul. Thou art acquainted
with these persons. Jesus, their Advocate, gave His life for them. His love
for them is greater than ours can possibly be. If, therefore, it is for Thy
glory and the good of the afflicted ones, we ask, in the name of Jesus, that
they may be restored to health. If it be not Thy will that they may be
restored, we ask that Thy grace may comfort and Thy presence sustain them
in their sufferings.”
God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts
of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for
whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that
would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives
would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one
reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say,
“Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” Luke 22:42.—(Ministry of
Healing, 229, 230.)
In praying for the sick, we are to pray that if it is God’s will that they
may be raised to health; but if not that He will give them His grace to
comfort, His presence to sustain them in their suffering. Many who should
set their house in order, neglect to do it when they have hope that they will
be raised to health in answer to prayer. Buoyed up by a false hope, they do
not feel the need of giving words of exhortation and counsel to their
children, parents, or friends, and it is a great misfortune. Accepting the
assurance that they would be healed when prayed for, they dare not make a
reference as to how their property shall be disposed of, how their family is
to be cared for, or express any wish concerning matters of which they
would speak if they thought they would be removed by death. In this way
disasters are brought upon the family and friends; for many things that
should be understood, are [233] left unmentioned, because they fear
expression on these points would be a denial of their faith. Believing they
will be raised to health by prayer, they fail to use hygienic measures which
are within their power to use, fearing it would be a denial of their faith.—
(General Conference Daily Bulletin, February 26, 1897.)
We have united in earnest prayer around the sickbed of men, women,
and children, and have felt that they were given back to us from the dead in
answer to our earnest prayers. In these prayers we thought we must be
positive, and if we exercised faith, that we must ask for nothing less than
life. We dared not say, “If it will glorify God,” fearing it would admit a
semblance of doubt. We have anxiously watched those who have been
given back, as it were, from the dead. We have seen some of these,
especially youth, raised to health, and they have forgotten God, become
dissolute in life, causing sorrow and anguish to parents and friends, and
have become a shame to those who feared to pray. They lived not to honor
and glorify God, but to curse Him with their lives of vice.
We no longer mark out a way, nor seek to bring the Lord to our wishes.
If the life of the sick can glorify Him, we pray that they may live,
nevertheless, not as we will but as He will. Our faith can be just as firm, and
more reliable, by committing the desire to the all-wise God and, without
feverish anxiety, in perfect confidence trusting all to Him. We have the
promise. We know that He hears us if we ask according to His will.—
(Counsels on Health, 378, 379.)
God answers prayers for the sick—No human power can save the
sick, but, through the prayer of faith, the Mighty Healer has fulfilled His
promise to those who have called upon His name.—(Selected Messages
3:295).
Let us do as Christ’s apostles did; let us offer prayer for the sick, for
there are many who cannot have the advantages of our sanitariums. The
Lord will remove infirmities in answer to prayer.—(Medical Ministry, 242.)
[234]
Persistence in prayer is necessary when praying for the sick—In
praying for the sick, it is essential to have faith; for it is in accordance with
the word of God. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much.” James 5:16. So we cannot discard praying for the sick, and we
should feel very sad if we could not have the privilege of approaching God,
to lay before Him all our weaknesses and our infirmities, to tell the
compassionate Saviour all about these things, believing that He hears our
petitions. Sometimes answers to our prayers come immediately; sometimes
we have to wait patiently and continue earnestly to plead for the things that
we need, our cases being illustrated by the case of the importunate solicitor
for bread. “Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at
midnight,” etc. This lesson means more than we can imagine. We are to
keep on asking, even if we do not realize the immediate response to our
prayers. “I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh
receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be
opened.” Luke 11:9, 10.
We need grace, we need divine enlightenment, that through the Spirit
we may know how to ask for such things as we need. If our petitions are
indited by the Lord they will be answered.—(Counsels on Health, 380.)
Sin must be put away if prayer for healing is to be answered—To
those who desire prayer for their restoration to health, it should be made
plain that the violation of God’s law, either natural or spiritual, is sin, and
that in order for them to receive His blessing, sin must be confessed and
forsaken.
The Scripture bids us, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one
for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. To the one asking for
prayer, let thoughts like these be presented: “We cannot read the heart, or
know the secrets of your life. These are known only to yourself and to God.
If you repent of your sins, it is your duty to make confession of them.”(The
Ministry of Healing, 228.) [235]
Presumption lies close to faith in praying for the sick—I have seen
so much of carrying matters to extremes, in praying for the sick, that I have
felt that this part of our experience requires much solid, sanctified thinking,
lest we shall make movements that we may call faith, but which are really
nothing less than presumption. Persons worn down with affliction need to
be counseled wisely, that they may move discretely; and while they place
themselves before God to be prayed for that they may be healed, they are
not to take the position that methods of restoration to health in accordance
with nature’s laws are to be neglected.
If they take the position that in praying for healing they must not use the
simple remedies provided by God to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her
work, lest it be a denial of faith, they are taking an unwise position. This is
not a denial of faith; it is in strict harmony with the plans of God. When
Hezekiah was sick, the prophet of God brought him the message that he
should die. He cried unto the Lord, and the Lord heard His servant and
worked a miracle in his behalf, sending him a message that fifteen years
should be added to his life. Now, one word from God, one touch of the
divine finger, would have cured Hezekiah instantly, but special directions
were given to take a fig and lay it upon the affected part, and Hezekiah was
raised to life. In everything we need to move along the line of God’s
providence.
The human agent should have faith and should cooperate with the
divine power, using every facility, taking advantage of everything that,
according to his intelligence, is beneficial, working in harmony with natural
laws; and in doing this he neither denies nor hinders faith.—(Counsels on
Health, 381, 382.)
In the word of God we have instruction relative to special prayer for the
recovery of the sick. But the offering of such prayer is a most solemn act,
and should not be entered upon without careful consideration. In many
cases of prayer for the healing of the sick, that which is called faith is
nothing less than presumption.
Many persons bring disease upon themselves by their self-indulgence.
They have not lived in accordance with natural law or [236] the principles
of strict purity. Others have disregarded the laws of health in their habits of
eating and drinking, dressing, or working. Often some form of vice is the
cause of feebleness of mind or body. Should these persons gain the blessing
of health, many of them would continue to pursue the same course of
heedless transgression of God’s natural and spiritual laws, reasoning that if
God heals them in answer to prayer, they are at liberty to continue their
unhealthful practices and to indulge perverted appetite without restraint. If
God were to work a miracle in restoring these persons to health, He would
be encouraging sin.
It is labor lost to teach people to look to God as a healer of their
infirmities, unless they are taught also to lay aside unhealthful practices. In
order to receive His blessing in answer to prayer, they must cease to do evil
and learn to do well. Their surroundings must be sanitary, their habits of life
correct. They must live in harmony with the law of God, both natural and
spiritual.—(The Ministry of Healing, 227, 228.)
 Prayer for miraculous healing can lead to fanaticism—“Why,” asks
one and another, “is not prayer offered for the miraculous healing of the
sick, instead of so many sanitariums being established?” Should this be
done, great fanaticism would arise in our ranks. Those who have much self-
confidence would start into action.—(Evangelism, 594, 595.)
Taking proper measures is not a denial of faith in prayer for healing
—Many who seek the Lord’s healing mercy think that they must have a
direct and immediate answer to their prayers or their faith is defective. For
this reason, those who are weakened by disease need to be counseled
wisely, that they may act with discretion. They should not disregard their
duty to the friends who may survive them, or neglect to employ nature’s
agencies for the restoration of health.
Often there is danger of error here. Believing that they will be healed in
answer to prayer, some fear to do anything that might seem to indicate a
lack of faith. But they should not neglect to set [237] their affairs in order as
they would desire to do if they expected to be removed by death. Nor
should they fear to utter words of encouragement or counsel which at the
parting hour they wish to speak to their loved ones.—(The Ministry of
Healing, 231.)
But after I have prayed earnestly for the sick what then? Do I cease to
do all I can for their recovery?—No, I work all the more earnestly, with
much prayer that the Lord may bless the means which His own hand has
provided; that He may give sanctified wisdom to co-operate with Him in
the recovery of the sick.—(Healthful Living, 240, [1897, 1898]).
Medical treatments to be used along with prayer for healing—Those
who seek healing by prayer should not neglect to make use of the remedial
agencies within their reach. It is not a denial of faith to use such remedies as
God has provided to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her work of
restoration. It is no denial of faith to co-operate with God, and to place
themselves in the condition most favorable to recovery. God has put it in
our power to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life. This knowledge has
been placed within our reach for use. We should employ every facility for
the restoration of health, taking every advantage possible, working in
harmony with natural laws. When we have prayed for the recovery of the
sick, we can work with all the more energy, thanking God that we have the
privilege of co-operating with Him, and asking His blessing on the means
which He Himself has provided.—(The Ministry of Healing, 231, 232.)
Trust God whatever the outcome of prayer—When we have prayed
for the recovery of the sick, whatever the outcome of the case, let us not
lose faith in God. If we are called upon to meet bereavement, let us accept
the bitter cup, remembering that a Father’s hand holds it to our lips. But
should health be restored, it should not be forgotten that the recipient of
healing mercy is placed under renewed obligation to the Creator.—(The
Ministry of Healing, 233.) [238]
 Chapter 23—Prayer for
Forgiveness
The prayer for forgiveness is always answered immediately—When
we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or
God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for
deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His
children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our
sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the
will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. And “this is the confidence that
we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth
us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we
have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. “If we confess
our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.—(The Desire of Ages, 266.)
No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he
becomes the client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence
and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own,
presenting the supplication before His [239] Father as His own request.—
(Testimonies for the Church 6:364.)
Tell Jesus your wants in the sincerity of your soul. You are not required
to hold a long controversy with, or preach a sermon to, God, but with a
heart of sorrow for your sins, say, “Save me, Lord, or I perish.” There is
hope for such souls. They will seek, they will ask, they will knock, and they
will find. When Jesus has taken away the burden of sin that is crushing the
soul, you will experience the blessedness of the peace of Christ.—(Our
High Calling, 131.)
As, seeing the sinfulness of sin, we fall helpless before the cross, asking
forgiveness and strength, our prayer is heard and answered. Those who
present their petitions to God in Christ’s name will never be turned away.
The Lord says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out.”“He will
regard the prayer of the destitute.” Our help comes from Him who holds all
things in His hands. The peace that He sends is the assurance of His love to
us.
Nothing can be more helpless and yet more invincible than the soul that
feels its nothingness, and relies wholly upon the merits of a crucified and
risen Saviour. God would send every angel in heaven to the aid of the one
who places his whole dependence on Christ, rather than allow him to be
overcome.—(The Signs of the Times, October 29, 1902.)
Those seeking forgiveness must themselves have a forgiving attitude
—When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a
spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving
spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must
forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be
forgiven.—(Steps to Christ, 97.)
After completing the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus added: “If ye forgive [240]
men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye
forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses.” Matthew 6:14, 15. He who is unforgiving cuts off the very
channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should
not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are
justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt,
to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a
spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether
or not they confess their faults.—(The Faith I Live By, 131.)
In the prayer that Christ taught His disciples was the request: Forgive us
our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. We cannot
repeat this prayer from the heart and dare to be unforgiving, for we ask the
Lord to forgive our trespasses against Him in the same manner that we
forgive those who trespass against us. But few realize the true import of this
prayer. If those who are unforgiving did comprehend the depth of its
meaning they would not dare to repeat it and ask God to deal with them as
they deal with their fellow mortals.—(Testimonies for the Church 3:95.)
We need to examine our hearts as a preparation for coming before God
in prayer, that we may know what manner of spirit we are of. If we do not
forgive those who have trespassed against us, our prayers for forgiveness
will not be heard. “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” When
as sinners we approach the mercy-seat, we cannot express the sentiment of
this petition without forgiveness in our hearts for all who have done us an
injury. Upon this petition Jesus makes a comment: “For if ye forgive men
their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye
forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses.”(The Signs of the Times, August 21, 1884.)
Confession must be specific—True confession is always of a specific
character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be [241] of such a
nature as only to be brought before God, they may be wrongs that should be
confessed before individuals who have suffered injury through them, or
they may be of a general kind that should be made known in the
congregation of the people. But all confession should be definite and to the
point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.—(Testimonies
for the Church 5:639.)
Jesus hears the simple prayer for forgiveness—It is not essential that
all shall be able to specify to a certainty when their sins were forgiven. The
lesson to be taught the children is that their errors and mistakes are to be
brought to Jesus in their very childhood of life. Teach them to ask His
forgiveness daily for any wrong that they have done, and that Jesus does
hear the simple prayer of the penitent heart, and will pardon, and receive
them, just as He received the children brought to Him when He was upon
earth.—(Child Guidance, 494, 495.)
Then, children, come to Jesus. Give to God the most precious offering
that it is possible for you to make; give Him your heart. He speaks to you
saying, “My son, My daughter, give Me thine heart. Though your sins be as
scarlet, I will make them white as snow; for I will cleanse you with My own
blood. I will make you members of My family—children of the heavenly
King. Take My forgiveness, My peace which I freely give you. I will clothe
you with My own righteousness,—the wedding garment,—and make you fit
for the marriage supper of the Lamb. When clothed in My righteousness,
through prayer, through watchfulness, through diligent study of My word,
you will be able to reach a high standard. You will understand the truth, and
your character will be moulded by a divine influence; for this is the will of
God, even your sanctification.”(The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1162.)
 It is very necessary that we should pray in order that we may have
strength from above to see and resist the temptations of the [242] enemy;
but Satan ever seeks to prevent men from praying, by filling up their time
with business or pleasure, or by leading them into such wickedness that
they will have no desire to pray. The Lord Jesus has made heaven accessible
to all who will come unto Him, and He invites the children and the youth to
come. He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them
not; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Jesus would have the children and
the youth come to Him with the same confidence with which they go to
their parents. As a child asks his mother or father for bread when he is
hungry, so the Lord would have you ask Him for the things which you need.
If your sins are heavy upon your heart, you are to come to God and say,
“For Christ’s sake, forgive my sins.” Every sincere prayer will be heard in
heaven, and every earnest petition for grace and strength will be answered.
—(The Youth’s Instructor, July 7, 1892.)
The prayer for forgiveness must be shown to be sincere—“Cast me
not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”
Repentance as well as forgiveness is the gift of God through Christ. It is
through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are convinced of sin, and
feel our need of pardon. None but the contrite are forgiven; but it is the
grace of the Lord that makes the heart penitent. He is acquainted with all
our weaknesses and infirmities, and He will help us. He will hear the prayer
of faith; but the sincerity of prayer can be proved only by our efforts to
bring ourselves into harmony with the great moral standard which will test
every man’s character. We need to open our hearts to the influence of the
Spirit, and to experience its transforming power.—(The Review and Herald,
June 24, 1884.)
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you,” Why is it that we do not take God at His word?
Asking and receiving are closely linked together. If you ask in faith for the
things that God has promised, you will receive. Look to Jesus for the things
that you need. Ask Him for [243] forgiveness of sins, and as you ask in
faith your heart will be softened, and you will forgive those who have
injured you, and your petitions will go up to God fragrant with love. With
praying comes watching unto prayer, and every thought and word and act
will be in harmony with your earnest petition for reformation in life. The
prayer of faith will bring corresponding returns. But a mere form of words,
without earnest sincerity and fervent desire for help, with no expectation of
receiving, will avail nothing. Let not such a petitioner think he shall receive
anything of the Lord. Those who come to God must believe that He is, and
that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.—(The Review and
Herald, March 28, 1912.) [244]
 Chapter 24—Intercessory Prayer
Pray for others—Let us strive to walk in the light as Christ is in the
light. The Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed, not only for
himself, but for those who were opposing him. When he felt earnestly
desirous that the souls that had trespassed against him might be helped, he
himself received help. Let us pray, not only for ourselves, but for those who
have hurt us, and are continuing to hurt us. Pray, pray, especially in your
mind. Give not the Lord rest; for His ears are open to hear sincere,
importunate prayers, when the soul is humbled before Him.—(The S.D.A.
Bible Commentary 3:1141.)
You are to be the agent through whom God will speak to the soul.
Precious things will be brought to your remembrance, and with a heart
overflowing with the love of Jesus, you will speak words of vital interest
and import. Your simplicity and sincerity will be the highest eloquence, and
your words will be registered in the books of heaven as fit words, which are
like apples of gold in pictures of silver. God will make them a healing flood
of heavenly influence, awakening conviction and desire, and Jesus will add
[245] His intercession to your prayers, and claim for the sinner the gift of
the Holy Spirit, and pour it upon his soul. And there will be joy in the
presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.—(Sons and
Daughters of God, 274.)
There are those all around you who have woes, who need words of
sympathy, love, and tenderness, and our humble, pitying prayers.—
(Testimonies for the Church 3:530.)
In calling God our Father, we recognize all His children as our brethren.
We are all a part of the great web of humanity, all members of one family.
In our petitions we are to include our neighbors as well as ourselves. No
one prays aright who seeks a blessing for himself alone.—(Sons and
Daughters of God, 267.)
 As we seek to win others to Christ, bearing the burden of souls in our
prayers, our own hearts will throb with the quickening influence of God’s
grace; our own affections will glow with more divine fervor; our whole
Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.—
(Christ’s Object Lessons, 354).
There are souls who have lost their courage; speak to them, pray for
them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the
Word of God. There is a soul sickness no balm can reach, no medicine heal.
Pray for these, and bring them to Jesus Christ. And in all your work Christ
will be present to make impressions upon human hearts.—(Welfare
Ministry, 71.)
Let those who are spiritual converse with these souls. Pray with and for
them. Let much time be spent in prayer and close searching of the word. Let
all obtain the real facts of faith in their own souls through belief that the
Holy Spirit will be imparted to them because they have a real hungering and
thirsting after righteousness.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:65). [246]
When self dies, there will be awakened an intense desire for the
salvation of others,—a desire which will lead to persevering efforts to do
good. There will be a sowing beside all waters; and earnest supplication,
importunate prayers, will enter heaven in behalf of perishing souls.—
(Gospel Workers, 470).
Oh, that the earnest prayer of faith may arise everywhere, Give me souls
buried now in the rubbish of error, or I die! Bring them to the knowledge of
the truth as it is in Jesus.—(This Day With God, 171).
Begin to pray for souls; come near to Christ, close to His bleeding side.
Let a meek and quiet spirit adorn your lives, and let your earnest, broken,
humble petitions ascend to Him for wisdom that you may have success in
saving not only your own soul, but the souls of others.—(Testimonies for
the Church 1:513.)
There are many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine
to them. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer. Pray
for them.—(Prophets and Kings, 719.)
Souls are to be sought for, prayed for, labored for. Earnest appeals are to
be made. Fervent prayers are to be offered. Our tame, spiritless petitions are
to be changed into petitions of intense earnestness.—(Testimonies for the
Church 7:12).
 This work requires you to watch for souls as they that must give an
account. The tenderness of Christ must pervade the heart of the worker. If
you have a love for souls you will reveal a tender solicitude for them. You
will offer humble, earnest, heartfelt prayers for those whom you visit. The
fragrance of Christ’s love will be revealed in your work. He who gave His
own life for the life of the world will co-operate with the unselfish worker
to make an impression upon human hearts.—(Testimonies for the Church
6:75, 76.) [247]
Let us work upon this plan, and pray for one another, bringing one
another right into the presence of God by living faith.—(The Review and
Herald, August 28, 1888.)
Pray for blessings in order to bless others—Our prayers are not to be
a selfish asking, merely for our own benefit. We are to ask that we may
give. The principle of Christ’s life must be the principle of our lives. “For
their sakes,” He said, speaking of His disciples, “I sanctify Myself, that they
also might be sanctified.” John 17:19. The same devotion, the same self-
sacrifice, the same subjection to the claims of the word of God, that were
manifest in Christ, must be seen in His servants. Our mission to the world is
not to serve or please ourselves; we are to glorify God by co-operating with
Him to save sinners. We are to ask blessings from God that we may
communicate to others. The capacity for receiving is preserved only by
imparting. We cannot continue to receive heavenly treasure without
communicating to those around us.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 142, 143.)
When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we ask for others as
well as ourselves. And we acknowledge that what God gives us is not for
ourselves alone. God gives to us in trust, that we may feed the hungry.—
(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 111, 112.)
Intercede for others in private prayer—In private prayer all have the
privilege of praying as long as they desire and of being as explicit as they
please. They can pray for all their relatives and friends. The closet is the
place to tell all their private difficulties, and trials, and temptations. A
common meeting to worship God is not the place to open the privacies of
the heart.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:578.)
Pray for those who preach and minister—Among God’s people there
should be at this time frequent seasons of sincere, [248] earnest prayer. The
mind should be constantly in a prayerful attitude. In the home and in the
church let earnest prayers be offered in behalf of those who have given
themselves to the preaching of the Word.—(In Heavenly Places, 87.)
As young men go forth to preach the truth, you should have seasons of
prayer for them. Pray that God will connect them with Himself and give
them wisdom, grace, and knowledge. Pray that they may be guarded from
the snares of Satan and kept pure in thought and holy in heart. I entreat you
who fear the Lord to waste no time in unprofitable talk or in needless labor
to gratify pride or to indulge the appetite. Let the time thus gained be spent
in wrestling with God for your ministers. Hold up their hands as did Aaron
and Hur the hands of Moses.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:162.)
Pray for the youth of the church—Let those older in experience watch
over the younger ones; and when they see them tempted, take them aside,
and pray with them and for them.—(Messages to Young People, 18).
Sabbath school teachers pray for your class members—As workers
for God we want more of Jesus and less of self. We should have more of a
burden for souls, and should pray daily that strength and wisdom may be
given us for the Sabbath. Teachers, meet with your classes. Pray with them,
and teach them how to pray. Let the heart be softened, and the petitions
short and simple, but earnest.—(Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 125.)
Students to pray for teachers—Students should have their own
seasons of prayer, where they may offer fervent, simple petitions that God
shall bless the president of the school with physical strength, mental
clearness, moral power, and spiritual discernment, and that every teacher
shall be qualified by the grace of God to do His work.—(Fundamentals of
Christian Education, 293.) [249]
Pray for fellow Christians—Too often we forget that our fellow
laborers are in need of strength and cheer. In times of special perplexity and
burden, take care to assure them of your interest and sympathy. While you
try to help them by your prayers, let them know that you do it. Send along
the line God’s message to His workers: “Be strong and of a good courage.”
Joshua 1:6.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:185.)
Parents to pray for their children—God has promised to give wisdom
to those that ask in faith, and He will do just as He said He would. He is
pleased with the faith that takes Him at His word. The mother of Augustine
prayed for her son’s conversion. She saw no evidence that the Spirit of God
was impressing his heart, but she was not discouraged. She laid her finger
upon the texts, presenting before God His own words, and pleaded as only a
mother can. Her deep humiliation, her earnest importunities, her
unwavering faith, prevailed, and the Lord gave her the desire of her heart.
Today He is just as ready to listen to the petitions of His people. “His hand
is not shortened that it cannot save, neither His ear heavy that it cannot
hear;” and if Christian parents seek Him earnestly, He will fill their mouths
with arguments, and, for His name’s sake, will work mightily in their behalf
in the conversion of their children.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:322,
323.)
We should pray to God much more than we do. There is great strength
and blessing in praying together in our families, with and for our children.
—(Child Guidance, 525.)
Let Christ find you His helping hand to carry out His purposes. By
prayer you may gain an experience that will make your ministry for your
children a perfect success.—(Child Guidance, 69.)
You did not consider hard labor a burden if the way would only open
that you might care for your children and shield them from the iniquity
prevailing in this age of the world. It was the [250] burden of your heart
that you might see them turning to the Lord. You pleaded before God for
your children with strong cries and tears. Their conversion you so much
desired. Sometimes your heart would despond and faint, and you would fear
that your prayers would not be answered; then again you would consecrate
your children to God afresh, and your yearning heart would lay them anew
upon the altar.
When they went into the army, your prayers followed them. They were
wonderfully preserved from harm. They called it good luck; but a mother’s
prayers from an anxious, burdened soul, as she felt the peril of her children
and the danger of their being cut off in their youth without hope in God, had
much to do with their preservation. How many prayers were lodged in
heaven that these sons might be preserved to obey God, to devote their lives
to His glory! In your anxiety for your children you pleaded with God to
return them to you again, and you would seek more earnestly to lead them
in the path of holiness.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:274, 275.)
He [God] will not refuse to hear the parents’ earnest prayer, that is
seconded by persevering labor, that their children may be blessed of Him,
and become faithful workers in His cause. When parents do their duty in
God’s appointed way, they may be sure that their requests for His help in
their home work will be granted.—(The Signs of the Times, May 4, 1888.)
Watch continually to cut off the current and roll back the weight of evil
Satan is pressing in upon your children. The children cannot do this of
themselves. Parents can do much. By earnest prayer and living faith, great
victories will be gained.—(Spiritual Gifts 4b, 139.)
To do her work as it should be done requires talent and skill and patient,
thoughtful care. It calls for self-distrust and earnest prayer. Let every
mother strive by persevering effort to fulfill her [251] obligations. Let her
bring her little ones to Jesus in the arms of faith, telling Him her great need,
and asking for wisdom and grace.—(Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 128.)
Painstaking effort, prayer and faith, when united with a correct example,
will not be fruitless. Bring your children to God in faith, and seek to
impress their susceptible minds with a sense of their obligations to their
heavenly Father.—(Temperance, 157, 158.)
Do not expect a change to be wrought in your children without patient,
earnest labor, mingled with fervent prayer. To study and understand their
varied characters, and day by day to mould them after the divine Model, is a
work demanding great diligence and perseverance, and much prayer, with
an abiding faith in God’s promises.—(The Signs of the Times, May 4,
1888.)
Even the babe in its mother’s arms may dwell as under the shadow of
the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother.—(The Desire of
Ages, 512.)
Fathers and mothers, will you not lay hold of your work with energy,
perseverance, and love? Sow the precious seed daily, with earnest prayer
that God will water it with the dews of grace, and grant you an abundant
harvest. The Son of God died to redeem a sinful, rebellious race. Shall we
shrink from any toil or sacrifice to save our own dear children?—(The
Signs of the Times, November 24, 1881.)
After you have done your duty faithfully to your children, then carry
them to God and ask Him to help you. Tell Him that you have done your
part, and then in faith ask God to do His part, that which you cannot do.—
(Child Guidance, 256.) [252]
 Chapter 25—Angels and Prayer
Angels record every sincere prayer—We should now acquaint
ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer
that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish
gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the
greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease,
and friendship without it. We must take time to pray. (The Great
Controversy, 622.)
Let the recording angels write the history of the holy struggles and
conflicts of the people of God, let them record their prayers and tears; but
let not God be dishonored by the proclamation from human lips, declaring,
“I am sinless. I am holy.” Sanctified lips will never give utterance to such
presumptuous words.—(The Signs of the Times, May 23, 1895.)
Angels can hear our prayers—Could men see with heavenly vision,
they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed
about those who have kept the word of Christ’s patience. With
sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and have
heard their prayers.—(The Great Controversy, 630.) [253]
Angels bear our prayers to heaven—A well-disciplined family, who love
and obey God, will be cheerful and happy. The father when he returns from
his daily labor, will not bring his perplexities to his home. He will feel that
home, and the family circle, are too sacred to be marred with unhappy
perplexities. When he left his home, he did not leave his Saviour and his
religion behind. Both were his companions. The sweet influence of his
home, the blessing of his wife, and the love of his children, make his
burdens light; and he returns with peace in his heart, and cheerful,
encouraging words for his wife and children, who are waiting joyfully to
welcome his coming. As he bows with his family at the altar of prayer to
offer up his grateful thanks to God for His preserving care of himself and
loved ones through the day, angels of God hover in the room, and bear the
fervent prayers of God-fearing parents to heaven, as sweet incense, which
are answered by returning blessings.—(Selected Messages 2:439, 440.)
Angels hear the offering of praise and the prayer of faith, and they bear
the petitions to Him who ministers in the sanctuary for His people, and
pleads His merits in their behalf. True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence,
and gives men the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to
resist temptation.—(The Review and Herald, February 1, 1912.)
God does not leave His erring children who are weak in faith, and who
make many mistakes. The Lord hearkens and hears their prayer and their
testimony. Those who look unto Jesus day by day and hour by hour, who
watch unto prayer, are drawing nigh to Jesus. Angels with wings outspread
wait to bear their contrite prayers to God, and to register them in the books
of heaven.—(The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1184.)
Angels wait to respond to our prayers—Often in the care of the
suffering, much attention is given to minor matters, while the patients’ need
of the great all-saving truths of the gospel, which would minister to both
soul and body, is forgotten. When you [254] neglect to offer prayer for the
sick, you deprive them of great blessings; for angels of God are waiting to
minister to these souls in response to your petitions.—(Medical Ministry,
195.)
Before leaving the house for labor, all the family should be called
together; and the father, or the mother in the father’s absence, should plead
fervently with God to keep them through the day. Come in humility, with a
heart full of tenderness, and with a sense of the temptations and dangers
before yourselves and your children; by faith bind them upon the altar,
entreating for them the care of the Lord. Ministering angels will guard
children who are thus dedicated to God.—(Child Guidance, 519.)
Specific angels are appointed to answer prayers—Heavenly beings
are appointed to answer the prayers of those who are working unselfishly
for the interests of the cause of God. The very highest angels in the
heavenly courts are appointed to work out the prayers which ascend to God
for the advancement of the cause of God. Each angel has his particular post
of duty, which he is not permitted to leave for any other place. If he should
leave, the powers of darkness would gain an advantage....
 Day by day the conflict between good and evil is going on. Why is it
that those who have had many opportunities and advantages do not realize
the intensity of this work? They should be intelligent in regard to this. God
is the Ruler. By His supreme power He holds in check and controls earthly
potentates. Through His agencies He does the work which was ordained
before the foundation of the world.
As a people we do not understand as we should the great conflict going
on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal
angels. Evil angels are constantly at work, planning their line of attack,
controlling as commanders, kings, and rulers, the disloyal human forces.... I
call upon the ministers of Christ to press home upon the understanding of
all who come within the reach of their voice, the truth of the ministration of
angels. Do not indulge in fanciful speculations. The written Word [255] is
our only safety. We must pray as did Daniel, that we may be guarded by
heavenly intelligences. As ministering spirits angels are sent forth to
minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Pray, my brethren, pray as
you have never prayed before. We are not prepared for the Lord’s coming.
We need to make thorough work for eternity.—(The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary 4:1173.)
God has appointed the angels that do His will to respond to the prayers
of the meek of the earth, and to guide His ministers with counsel and
judgment. Heavenly agencies are constantly seeking to impart grace and
strength and counsel to God’s faithful children, that they may act their part
in the work of communicating light to the world.—(Testimonies to
Ministers and Gospel Workers, 484.)
Ministering angels are waiting about the throne to instantly obey the
mandate of Jesus Christ to answer every prayer offered in earnest, living
faith.—(Selected Messages 2:377.)
Oh, that we could all realize the nearness of heaven to earth! When the
earthborn children know it not, they have the angels of light as their
companions; for the heavenly messengers are sent forth to minister to those
who shall be heirs of salvation. A silent witness guards every soul that lives,
seeking to win and draw him to Christ. The angels never leave the tempted
one a prey to the enemy who would destroy the souls of men if permitted to
do so. As long as there is hope, until they resist the Holy Spirit to their
eternal ruin, men are guarded by heavenly intelligences.
 Oh, that all could behold our precious Saviour as He is, a Saviour. Let
His hand draw aside the veil which conceals His glory from our eyes. It
shows Him in His high and holy place. What do we see? Our Saviour, not
in a position of silence and inactivity. He is surrounded with heavenly
intelligences, cherubim, and seraphim, ten thousand times ten thousand of
angels. All these heavenly beings have one object above all others, in which
they are intensely interested—His church in a world of corruption.... They
are [256] working for Christ under His commission, to save to the uttermost
all who look to Him and believe in Him.
Heavenly angels are commissioned to watch the sheep of Christ’s
pasture. When Satan with his deceptive snares would deceive if possible the
very elect, these angels set in operation influences that will save the
tempted souls if they will take heed to the Word of the Lord, realize their
danger, and say, “No, I will not enter into that scheme of Satan. I have an
Elder Brother on the throne in heaven, who has shown that He has a tender
interest in me, and I will not grieve His heart of love.”
Living amid these opposing forces, we may through the exercise of faith
and prayer, call to our side a retinue of heavenly angels, who will guard us
from every corrupting influence.—(Our High Calling, 23.)
Angels mark our prayers and provide help—When you rise in the
morning, do you feel your helplessness, and your need of strength from
God? and do you humbly, heartily make known your wants to your
heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have
not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously
doing wrong, and exerting an influence which will lead others to do wrong,
your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course,
choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.
If you feel in no danger, and if you offer no prayer for help and strength
to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray; your neglect of duty will
be marked in the book of God in heaven, and you will be found wanting in
the trying day.—(Messages to Young People, 90.)
God sends reinforcements of angels to our aid in answer to prayer
—If Satan sees that he is in danger of losing one soul, he will exert himself
to the utmost to keep that one. And when the individual is aroused to his
danger, and, with distress and fervor, looks to Jesus for strength, Satan fears
that he will lose a captive, and he calls a reinforcement of his angels to
hedge in the poor soul, and form a wall of darkness around him, that
heaven’s light may not reach him. But if the one in danger perseveres, and
in his helplessness [257] casts himself upon the merits of the blood of
Christ, our Saviour listens to the earnest prayer of faith, and sends a
reinforcement of those angels that excel in strength to deliver him. Satan
cannot endure to have his powerful rival appealed to, for he fears and
trembles before His strength and majesty. At the sound of fervent prayer,
Satan’s whole host trembles. He continues to call legions of evil angels to
accomplish his object. And when angels, all-powerful, clothed with the
armory of heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, Satan and
his host fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost. The willing subjects
of Satan are faithful, active, and united in one object. And although they
hate and war with one another, yet they improve every opportunity to
advance their common interest. But the great Commander in heaven and
earth has limited Satan’s power. (Testimonies for the Church 1:345, 346.)
The guardianship of the heavenly host is granted to all who will work in
God’s ways and follow His plans. We may in earnest, contrite prayer call
the heavenly helpers to our side. Invisible armies of light and power will
work with the humble, meek, and lowly one.—(Selected Messages 1:97.)
I saw some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God.
Their countenances were pale and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of
their internal struggle. Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in
their countenances; large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads.
Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God’s
approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle
upon them.
Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out
Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that
surrounded them, and thus they be led to distrust God and murmur against
Him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels
of God had charge over His people, and as the poisonous atmosphere of evil
angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were
continually [258] wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick
darkness.
As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light
from Jesus came to them, to encourage their hearts and light up their
countenances. Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and
pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the
darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of
God left these and went to the aid of the earnest, praying ones. I saw angels
of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all their
power to resist the evil angels and trying to help themselves by calling upon
God with perseverance. But His angels left those who made no effort to
help themselves, and I lost sight of them.—(Early Writings, 269, 270.)
Long prayers weary the angels—Long, prosy talks and prayers are out
of place anywhere, and especially in the social meeting. They weary the
angels as well as the people who listen to them. Our prayers should be
short, and right to the point.—(The Review and Herald, October 10, 1882.)
Angels will teach us how to pray—Church members, young and old,
should be educated to go forth to proclaim this last message to the world. If
they go in humility, angels of God will go with them, teaching them how to
lift up the voice in prayer, how to raise the voice in song, and how to
proclaim the gospel message for this time.—(Messages to Young People,
217.)
Angels surprised that humans pray so little—What can the angels of
heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation,
when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them
more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little, and have so
little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him.
They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children
of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied
to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.
—(Steps to Christ, 94.) [259]
 Chapter 26—Counterfeit Prayers
Do not approach God lightly in prayer—Humility and reverence
should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of
God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but
we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He
were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and
all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they
would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct
themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience
chamber of an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are in His
sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces.—
(Patriarchs and Prophets, 252.)
Prayers of hypocrisy—The prayers that are offered to God to tell Him
of all our wretchedness, when we do not feel wretched at all, are the prayers
of hypocrisy. It is the contrite prayer that the Lord regards. “For thus saith
the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell
in the high and holy place, and with him also that is of a contrite and
humble spirit, to revive [260] the spirit of the humble, and to revive the
heart of the contrite ones.”
Prayer is not intended to work any change in God; it brings us into
harmony with God. It does not take the place of duty.—(Messages to Young
People, 247, 248.)
Prayers that cast a chilly shadow—There are some, I fear, who do not
take their troubles to God in private prayer, but reserve them for the prayer
meeting, and there do up their praying for several days. Such may be named
conference and prayer meeting killers. They emit no light; they edify no
one. Their cold, frozen prayers and long, backslidden testimonies cast a
shadow. All are glad when they get through, and it is almost impossible to
throw off the chill and darkness which their prayers and exhortations bring
into the meeting. From the light which I have received, our meetings should
be spiritual and social, and not too long. Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of
man should be left at home. Little differences and prejudices should not be
taken with us to these meetings. As in a united family, simplicity, meekness,
confidence, and love should exist in the hearts of brethren and sisters who
meet to be refreshed and invigorated by bringing their lights together.—
(Testimonies for the Church 2:578, 579.)
To expect that our prayers will always be answered in just the way
we want is presumption—The prayer of faith is never lost; but to claim
that it will be always answered in the very way and for the particular thing
we have expected, is presumption. (Testimonies for the Church 1:231.)
When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the
promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive
the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be
answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is
presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good
thing from them that walk uprightly. [261] Then do not fear to trust Him,
even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely
upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.”(Steps to Christ,
96.)
Prayer has no merit in itself to cleanse from sin—The heathen looked
upon their prayers as having in themselves merit to atone for sin. Hence the
longer the prayer the greater the merit. If they could become holy by their
own efforts they would have something in themselves in which to rejoice,
some ground for boasting. This idea of prayer is an outworking of the
principle of self-expiation which lies at the foundation of all systems of
false religion. The Pharisees had adopted this pagan idea of prayer, and it is
by no means extinct in our day, even among those who profess to be
Christians. The repetition of set, customary phrases, when the heart feels no
need of God, is of the same character as the “vain repetitions” of the
heathen.
Prayer is not an expiation for sin; it has no virtue or merit of itself. All
the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire.
The most eloquent prayers are but idle words if they do not express the true
sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart,
when the simple wants of the soul are expressed, as we would ask an
earthly friend for a favor, expecting it to be granted—this is the prayer of
faith. God does not desire our ceremonial compliments, but the unspoken
cry of the heart broken and subdued with a sense of its sin and utter
weakness finds its way to the Father of all mercy.—(Thoughts from the
Mount of Blessing, 86, 87.)
Prayer is no evidence of conversion if the life is not changed—Satan
leads people to think that because they have felt a rapture of feeling, they
are converted. But their experience does not change. Their actions are the
same as before. Their lives show no good fruit. They pray often and long,
and are constantly referring to the feelings they had at such and such a time.
But they do not live the new life. They are deceived. Their experience goes
[262] no deeper than feeling. They build upon the sand, and when adverse
winds come, their house is swept away.
Many poor souls are groping in darkness, looking for the feelings which
others say they have had in their experience. They overlook the fact that the
believer in Christ must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling.
The convicted sinner has something to do. He must repent and show true
faith.
When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the
whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from
the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a
new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—
A changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride.—
(Messages to Young People, 71, 72.)
Prayer no substitute for obedience—Men and women, in the face of
the most positive commands of God, will follow their own inclination, and
then dare to pray over the matter, to prevail upon God to consent to allow
them to go contrary to His expressed will. God is not pleased with such
prayers. Satan comes to their side, as he did to Eve in Eden, and impresses
them, and they have an exercise of mind, and this they relate as a most
wonderful experience which the Lord has given them.—(The Review and
Herald, July 27, 1886.)
Communion with God imparts to the soul an intimate knowledge of His
will. But many who profess the faith know not what true conversion is.
They have no experience in communion with the Father through Jesus
Christ, and have never felt the power of divine grace to sanctify the heart.
Praying and sinning, sinning and praying, their lives are full of malice,
deceit, envy, jealousy, and self-love. The prayers of this class are an
abomination to God. True prayer engages the energies of the soul and
affects the life. He who thus pours out his wants before God feels the
emptiness of everything else under heaven.—(Testimonies for the Church
4:534, 535.) [263]
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can
never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “Keep My
commandments.”“He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it
is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I
will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who
bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply
with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their
authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that
would show faith in Christ and love for Him.—(Christ’s Object Lessons,
143.)
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith
will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence
of the divine love and care for him. But why is it that so many prayers are
never answered? Says David: “I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He
was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will
not hear me.” By another prophet the Lord gives us the promise: “Ye shall
seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.”
Again, he speaks of some who “have not cried unto Me with their heart.”
Such petitions are prayers of form, lip service only, which the Lord does not
accept.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:533.)
Hurried, occasional prayers are not real communion with God—
Heaven is not closed against the fervent prayers of the righteous. Elijah was
a man subject to like passions as we are, yet the Lord heard and in a most
striking manner answered his petitions. The only reason for our lack of
power with God is to be found in ourselves. If the inner life of many who
profess the truth were presented before them, they would not claim to be
Christians. They are not growing in grace. A hurried prayer is offered now
and then, but there is no real communion with God.
We must be much in prayer if we would make progress in the divine
life. When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how [264] much we
prayed. How often was the voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in
the barn, in the orchard, or the grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest
prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of
weeping was heard and then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of
praise.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:161, 162.)
God abhors the prayers of the selfish—I saw that there were some
like Judas among those who profess to be waiting for their Lord. Satan
controls them, but they know it not. God cannot approve of the least degree
of covetousness or selfishness, and He abhors the prayers and exhortations
of those who indulge these evil traits. As Satan sees that his time is short, he
leads men on to be more and more selfish and covetous, and then exults as
he sees them wrapped up in themselves, close, penurious, and selfish. If the
eyes of such could be opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph,
exulting over them and laughing at the folly of those who accept his
suggestions and enter his snares.—(Early Writings, 268.)
Dry, stale prayers help no one—The church needs the fresh, living
experience of members who have habitual communion with God. Dry, stale
testimonies and prayers, without the manifestation of Christ in them, are no
help to the people. If everyone who claims to be a child of God were filled
with faith and light and life, what a wonderful witness would be given to
those who come to hear the truth! And how many souls might be won to
Christ!—(Testimonies for the Church 6:64.)
All the treasures of heaven were committed to Jesus Christ, that He
might impart these precious gifts to the diligent, persevering seeker. He “is
made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30. But even the prayers of many are so
formal that they carry with them no influence for good. They are not a savor
of life. [265]
If teachers would humble their hearts before God and realize the
responsibilities they have accepted in taking charge of the youth with the
object of educating them for the future immortal life, a marked change
would soon be seen in their attitude. Their prayers would not be dry and
lifeless, but they would pray with the earnestness of souls who feel their
peril.—(Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 371, 372.)
Warning against prayers that have self as their source—Our
petitions to God should not proceed from hearts that are filled with selfish
aspirations. God exhorts us to choose those gifts that will redound to His
glory. He would have us choose the heavenly instead of the earthly. He
throws open before us the possibilities and advantages of a heavenly
commerce. He gives encouragement to our loftiest aims, security to our
choicest treasure. When the worldly possession is swept away, the believer
will rejoice in his heavenly treasure, the riches that cannot be lost in any
earthly disaster.—(Sons and Daughters of God, 188.)
Genuine and counterfeit prayers contrasted—The poor publican who
prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13), regarded himself as
a very wicked man, and others looked upon him in the same light; but he
felt his need, and with his burden of guilt and shame he came before God,
asking for His mercy. His heart was open for the Spirit of God to do its
gracious work and set him free from the power of sin. The Pharisee’s
boastful, self-righteous prayer showed that his heart was closed against the
influence of the Holy Spirit. Because of his distance from God, he had no
sense of his own defilement, in contrast with the perfection of the divine
holiness. He felt no need, and he received nothing.—(Steps to Christ, 30,
31.)
There are two kinds of prayer—the prayer of form and the prayer of
faith. The repetition of set, customary phrases when the heart feels no need
of God, is formal prayer.... We should be [266] extremely careful in all our
prayers to speak the wants of the heart and to say only what we mean. All
the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire.
The most eloquent prayers are but vain repetitions if they do not express the
true sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest
heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask
an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted—this is the
prayer of faith. The publican who went up to the temple to pray is a good
example of a sincere, devoted worshiper. He felt that he was a sinner, and
his great need led to an outburst of passionate desire, “God be merciful to
me a sinner.”(My Life Today, 19.)
Of Christ it is said: “And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.”
In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble,
heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip service,
and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.
 Communion with God imparts to the soul an intimate knowledge of His
will. But many who profess the faith know not what true conversion is.
They have no experience in communion with the Father through Jesus
Christ, and have never felt the power of divine grace to sanctify the heart.
Praying and sinning, sinning and praying, their lives are full of malice,
deceit, envy, jealousy, and self-love. The prayers of this class are an
abomination to God. True prayer engages the energies of the soul and
affects the life. He who thus pours out his wants before God feels the
emptiness of everything else under heaven. “All my desire is before Thee,”
said David, “and my groaning is not hid from Thee.”“My soul thirsteth for
God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?”“When
I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me.”(Testimonies for the
Church 4:534, 535.) [267]
 Chapter 27—Satan and Prayer
Satan tries to obstruct our prayer access to God—The darkness of
the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations
of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use
of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of
prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray,
when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse,
where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without
unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing
careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks
continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by
earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.—
(Steps to Christ, 94, 95.)
There is a mighty power in prayer. Our great adversary is constantly
seeking to keep the troubled soul away from God. An appeal to heaven by
the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by Satan than the decrees of
cabinets or the mandates of kings.—(The S.D.A. Bible Commentary
2:1008.) [268]
The enemy holds many of you from prayer, by telling you that you do
not feel your prayers, and that you would better wait until you realize more
of the spirit of intercession, lest your prayers should be a mockery. But you
must say to Satan, “It is written” that “men ought always to pray, and not to
faint.” We should pray until we do have the burden of our wants upon our
souls; and if we persevere, we shall have it. The Lord will imbue us with
His Holy Spirit. The Lord knows, and the Devil knows, that we cannot
resist the temptations of Satan without power from on high. For this reason
the evil one seeks to hinder us from laying hold upon Him who is mighty to
save. Our Lord made it our duty, as well as our privilege, to connect our
weakness, our ignorance, our need, with His strength, His wisdom, His
righteousness. He unites His infinite power with the effort of finite beings,
that they may be more than victors in the battle with the enemy of their
souls.
Let no one be discouraged, for Jesus lives to make intercession for us.
There is a heaven to gain, and a hell to escape, and Christ is interested in
our welfare. He will help all those who call upon Him. We must mingle
faith with all our prayers. We cannot bring Christ down, but, through faith,
we can lift ourselves up into unity and harmony with the perfect standard of
righteousness. We have a wily foe to meet and to conquer, but we can do it
in the name of the Mighty One.—(The Review and Herald, October 30,
1888.)
Don’t let Satan’s suggestions keep you from praying—We are not to
be so overwhelmed with the thought of our sins and errors that we shall
cease to pray. Some realize their great weakness and sin, and become
discouraged. Satan casts his dark shadow between them and the Lord Jesus,
their atoning sacrifice. They say, It is useless for me to pray. My prayers are
so mingled with evil thoughts that the Lord will not hear them.
These suggestions are from Satan. In His humanity Christ met and
resisted this temptation, and He knows how to succor those who are thus
tempted. In our behalf, He “offered up prayers and supplications with
strong crying and tears” (Hebrews 5:7). [269]
Many, not understanding that their doubts come from Satan, become
fainthearted and are defeated in the conflict. Do not, because your thoughts
are evil, cease to pray. If we could in our own wisdom and strength pray
aright, we could also live aright, and would need no atoning sacrifice. But
imperfection is upon all humanity. Educate and train the mind that you may
in simplicity tell the Lord what you need. As you offer your petitions to
God, seeking for forgiveness for sin, a purer and holier atmosphere will
surround your soul.—(In Heavenly Places, 78.)
Prayer baffles Satan’s strongest efforts—Man is Satan’s captive and
is naturally inclined to follow his suggestions and do his bidding. He has in
himself no power to oppose effectual resistance to evil. It is only as Christ
abides in him by living faith, influencing his desires and strengthening him
with strength from above, that man may venture to face so terrible a foe.
Every other means of defense is utterly vain. It is only through Christ that
Satan’s power is limited. This is a momentous truth that all should
understand. Satan is busy every moment, going to and fro, walking up and
down in the earth, seeking whom he may devour. But the earnest prayer of
faith will baffle his strongest efforts. Then take “the shield of faith,”
brethren, “wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked.”(Testimonies for the Church 5:294.)
Prayer turns aside Satan’s attacks—Prayer unites us with one another
and with God. Prayer brings Jesus to our side, and gives to the fainting,
perplexed soul new strength to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Prayer turns aside the attacks of Satan.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 250.)
We must have on the whole armor of God and be ready at any moment
for a conflict with the powers of darkness. When temptations and trials rush
in upon us, let us go to God and agonize with Him in prayer. He will not
turn us away empty, but will give [270] us grace and strength to overcome,
and to break the power of the enemy.—(Early Writings, 46.)
Satan trembles at the sound of prayer—If Satan sees that he is in
danger of losing one soul, he will exert himself to the utmost to keep that
one. And when the individual is aroused to his danger, and, with distress
and fervor, looks to Jesus for strength, Satan fears that he will lose a
captive, and he calls a reinforcement of his angels to hedge in the poor soul,
and form a wall of darkness around him, that heaven’s light may not reach
him. But if the one in danger perseveres, and in his helplessness casts
himself upon the merits of the blood of Christ, our Saviour listens to the
earnest prayer of faith, and sends a reinforcement of those angels that excel
in strength to deliver him. Satan cannot endure to have his powerful rival
appealed to, for he fears and trembles before His strength and majesty. At
the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles. He continues to
call legions of evil angels to accomplish his object. And when angels, all-
powerful, clothed with the armory of heaven, come to the help of the
fainting, pursued soul, Satan and his host fall back, well knowing that their
battle is lost. The willing subjects of Satan are faithful, active, and united in
one object. And although they hate and war with one another, yet they
improve every opportunity to advance their common interest. But the great
Commander in heaven and earth has limited Satan’s power.—(Testimonies
for the Church 1:345, 346.)
Satan dreads prayer by the humblest saint—There is a mighty power
in prayer. Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled
soul away from God. An appeal to heaven by the humblest saint is more to
be dreaded by Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings.
—(The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1008.)
Prayer is a weapon against Satan—Beware how you neglect secret
prayer and a study of God’s word. These are your weapons [271] against
him who is striving to hinder your progress heavenward. The first neglect of
prayer and Bible study makes easier the second neglect. The first resistance
to the Spirit’s pleading prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the
heart is hardened, and the conscience seared.—(Messages to Young People,
96.)
Prayer breaks the snare of Satan—When we feel the least inclined to
commune with Jesus, let us pray the most. By so doing we shall break
Satan’s snare, the clouds of darkness will disappear, and we shall realize the
sweet presence of Jesus.—(Lift Him Up, 372.)
Prayer prevails against Satan—The prayer of faith is the great
strength of the Christian, and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This is
why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our
Advocate, he detests; and when we earnestly come to Him for help, Satan’s
host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we neglect the exercise of
prayer, for then his lying wonders are more readily received.—(Testimonies
for the Church 1:296.)
Prayer especially necessary at critical moments in our conflict with
Satan—In the conflict with satanic agencies there are decisive moments
that determine the victory either on the side of God or on the side of the
prince of this world. If those engaged in the warfare are not wide awake,
earnest, vigilant, praying for wisdom, watching unto prayer, ... Satan comes
off victor, when he might have been vanquished by the armies of the
Lord.... God’s faithful sentinels are to give the evil powers no advantage.—
(The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 6:1094.)
Satan enraged by fervent prayer—Satan leads many to believe that
prayer to God is useless and but a form. He well knows how needful are
meditation and prayer to keep Christ’s followers aroused to resist his
cunning and deception. By his devices he would divert the mind from these
important exercises, that the [272] soul may not lean for help upon the
Mighty One and obtain strength from Him to resist his attacks. I was
pointed to the fervent, effectual prayers of God’s people anciently. “Elias
was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly.”
Daniel prayed unto his God three times a day. Satan is enraged at the sound
of fervent prayer, for he knows that he will suffer loss.—(Testimonies for
the Church 1:295.)
Satan rejoices when prayers are spoken indistinctly—Let those who
pray and those who speak pronounce their words properly and speak in
clear, distinct, even tones. Prayer, if properly offered, is a power for good. It
is one of the means used by the Lord to communicate to the people the
precious treasures of truth. But prayer is not what it should be, because of
the defective voices of those who utter it. Satan rejoices when the prayers
offered to God are almost inaudible. Let God’s people learn how to speak
and pray in a way that will properly represent the great truths they possess.
Let the testimonies borne and the prayers offered be clear and distinct. Thus
God will be glorified.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:382.)
Satan tries to convince us that prayer is not necessary—The idea
that prayer is not essential is one of Satan’s most successful devices to ruin
souls. Prayer is communion with God, the Fountain of wisdom, the Source
of strength, and peace, and happiness.—(Child Guidance, 518.)
Satan sees the Lord’s servants burdened because of the spiritual
darkness that enshrouds the people. He hears their earnest prayers for divine
grace and power to break the spell of indifference, carelessness, and
indolence. Then with renewed zeal he plies his arts. He tempts men to the
indulgence of appetite or to some other form of self-gratification, and thus
benumbs their sensibilities so that they fail to hear the very things which
they most need to learn. [273]
Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the
searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he
invents every possible device to engross the mind. There has ever been a
class professing godliness, who, instead of following on to know the truth,
make it their religion to seek some fault of character or error of faith in
those with whom they do not agree. Such are Satan’s right-hand helpers.
Accusers of the brethren are not few, and they are always active when God
is at work and His servants are rendering Him true homage. They will put a
false coloring upon the words and acts of those who love and obey the truth.
They will represent the most earnest, zealous, self-denying servants of
Christ as deceived or deceivers. It is their work to misrepresent the motives
of every true and noble deed, to circulate insinuations, and arouse suspicion
in the minds of the inexperienced. In every conceivable manner they will
seek to cause that which is pure and righteous to be regarded as foul and
deceptive.—(The Great Controversy, 519.) [274]
 Chapter 28—Prayer in the Last
Days
Those living in the last days especially need to pray—If the Saviour
of men, with His divine strength, felt the need of prayer, how much more
should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of prayer—fervent, constant
prayer! When Christ was the most fiercely beset by temptation, He ate
nothing. He committed Himself to God, and through earnest prayer, and
perfect submission to the will of His Father, came off conqueror. Those who
profess the truth for these last days, above every other class of professed
Christians, should imitate the great Exemplar in prayer.—(Counsels on Diet
and Foods, 52, 53.)
God’s people have a responsibility to pray for a few more years of
grace before the end comes—There must be more spirituality, a deeper
consecration to God, and a zeal in His work that has never yet been
reached. Much time should be spent in prayer, that our garments of
character may be washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb.
Especially should we, with unwavering faith, seek God for grace and
power to be given to His people now. We do not believe that the time has
fully come when He would have our liberties restricted. [275] The prophet
saw “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four
winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the
sea, nor on any tree.” Another angel, ascending from the east, cried to them,
saying: “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed
the servants of our God in their foreheads.” This points out the work we
have now to do. A vast responsibility is devolving upon men and women of
prayer throughout the land to petition that God will sweep back the cloud of
evil and give a few more years of grace in which to work for the Master. Let
us cry to God that the angels may hold the four winds until missionaries
shall be sent to all parts of the world and shall proclaim the warning against
disobeying the law of Jehovah.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:717, 718.)
Prayer in times of peace will prepare God’s people for times of
trouble at the end—The servants of Christ were to prepare no set speech to
present when brought to trial. Their preparation was to be made day by day
in treasuring up the precious truths of God’s word, and through prayer
strengthening their faith. When they were brought into trial, the Holy Spirit
would bring to their remembrance the very truths that would be needed.
A daily, earnest striving to know God, and Jesus Christ whom He has
sent, would bring power and efficiency to the soul. The knowledge obtained
by diligent searching of the Scriptures would be flashed into the memory at
the right time. But if any had neglected to acquaint themselves with the
words of Christ, if they had never tested the power of His grace in trial, they
could not expect that the Holy Spirit would bring His words to their
remembrance. They were to serve God daily with undivided affection, and
then trust Him.—(The Desire of Ages, 355.)
We are living in the most solemn period of this world’s history. The
destiny of earth’s teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future
well-being, and also the salvation of other souls, depend upon the course
which we now pursue. We need to [276] be guided by the Spirit of truth.
Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire, “Lord, what wilt Thou
have me to do?” We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting
and prayer, and to meditate much upon His Word, especially upon the
scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living experience
in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose. Events of vital
importance are taking place around us; we are on Satan’s enchanted ground.
—(The Great Controversy, 601.)
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can
endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a faith that will not faint though
severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that
time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His
victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay
hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he
was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to
agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not
obtain it. Wrestling with God—how few know what it is! How few have
ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every
power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can
express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the
promises of God.—(The Great Controversy, 621.)
Prayer to be a safeguard until the end—Till the conflict is ended,
there will be those who will depart from God. Satan will so shape
circumstances that unless we are kept by divine power, they will almost
imperceptibly weaken the fortifications of the soul. We need to inquire at
every step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” So long as life shall last, there
will be need of guarding the affections and the passions with a firm
purpose. Not one moment can we be secure except as we rely upon God,
the life hidden with Christ. Watchfulness and prayer are the safeguards of
purity.
All who enter the City of God will enter through the strait gate—by
agonizing effort; for “there shall in no wise enter into it anything [277] that
defileth.” Revelation 21:27. But none who have fallen need give up to
despair. Aged men, once honored of God, may have defiled their souls,
sacrificing virtue on the altar of lust; but if they repent, forsake sin, and turn
to God, there is still hope for them. He who declares, “Be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” also gives the invitation, “Let
the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let
him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our
God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Revelation 2:10; Isaiah 55:7. God
hates sin, but He loves the sinner. “I will heal their backsliding,” He
declares; “I will love them freely.” Hosea 14:4.—(Prophets and Kings, 83,
84.)
A small group will be praying for the church in the time of her
greatest danger—The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power.
At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the
little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for
the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their
prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the
manner of the world.
The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the
Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all
those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves
unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge
His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with
them.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:209, 210.)
Pray for the spirit in the time of the latter rain—We cannot depend
upon form or external machinery. What we need is the quickening influence
of the Holy Spirit of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,
saith the Lord of Hosts.” Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in
accordance with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the
time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of his Spirit. Be
fervent in prayer, and watch in the Spirit.—(The Review and Herald, March
2, 1897.) [278]
Prayer the Christian’s only safety at the end—I saw some, with
strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances
were pale and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal
struggle. Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in their
countenances; large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now
and then their faces would light up with the marks of God’s approbation,
and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle upon them.
Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out
Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that
surrounded them, and thus they be led to distrust God and murmur against
Him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels
of God had charge over His people, and as the poisonous atmosphere of evil
angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were
continually wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness.
As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light
from Jesus came to them, to encourage their hearts and light up their
countenances. Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and
pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the
darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of
God left these and went to the aid of the earnest, praying ones. I saw angels
of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all their
power to resist the evil angels and trying to help themselves by calling upon
God with perseverance. But His angels left those who made no effort to
help themselves, and I lost sight of them.—(Early Writings, 269, 270.)
 God’s people will pray and prevail at the end as did jacob—Jacob
and Esau represent two classes; Jacob the righteous, and Esau the wicked.
Jacob’s distress when he learned that Esau was marching against him with
four hundred men, represents the trouble of the righteous as the decree goes
forth to put them to death, just before the coming of the Lord. As the
wicked gather about them they will be filled with anguish, for like Jacob
they can see no escape for their [279] lives. The angel placed himself before
Jacob, and he took hold of the angel and held him, and wrestled with him
all night. So also will the righteous, in their time of trouble and anguish,
wrestle in prayer with God, as Jacob wrestled with the angel. Jacob in his
distress prayed all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau. The
righteous in their mental anguish will cry to God day and night for
deliverance from the hand of the wicked who surround them.
Jacob confessed his unworthiness. “I am not worthy of the least of all
thy mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto thy servant.”
The righteous, in their distress, will have a deep sense of their
unworthiness, and with many tears will acknowledge their utter
unworthiness, and like Jacob will plead the promises of God through Christ,
made to just such dependent, helpless, repenting sinners.
Jacob took firm hold of the angel in his distress, and would not let him
go. As he made supplication with tears, the angel reminded him of his past
wrongs, and endeavored to escape from Jacob, to test him and prove him.
So will the righteous, in the day of their anguish, be tested, proved, and
tried, to manifest their strength of faith, their perseverance and unshaken
confidence in the power of God to deliver them.
Jacob would not be turned away. He knew that God was merciful, and
he appealed to His mercy. He pointed back to his past sorrow and
repentance of his wrongs, and urged his petition for deliverance from the
hand of Esau. Thus his importuning continued all night. As he reviewed his
past wrongs, he was driven almost to despair. But he knew that he must
have help from God or perish. He held fast the angel, and urged his petition
with agonizing, earnest cries, until he prevailed. Thus will it be with the
righteous. As they review the events of their past life, their hopes will
almost sink. But as they realize that it is a case of life or death, they will
earnestly cry unto God, and appeal to Him in regard to their past sorrow and
humble repentance of their many sins, and then will refer to His promise,
“Let him take hold of My strength, and make peace with Me, and he shall
make peace with Me.” Thus will their earnest petitions be offered to God
day and night.—(Spiritual Gifts 3:131-133.) [280]
 Chapter 29—The Privilege of
Prayer
Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the
influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need
also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy,
we must have actual intercourse with our heavenly Father. Our minds may
be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies,
His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In
order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him
concerning our actual life.
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is
necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to
enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings
us up to Him.
When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He
directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their
care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should
be heard, is assurance also to us.
Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our
Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became
a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father [281] fresh supplies of
strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our
example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points
tempted like as we are;” but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil;
He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity
made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in
communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God,
felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel
the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.
 Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His
blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless
love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to
hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is
much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God.
What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who
are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward
them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray
so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they
love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy;
and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can
give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the
companionship of His presence.
The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The
whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because
they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine
appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be
reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock
heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of
Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in
danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The
adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we
may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist
temptation. [282]
There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will
hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our
need of help from Him. He has promised, “I will pour water upon him that
is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger
and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they
will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s
blessing cannot be received.
Our great need is itself an argument and pleads most eloquently in our
behalf. But the Lord is to be sought unto to do these things for us. He says,
“Ask, and it shall be given you.” And “He that spared not His own Son, but
delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us
all things?” Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32.
 If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the
Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always
accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God
will answer our petitions. Our own merit will never commend us to the
favor of God; it is the worthiness of Jesus that will save us, His blood that
will cleanse us; yet we have a work to do in complying with the conditions
of acceptance.
Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God
must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever
ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have
them.” Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word?
The assurance is broad and unlimited, and He is faithful who has
promised. When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time
we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer
our prayers. We are so erring and shortsighted that we sometimes ask for
things that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love
answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good—
that which we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we
could [283] see all things as they really are. When our prayers seem not to
be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will
surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim
that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular
thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to
withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to
trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your
prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.”
If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve everything
that we cannot see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities will only
increase and deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and
dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our
wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation,
and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend
to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer
we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have
no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending
over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His
visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness.
When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a
spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving
spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must
forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be
forgiven.
Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must
pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be “instant
in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving.” Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be
“sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. Paul directs, “In everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known
unto God.” [284] Philippians 4:6. “But ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in
the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 20, 21.
Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life
from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow
back to God.
There is necessity for diligence in prayer; let nothing hinder you. Make
every effort to keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul.
Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who
are really seeking for communion with God will be seen in the prayer
meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the
benefits they can gain. They will improve every opportunity of placing
themselves where they can receive the rays of light from heaven.
We should pray in the family circle, and above all we must not neglect
secret prayer, for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to
flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or public prayer alone is not
sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God.
Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear
is to receive the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free
from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fervently,
will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding will be the influence
emanating from Him who seeth in secret, whose ear is open to hear the
prayer arising from the heart. By calm, simple faith the soul holds
communion with God and gathers to itself rays of divine light to strengthen
and sustain it in the conflict with Satan. God is our tower of strength.
Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart
be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These
silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan
cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God.
There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a
petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our
hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds [285] of the street, in the
midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and
plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request
before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we
are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our
invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in
the soul.
Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we
need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may
close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the
soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts
are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier
atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with
heaven.
We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller
comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to
fill the hearts of God’s children; and that this may be accomplished, we
should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things.
Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath
of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every
unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower
turns to the sun.
Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears
before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who
numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His
children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11. His
heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them.
Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for
Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the
universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him
to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read;
there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can
befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no
sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our [286] heavenly Father is
unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. “He healeth the
broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3. The relations
between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not
another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for
whom He gave His beloved Son.
Jesus said, “Ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will
pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.”“I have chosen
you: ... that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give
it you.” John 16:26, 27; John 15:16. But to pray in the name of Jesus is
something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the
ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we
believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works.
God does not mean that any of us should become hermits or monks and
retire from the world in order to devote ourselves to acts of worship. The
life must be like Christ’s life—between the mountain and the multitude. He
who does nothing but pray will soon cease to pray, or his prayers will
become a formal routine. When men take themselves out of social life,
away from the sphere of Christian duty and cross bearing; when they cease
to work earnestly for the Master, who worked earnestly for them, they lose
the subject matter of prayer and have no incentive to devotion. Their
prayers become personal and selfish. They cannot pray in regard to the
wants of humanity or the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom, pleading for
strength wherewith to work.
We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together
to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of
His word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease
to be enlightened and aroused by their sanctifying influence, and we decline
in spirituality. In our association as Christians we lose much by lack of
sympathy with one another. He who shuts himself up to himself is not
filling the position that God designed he should. The proper cultivation of
the social elements in our nature brings us into sympathy [287] with others
and is a means of development and strength to us in the service of God.
If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the
love of God and of the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts
would be refreshed and they would refresh one another. We may be daily
learning more of our heavenly Father, gaining a fresh experience of His
grace; then we shall desire to speak of His love; and as we do this, our own
hearts will be warmed and encouraged. If we thought and talked more of
Jesus, and less of self, we should have far more of His presence.
If we would but think of God as often as we have evidence of His care
for us we should keep Him ever in our thoughts and should delight to talk
of Him and to praise Him. We talk of temporal things because we have an
interest in them. We talk of our friends because we love them; our joys and
our sorrows are bound up with them. Yet we have infinitely greater reason
to love God than to love our earthly friends; it should be the most natural
thing in the world to make Him first in all our thoughts, to talk of His
goodness and tell of His power. The rich gifts He has bestowed upon us
were not intended to absorb our thoughts and love so much that we should
have nothing to give to God; they are constantly to remind us of Him and to
bind us in bonds of love and gratitude to our heavenly Benefactor. We dwell
too near the lowlands of earth. Let us raise our eyes to the open door of the
sanctuary above, where the light of the glory of God shines in the face of
Christ, who “is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God
by Him.” Hebrews 7:25.
We need to praise God more “for His goodness, and for His wonderful
works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:8. Our devotional exercises
should not consist wholly in asking and receiving. Let us not be always
thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive. We do not pray
any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. We are the constant
recipients of God’s mercies, and yet how little gratitude we express, how
little we praise Him for what He has done for us. [288]
Anciently the Lord bade Israel, when they met together for His service,
“Ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye
put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath
blessed thee.” Deuteronomy 12:7. That which is done for the glory of God
should be done with cheerfulness, with songs of praise and thanksgiving,
not with sadness and gloom.
Our God is a tender, merciful Father. His service should not be looked
upon as a heart-saddening, distressing exercise. It should be a pleasure to
worship the Lord and to take part in His work. God would not have His
children, for whom so great salvation has been provided, act as if He were a
hard, exacting taskmaster. He is their best friend; and when they worship
Him, He expects to be with them, to bless and comfort them, filling their
hearts with joy and love. The Lord desires His children to take comfort in
His service and to find more pleasure than hardship in His work. He desires
that those who come to worship Him shall carry away with them precious
thoughts of His care and love, that they may be cheered in all the
employments of daily life, that they may have grace to deal honestly and
faithfully in all things.
We must gather about the cross. Christ and Him crucified should be the
theme of contemplation, of conversation, and of our most joyful emotion.
We should keep in our thoughts every blessing we receive from God, and
when we realize His great love we should be willing to trust everything to
the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.
The soul may ascend nearer heaven on the wings of praise. God is
worshiped with song and music in the courts above, and as we express our
gratitude we are approximating to the worship of the heavenly hosts.
“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth” God. Psalm 50:23. Let us with reverent
joy come before our Creator, with “thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.”
Isaiah 51:3. [289]
 Chapter 30—The Lord’s Prayer

“After this manner therefore pray ye.”Matthew

6:9.

The Lord’s Prayer was twice given by our Saviour, first to the multitude
in the Sermon on the Mount, and again, some months later, to the disciples
alone. The disciples had been for a short time absent from their Lord, when
on their return they found Him absorbed in communion with God. Seeming
unconscious of their presence, He continued praying aloud. The Saviour’s
face was irradiated with a celestial brightness. He seemed to be in the very
presence of the Unseen, and there was a living power in His words as of
one who spoke with God.
The hearts of the listening disciples were deeply moved. They had
marked how often He spent long hours in solitude in communion with His
Father. His days were passed in ministry to the crowds that pressed upon
Him, and in unveiling the treacherous sophistry of the rabbis, and this
incessant labor often left Him so utterly wearied that His mother and
brothers, and even His disciples, had feared that His life would be
sacrificed. But as He returned [290] from the hours of prayer that closed the
toilsome day, they marked the look of peace upon His face, the sense of
refreshment that seemed to pervade His presence. It was from hours spent
with God that He came forth, morning by morning, to bring the light of
heaven to men. The disciples had come to connect His hours of prayer with
the power of His words and works. Now, as they listened to His
supplication, their hearts were awed and humbled. As He ceased praying, it
was with a conviction of their own deep need that they exclaimed, “Lord,
teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1.
 Jesus gives them no new form of prayer. That which He has before
taught them He repeats, as if He would say, You need to understand what I
have already given. It has a depth of meaning you have not yet fathomed.
The Saviour does not, however, restrict us to the use of these exact
words. As one with humanity, He presents His own ideal of prayer, words
so simple that they may be adopted by the little child, yet so comprehensive
that their significance can never be fully grasped by the greatest minds. We
are taught to come to God with our tribute of thanksgiving, to make known
our wants, to confess our sins, and to claim His mercy in accordance with
His promise.

“When ye pray, say Our Father.”Luke 11:2.

Jesus teaches us to call His Father our Father. He is not ashamed to call
us brethren. Hebrews 2:11. So ready, so eager, is the Saviour’s heart to
welcome us as members of the family of God, that in the very first words
we are to use in approaching God He places the assurance of our divine
relationship, “Our Father.”
Here is the announcement of that wonderful truth, so full of
encouragement and comfort, that God loves us as He loves His Son. This is
what Jesus said in His last prayer for His disciples, Thou “hast loved them,
as Thou hast loved Me.” John 17:23.
The world that Satan has claimed and has ruled over with cruel tyranny,
the Son of God has, by one vast achievement, encircled [291] in His love
and connected again with the throne of Jehovah. Cherubim and seraphim,
and the unnumbered hosts of all the unfallen worlds, sang anthems of praise
to God and the Lamb when this triumph was assured. They rejoiced that the
way of salvation had been opened to the fallen race and that the earth would
be redeemed from the curse of sin. How much more should those rejoice
who are the objects of such amazing love!
How can we ever be in doubt and uncertainty, and feel that we are
orphans? It was in behalf of those who had transgressed the law that Jesus
took upon Him human nature; He became like unto us, that we might have
everlasting peace and assurance. We have an Advocate in the heavens, and
whoever accepts Him as a personal Saviour is not left an orphan to bear the
burden of his own sins.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God.”“And if children, then heirs;
heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him,
that we may be also glorified together.”“It doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for
we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:17.
The very first step in approaching God is to know and believe the love
that He has to us (1 John 4:16); for it is through the drawing of His love that
we are led to come to Him.
The perception of God’s love works the renunciation of selfishness. In
calling God our Father, we recognize all His children as our brethren. We
are all a part of the great web of humanity, all members of one family. In
our petitions we are to include our neighbors as well as ourselves. No one
prays aright who seeks a blessing for himself alone.
The infinite God, said Jesus, makes it your privilege to approach Him
by the name of Father. Understand all that this implies. No earthly parent
ever pleaded so earnestly with an erring child as He who made you pleads
with the transgressor. No human, loving interest ever followed the
impenitent with such tender invitations. God dwells in every abode; He
hears every word that is spoken, listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes
the [292] sorrows and disappointments of every soul, regards the treatment
that is given to father, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor. He cares for our
necessities, and His love and mercy and grace are continually flowing to
satisfy our need.
But if you call God your Father you acknowledge yourselves His
children, to be guided by His wisdom and to be obedient in all things,
knowing that His love is changeless. You will accept His plan for your life.
As children of God, you will hold His honor, His character, His family, His
work, as the objects of your highest interest. It will be your joy to recognize
and honor your relation to your Father and to every member of His family.
You will rejoice to do any act, however humble, that will tend to His glory
or to the well-being of your kindred.
“Which art in heaven.” He to whom Christ bids us look as “our
Father”“is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” In
His care we may safely rest, saying, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in
Thee.” Psalm 115:3; Psalm 56:3.

“Hallowed be Thy name.”Matthew 6:9.

To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words in which we
speak of the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. “Holy and reverend
is His name.” Psalm 111:9. We are never in any manner to treat lightly the
titles or appellations of the Deity. In prayer we enter the audience chamber
of the Most High; and we should come before Him with holy awe. The
angels veil their faces in His presence. The cherubim and the bright and
holy seraphim approach His throne with solemn reverence. How much
more should we, finite, sinful beings, come in a reverent manner before the
Lord, our Maker!
But to hallow the name of the Lord means much more than this. We
may, like the Jews in Christ’s day, manifest the greatest outward reverence
for God, and yet profane His name continually. “The name of the Lord” is
“merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:5-7. Of the
church of Christ it is written, “This is the name wherewith she shall be
[293] called, The Lord our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 33:16. This name is
put upon every follower of Christ. It is the heritage of the child of God. The
family are called after the Father. The prophet Jeremiah, in the time of
Israel’s sore distress and tribulation, prayed, “We are called by Thy name;
leave us not.” Jeremiah 14:9.
This name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of
unfallen worlds. When you pray, “Hallowed be Thy name,” you ask that it
may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you. God has acknowledged
you before men and angels as His child; pray that you may do no dishonor
to the “worthy name by which ye are called.” James 2:7. God sends you
into the world as His representative. In every act of life you are to make
manifest the name of God. This petition calls upon you to possess His
character. You cannot hallow His name, you cannot represent Him to the
world, unless in life and character you represent the very life and character
of God. This you can do only through the acceptance of the grace and
righteousness of Christ.

“Thy kingdom come.”Matthew 6:10.

God is our Father, who loves and cares for us as His children; He is also
the great King of the universe. The interests of His kingdom are our
interests, and we are to work for its upbuilding.
The disciples of Christ were looking for the immediate coming of the
kingdom of His glory, but in giving them this prayer Jesus taught that the
kingdom was not then to be established. They were to pray for its coming as
an event yet future. But this petition was also an assurance to them. While
they were not to behold the coming of the kingdom in their day, the fact that
Jesus bade them pray for it is evidence that in God’s own time it will surely
come.
The kingdom of God’s grace is now being established, as day by day
hearts that have been full of sin and rebellion yield to the sovereignty of His
love. But the full establishment of the kingdom of His glory will not take
place until the second coming of Christ to this world. “The kingdom and
dominion, and the greatness of [294] the kingdom under the whole heaven,”
is to be given to “the people of the saints of the Most High.” Daniel 7:27.
They shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them “from the foundation of
the world.” Matthew 25:34. And Christ will take to Himself His great
power and will reign.
The heavenly gates are again to be lifted up, and with ten thousand
times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy ones, our Saviour
will come forth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Jehovah Immanuel
“shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His
name one.”“The tabernacle of God” shall be with men, “and He will dwell
with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with
them, and be their God.” Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 21:3.
But before that coming, Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be
preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.” Matthew 24:14.
His kingdom will not come until the good tidings of His grace have been
carried to all the earth. Hence, as we give ourselves to God, and win other
souls to Him, we hasten the coming of His kingdom. Only those who
devote themselves to His service, saying, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8),
to open blind eyes, to turn men “from darkness to light and from the power
of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance
among them which are sanctified” (Acts 26:18)—they alone pray in
sincerity, “Thy kingdom come.”

“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 6:10.

The will of God is expressed in the precepts of His holy law, and the
principles of this law are the principles of heaven. The angels of heaven
attain unto no higher knowledge than to know the will of God, and to do
His will is the highest service that can engage their powers.
But in heaven, service is not rendered in the spirit of legality. When
Satan rebelled against the law of Jehovah, the thought that [295] there was a
law came to the angels almost as an awakening to something unthought of.
In their ministry the angels are not as servants, but as sons. There is perfect
unity between them and their Creator. Obedience is to them no drudgery.
Love for God makes their service a joy. So in every soul wherein Christ, the
hope of glory, dwells, His words are re-echoed, “I delight to do Thy will, O
My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8.
The petition, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” is a prayer
that the reign of evil on this earth may be ended, that sin may be forever
destroyed, and the kingdom of righteousness be established. Then in earth
as in heaven will be fulfilled “all the good pleasure of His goodness.” 2
Thessalonians 1:11.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”Matthew 6:11.

The first half of the prayer Jesus has taught us is in regard to the name
and kingdom and will of God—that His name may be honored, His
kingdom established, His will performed. When you have thus made God’s
service your first interest, you may ask with confidence that your own needs
may be supplied. If you have renounced self and given yourself to Christ
you are a member of the family of God, and everything in the Father’s
house is for you. All the treasures of God are opened to you, both the world
that now is and that which is to come. The ministry of angels, the gift of His
Spirit, the labors of His servants—all are for you. The world, with
everything in it, is yours so far as it can do you good. Even the enmity of
the wicked will prove a blessing by disciplining you for heaven. If “ye are
Christ’s,” “all things are yours.” 1 Corinthians 3:23, 21.
But you are as a child who is not yet placed in control of his inheritance.
God does not entrust to you your precious possession, lest Satan by his wily
arts should beguile you, as he did the first pair in Eden. Christ holds it for
you, safe beyond the spoiler’s reach. Like the child, you shall receive day
by day what is required for the day’s need. Every day you are to pray, “Give
us this day our daily [296] bread.” Be not dismayed if you have not
sufficient for tomorrow. You have the assurance of His promise, “So shalt
thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” David says, “I have
been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:3, 25. That God who sent the ravens
to feed Elijah by the brook Cherith will not pass by one of His faithful, self-
sacrificing children. Of him that walketh righteously it is written: “Bread
shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.”“They shall not be ashamed in
the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.”“He that
spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not
with Him also freely give us all things?” Isaiah 33:16; Psalm 37:19;
Romans 8:32. He who lightened the cares and anxieties of His widowed
mother and helped her to provide for the household at Nazareth,
sympathizes with every mother in her struggle to provide her children food.
He who had compassion on the multitude because they “fainted, and were
scattered abroad” (Matthew 9:36), still has compassion on the suffering
poor. His hand is stretched out toward them in blessing; and in the very
prayer which He gave His disciples, He teaches us to remember the poor.
When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we ask for others as
well as ourselves. And we acknowledge that what God gives us is not for
ourselves alone. God gives to us in trust, that we may feed the hungry. Of
His goodness He has prepared for the poor. Psalm 68:10. And He says,
“When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy
brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors.... But when thou
makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt
be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed
at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:12-14.
“God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”“He
which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:8, 6. [297]
The prayer for daily bread includes not only food to sustain the body, but
that spiritual bread which will nourish the soul unto life everlasting. Jesus
bids us, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which
endureth unto everlasting life.” John 6:27. He says, “I am the living bread
which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live
forever.” Verse 51.
Our Saviour is the bread of life, and it is by beholding His love, by
receiving it into the soul, that we feed upon the bread which came down
from heaven.
We receive Christ through His word, and the Holy Spirit is given to
open the word of God to our understanding, and bring home its truths to our
hearts. We are to pray day by day that as we read His word, God will send
His Spirit to reveal to us the truth that will strengthen our souls for the day’s
need.
In teaching us to ask every day for what we need—both temporal and
spiritual blessings—God has a purpose to accomplish for our good. He
would have us realize our dependence upon His constant care, for He is
seeking to draw us into communion with Himself. In this communion with
Christ, through prayer and the study of the great and precious truths of His
word, we shall as hungry souls be fed; as those that thirst, we shall be
refreshed at the fountain of life.

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone

that is indebted to us.”Luke 11:4.
 Jesus teaches that we can receive forgiveness from God only as we
forgive others. It is the love of God that draws us unto Him, and that love
cannot touch our hearts without creating love for our brethren.
After completing the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus added: “If ye forgive men
their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye
forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses.” He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel [298] through
which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that
unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in
withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble
their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of
compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not
they confess their faults. However sorely they may have wounded us, we
are not to cherish our grievances and sympathize with ourselves over our
injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses against God we are
to pardon all who have done evil to us.
But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God
gives the promise that He “will abundantly pardon,” He adds, as if the
meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: “My
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the
Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher
than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:7-9. God’s
forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from
condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It
is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the
true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart,
O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And again he
says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our
transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12.
God in Christ gave Himself for our sins. He suffered the cruel death of
the cross, bore for us the burden of guilt, “the just for the unjust,” that He
might reveal to us His love and draw us to Himself. And He says, “Be ye
kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in
Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32, R.V. Let Christ, the divine Life, dwell
in you and through you reveal the heaven-born love that will inspire hope in
the hopeless and bring heaven’s peace to the sin-stricken heart. As we come
to God, this is the condition which meets us at the threshold, that, receiving
mercy from Him, we yield ourselves to reveal His grace to others.
The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and [299]
impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has
to us. 1 John 4:16. Satan is working by every deception he can command, in
order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our
mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not
have respect unto our prayers and will not bless and save us. In ourselves
we can see nothing but weakness, nothing to recommend us to God, and
Satan tells us that it is of no use; we cannot remedy our defects of character.
When we try to come to God, the enemy will whisper, It is of no use for
you to pray; did not you do that evil thing? Have you not sinned against
God and violated your own conscience? But we may tell the enemy that
“the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.
When we feel that we have sinned and cannot pray, it is then the time to
pray. Ashamed we may be and deeply humbled, but we must pray and
believe. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy
1:15. Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for
our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a
gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for
bestowal.
We should not try to lessen our guilt by excusing sin. We must accept
God’s estimate of sin, and that is heavy indeed. Calvary alone can reveal the
terrible enormity of sin. If we had to bear our own guilt, it would crush us.
But the sinless One has taken our place; though undeserving, He has borne
our iniquity. “If we confess our sins,” God “is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Glorious
truth!—just to His own law, and yet the Justifier of all that believe in Jesus.
“Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the
transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger
forever, because He delighteth in mercy.” Micah 7:18.

“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from

the evil one.”Matthew 6:13, R.V.
 [300]
Temptation is enticement to sin, and this does not proceed from God, but
from Satan and from the evil of our own hearts. “God cannot be tempted
with evil, and He Himself tempteth no man.” James 1:13, R.V.
Satan seeks to bring us into temptation, that the evil of our characters
may be revealed before men and angels, that he may claim us as his own. In
the symbolic prophecy of Zechariah, Satan is seen standing at the right hand
of the Angel of the Lord, accusing Joshua, the high priest, who is clothed in
filthy garments, and resisting the work that the Angel desires to do for him.
This represents the attitude of Satan toward every soul whom Christ is
seeking to draw unto Himself. The enemy leads us into sin, and then he
accuses us before the heavenly universe as unworthy of the love of God.
But “the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the
Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out
of the fire?” And unto Joshua He said, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity
to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” Zechariah
3:1-4.
God in His great love is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of
His Spirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships,
not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation
resisted, every trial bravely borne, gives us a new experience and advances
us in the work of character building. The soul that through divine power
resists temptation reveals to the world and to the heavenly universe the
efficiency of the grace of Christ.
But while we are not to be dismayed by trial, bitter though it be, we
should pray that God will not permit us to be brought where we shall be
drawn away by the desires of our own evil hearts. In offering the prayer that
Christ has given, we surrender ourselves to the guidance of God, asking
Him to lead us in safe paths. We cannot offer this prayer in sincerity, and
yet decide to walk in any way of our own choosing. We shall wait for His
hand to lead us; we shall listen to His voice, saying, “This is the way, walk
ye in it.” Isaiah 30:21.
It is not safe for us to linger to contemplate the advantages to be reaped
through yielding to Satan’s suggestions. Sin means dishonor [301] and
disaster to every soul that indulges in it; but it is blinding and deceiving in
its nature, and it will entice us with flattering presentations. If we venture
on Satan’s ground we have no assurance of protection from his power. So
far as in us lies, we should close every avenue by which the tempter may
find access to us.
The prayer, “Bring us not into temptation,” is itself a promise. If we
commit ourselves to God we have the assurance, He “will not suffer you to
be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a
way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.
The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart
through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our
hearts that temptation has power over us. But when we behold the great
love of God, selfishness appears to us in its hideous and repulsive character,
and we desire to have it expelled from the soul. As the Holy Spirit glorifies
Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power,
and the grace of Christ transforms the character.
Christ will never abandon the soul for whom He has died. The soul may
leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn
from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life. Could our
spiritual vision be quickened, we should see souls bowed under oppression
and burdened with grief, pressed as a cart beneath sheaves and ready to die
in discouragement. We should see angels flying swiftly to aid these tempted
ones, who are standing as on the brink of a precipice. The angels from
heaven force back the hosts of evil that encompass these souls, and guide
them to plant their feet on the sure foundation. The battles waging between
the two armies are as real as those fought by the armies of this world, and
on the issue of the spiritual conflict eternal destinies depend.
To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you,
that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail
not.” Luke 22:31, 32. Thank God, we are not left alone. He who “so loved
the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
Him should not perish, [302] but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), will not
desert us in the battle with the adversary of God and man. “Behold,” He
says, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over
all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke
10:19.
Live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold you firmly by a
hand that will never let go. Know and believe the love that God has to us,
and you are secure; that love is a fortress impregnable to all the delusions
and assaults of Satan. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the
righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10.

“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the

glory.”Matthew 6:13.

The last like the first sentence of the Lord’s Prayer, points to our Father
as above all power and authority and every name that is named. The
Saviour beheld the years that stretched out before His disciples, not, as they
had dreamed, lying in the sunshine of worldly prosperity and honor, but
dark with the tempests of human hatred and satanic wrath. Amid national
strife and ruin, the steps of the disciples would be beset with perils, and
often their hearts would be oppressed by fear. They were to see Jerusalem a
desolation, the temple swept away, its worship forever ended, and Israel
scattered to all lands, like wrecks on a desert shore. Jesus said, “Ye shall
hear of wars and rumors of wars.”“Nation shall rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and
earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Matthew 24:6-8. Yet Christ’s followers were not to fear that their hope was
lost or that God had forsaken the earth. The power and the glory belong
unto Him whose great purposes would still move on unthwarted toward
their consummation. In the prayer that breathes their daily wants, the
disciples of Christ were directed to look above all the power and dominion
of evil, unto the Lord their God, whose kingdom ruleth over all and who is
their Father and everlasting Friend. [303]
The ruin of Jerusalem was a symbol of the final ruin that shall overwhelm
the world. The prophecies that received a partial fulfillment in the
overthrow of Jerusalem have a more direct application to the last days. We
are now standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. A crisis is
before us, such as the world has never witnessed. And sweetly to us, as to
the first disciples, comes the assurance that God’s kingdom ruleth over all.
The program of coming events is in the hands of our Maker. The Majesty of
heaven has the destiny of nations, as well as the concerns of His church, in
His own charge. The divine Instructor is saying to every agent in the
accomplishment of His plans, as He said to Cyrus, “I girded thee, though
thou hast not known Me.” Isaiah 45:5.
In the vision of the prophet Ezekiel there was the appearance of a hand
beneath the wings of the cherubim. This is to teach His servants that it is
divine power which gives them success. Those whom God employs as His
messengers are not to feel that His work is dependent upon them. Finite
beings are not left to carry this burden of responsibility. He who slumbers
not, who is continually at work for the accomplishment of His designs, will
carry forward His own work. He will thwart the purposes of wicked men,
and will bring to confusion the counsels of those who plot mischief against
His people. He who is the King, the Lord of hosts, sitteth between the
cherubim, and amid the strife and tumult of nations He guards His children
still. He who ruleth in the heavens is our Saviour. He measures every trial,
He watches the furnace fire that must test every soul. When the strongholds
of kings shall be overthrown, when the arrows of wrath shall strike through
the hearts of His enemies, His people will be safe in His hands.
“Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the
victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is
Thine.... In Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make
great, and to give strength unto all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11, 12. [304]
 Chapter 31—Asking to Give
Christ was continually receiving from the Father that He might
communicate to us. “The word which ye hear,” He said, “is not Mine, but
the Father’s which sent Me.” John 14:24. “The Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Not for Himself, but for
others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He
came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily
He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new
day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips
were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His words were
given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He might speak in
season to the weary and oppressed. “The Lord God hath given Me,” He
said, “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in
season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He
wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isaiah 50:4.
Christ’s disciples were much impressed by His prayers and by His habit
of communion with God. One day after a short absence from their Lord,
they found Him absorbed in supplication. Seeming [305] unconscious of
their presence, He continued praying aloud. The hearts of the disciples were
deeply moved. As He ceased praying, they exclaimed, “Lord, teach us to
pray.”
In answer, Christ repeated the Lord’s prayer, as He had given it in the
sermon on the mount. Then in a parable He illustrated the lesson He desired
to teach them.
“Which of you,” He said, “shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at
midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of
mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is now
shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee. I say
unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet
because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he
needeth.”
Here Christ represents the petitioner as asking that he may give again.
He must obtain the bread, else he cannot supply the necessities of a weary,
belated wayfarer. Though his neighbor is unwilling to be troubled, he will
not desist his pleading; his friend must be relieved; and at last his
importunity is rewarded, his wants are supplied.
In like manner the disciples were to seek blessings from God. In the
feeding of the multitude and in the sermon on the bread from heaven, Christ
had opened to them their work as His representatives. They were to give the
bread of life to the people. He who had appointed their work, saw how
often their faith would be tried. Often they would be thrown into
unexpected positions, and would realize their human insufficiency. Souls
that were hungering for the bread of life would come to them, and they
would feel themselves to be destitute and helpless. They must receive
spiritual food, or they would have nothing to impart. But they were not to
turn one soul away unfed. Christ directs them to the source of supply. The
man whose friend came to him for entertainment, even at the unseasonable
hour of midnight, did not turn him away. He had nothing to set before him,
but he went to one [306] who had food and pressed his request until the
neighbor supplied his need. And would not God, who had sent His servants
to feed the hungry, supply their need for His own work?
But the selfish neighbor in the parable does not represent the character
of God. The lesson is drawn, not by comparison, but by contrast. A selfish
man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid himself of one who disturbs
his rest. But God delights to give. He is full of compassion, and He longs to
grant the requests of those who come unto Him in faith. He gives to us that
we may minister to others and thus become like Himself.
Christ declares, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth;
and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
The Saviour continues: “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a
father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give
him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye
then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much
more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask
Him?”
In order to strengthen our confidence in God, Christ teaches us to
address Him by a new name, a name entwined with the dearest associations
of the human heart. He gives us the privilege of calling the infinite God our
Father. This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of our love and trust
toward Him, and a pledge of His regard and relationship to us. Spoken
when asking His favor or blessing, it is as music in His ears. That we might
not think it presumption to call Him by this name, He has repeated it again
and again. He desires us to become familiar with the appellation.
God regards us as His children. He has redeemed us out of the careless
world and has chosen us to become members of the royal family, sons and
daughters of the heavenly King. He invites us to trust in Him with a trust
deeper and stronger than that of a child in his earthly father. Parents love
their children, but the love of [307] God is larger, broader, deeper, than
human love can possibly be. It is immeasurable. Then if earthly parents
know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more shall our
Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?
Christ’s lessons in regard to prayer should be carefully considered.
There is a divine science in prayer, and His illustration brings to view
principles that all need to understand. He shows what is the true spirit of
prayer, He teaches the necessity of perseverance in presenting our requests
to God, and assures us of His willingness to hear and answer prayer.
Our prayers are not to be a selfish asking, merely for our own benefit.
We are to ask that we may give. The principle of Christ’s life must be the
principle of our lives. “For their sakes,” He said, speaking of His disciples,
“I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified.” John 17:19. The
same devotion, the same self-sacrifice, the same subjection to the claims of
the word of God, that were manifest in Christ, must be seen in His servants.
Our mission to the world is not to serve or please ourselves; we are to
glorify God by co-operating with Him to save sinners. We are to ask
blessings from God that we may communicate to others. The capacity for
receiving is preserved only by imparting. We cannot continue to receive
heavenly treasure without communicating to those around us.
In the parable the petitioner was again and again repulsed, but he did
not relinquish his purpose. So our prayers do not always seem to receive an
immediate answer; but Christ teaches that we should not cease to pray.
Prayer is not to work any change in God; it is to bring us into harmony with
God. When we make request of Him, He may see that it is necessary for us
to search our hearts and repent of sin. Therefore He takes us through test
and trial, He brings us through humiliation, that we may see what hinders
the working of His Holy Spirit through us.
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer
can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “Keep My
commandments.”“He that hath My commandments, [308] and keepeth
them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My
Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” John 14:15,
21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while
they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the
name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they
do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.
Many are forfeiting the condition of acceptance with the Father. We
need to examine closely the deed of trust wherewith we approach God. If
we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord a note to be cashed when we have
not fulfilled the conditions that would make it payable to us. We present to
God His promises, and ask Him to fulfill them, when by so doing He would
dishonor His own name.
The promise is “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall
ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. And John
declares: “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His
commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His
word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5.
One of Christ’s last commands to His disciples was “Love one another
as I have loved you.” John 13:34. Do we obey this command, or are we
indulging sharp, unchristlike traits of character? If we have in any way
grieved or wounded others, it is our duty to confess our fault and seek for
reconciliation. This is an essential preparation that we may come before
God in faith, to ask His blessing.
There is another matter too often neglected by those who seek the Lord
in prayer. Have you been honest with God? By the prophet Malachi the
Lord declares, “Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from
Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return
unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
Will a man rob God? [309] Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein
have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.” Malachi 3:7, 8.
As the Giver of every blessing, God claims a certain portion of all we
possess. This is His provision to sustain the preaching of the gospel. And by
making this return to God, we are to show our appreciation of His gifts. But
if we withhold from Him that which is His own, how can we claim His
blessing? If we are unfaithful stewards of earthly things, how can we expect
Him to entrust us with the things of heaven? It may be that here is the secret
of unanswered prayer.
But the Lord in His great mercy is ready to forgive, and He says, “Bring
ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house,
and prove Me now herewith, ... if I will not open you the windows of
heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not
destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit
before the time in the field.... And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye
shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3:10-12.
So it is with every other one of God’s requirements. All His gifts are
promised on condition of obedience. God has a heaven full of blessings for
those who will co-operate with Him. All who obey Him may with
confidence claim the fulfillment of His promises.
But we must show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Often He delays to
answer us in order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire.
Having asked according to His word, we should believe His promise and
press our petitions with a determination that will not be denied.
God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask.
Unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings the petitioner
into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the
things for which he asks. Christ said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, “If
thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God.” John 11:40.
[310]
But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of
the power of God. Their weakness is the result of their unbelief. They have
more faith in their own working than in the working of God for them. They
take themselves into their own keeping. They plan and devise, but pray
little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, but it is
only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realize their own need, or God’s
willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their requests before
the Lord.
Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the
needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and
steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We
shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith.
Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-
operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers
together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Speak and act in harmony with your
prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall
prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form.
When perplexities arise, and difficulties confront you, look not for help
to humanity. Trust all with God. The practice of telling our difficulties to
others only makes us weak, and brings no strength to them. It lays upon
them the burden of our spiritual infirmities, which they cannot relieve. We
seek the strength of erring, finite man, when we might have the strength of
the unerring, infinite God.
You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It
is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you
success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less
confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can
do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith.
He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you
understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the
[311] intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask
God for wisdom, and it will be given you.
Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to
come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged
way. If you do you will lose much. By looking at appearances and
complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a
sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The
Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith.
Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency.
 There is in genuine faith a buoyancy, a steadfastness of principle, and a
fixedness of purpose that neither time nor toil can weaken. “Even the
youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but
they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,
and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30, 31.
There are many who long to help others, but they feel that they have no
spiritual strength or light to impart. Let them present their petitions at the
throne of grace. Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise
He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as Thou hast
said. I present Thy promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit
“maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
Romans 8:26. Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness
and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very
intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer
“exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20.
Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe
that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. “Whatsoever ye
shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the [312] Father may be glorified
in the Son.” John 14:13. And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance: “If we ask anything
according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us,
whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of
Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. Then press your petition to the Father in the name of
Jesus. God will honor that name.
The rainbow round about the throne is an assurance that God is true,
that in Him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. We have sinned
against Him, and are undeserving of His favor; yet He Himself has put into
our lips that most wonderful of pleas, “Do not abhor us, for Thy name’s
sake; do not disgrace the throne of Thy glory; remember, break not Thy
covenant with us.” Jeremiah 14:21. When we come to him confessing our
unworthiness and sin, He has pledged Himself to give heed to our cry. The
honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word unto us.
 Like Aaron, who symbolized Christ, our Saviour bears the names of all
His people on His heart in the holy place. Our great High Priest remembers
all the words by which He has encouraged us to trust. He is ever mindful of
His covenant.
All who seek of Him shall find. All who knock will have the door
opened to them. The excuse will not be made, Trouble Me not; the door is
closed; I do not wish to open it. Never will one be told, I cannot help you.
Those who beg at midnight for loaves to feed the hungry souls will be
successful.
In the parable, he who asks bread for the stranger, receives “as many as
he needeth.” And in what measure will God impart to us that we may
impart to others? “According to the measure of the gift of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:7. Angels are watching with intense interest to see how man is
dealing with his fellow men. When they see one manifest Christlike
sympathy for the erring, they press to his side and bring to his remembrance
words to speak that will be as the bread of life to the soul. So “God shall
supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19. Your testimony in its genuineness and reality He will
make powerful in [313] the power of the life to come. The word of the Lord
will be in your mouth as truth and righteousness.
Personal effort for others should be preceded by much secret prayer; for
it requires great wisdom to understand the science of saving souls. Before
communicating with men, commune with Christ. At the throne of heavenly
grace obtain a preparation for ministering to the people.
Let your heart break for the longing it has for God, for the living God.
The life of Christ has shown what humanity can do by being partaker of the
divine nature. All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask
and receive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding
persistence of Elijah, claim for yourself all that God has promised.
Let the glorious conceptions of God possess your mind. Let your life be
knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus. He who commanded the light to
shine out of darkness is willing to shine in your heart, to give the light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The Holy
Spirit will take the things of God and show them unto you, conveying them
as a living power into the obedient heart. Christ will lead you to the
threshold of the Infinite. You may behold the glory beyond the veil, and
reveal to men the sufficiency of Him who ever liveth to make intercession
for us. [314]
 Chapter 32—Faith and Prayer
Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what
is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way. In
place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness,
His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives,
ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts
its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out as secrets of
life’s success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these principles.
Every good impulse or aspiration is the gift of God; faith receives from
God the life that alone can produce true growth and efficiency.
How to exercise faith should be made very plain. To every promise of
God there are conditions. If we are willing to do His will, all His strength is
ours. Whatever gift He promises, is in the promise itself. “The seed is the
word of God.” Luke 8:11. As surely as the oak is in the acorn, so surely is
the gift of God in His promise. If we receive the promise, we have the gift.
Faith that enables us to receive God’s gifts is itself a gift, of which some
measure is imparted to every human being. It grows [315] as exercised in
appropriating the word of God. In order to strengthen faith, we must often
bring it in contact with the word.
In the study of the Bible the student should be led to see the power of
God’s word. In the creation, “He spake, and it was done; He commanded,
and it stood fast.” He “calleth those things which be not as though they
were” (Psalm 33:9; Romans 4:17); for when He calls them, they are.
How often those who trusted the word of God, though in themselves
utterly helpless, have withstood the power of the whole world—Enoch,
pure in heart, holy in life, holding fast his faith in the triumph of
righteousness against a corrupt and scoffing generation; Noah and his
household against the men of his time, men of the greatest physical and
mental strength and the most debased in morals; the children of Israel at the
Red Sea, a helpless, terrified multitude of slaves, against the mightiest army
of the mightiest nation on the globe; David, a shepherd lad, having God’s
promise of the throne, against Saul, the established monarch, bent on
holding fast his power; Shadrach and his companions in the fire, and
Nebuchadnezzar on the throne; Daniel among the lions, his enemies in the
high places of the kingdom; Jesus on the cross, and the Jewish priests and
rulers forcing even the Roman governor to work their will; Paul in chains
led to a criminal’s death, Nero the despot of a world empire.
Such examples are not found in the Bible only. They abound in every
record of human progress. The Vaudois and the Huguenots, Wycliffe and
Huss, Jerome and Luther, Tyndale and Knox, Zinzendorf and Wesley, with
multitudes of others, have witnessed to the power of God’s word against
human power and policy in support of evil. These are the world’s true
nobility. This is its royal line. In this line the youth of today are called to
take their places.
Faith is needed in the smaller no less than in the greater affairs of life. In
all our daily interests and occupations the sustaining strength of God
becomes real to us through an abiding trust.
Viewed from its human side, life is to all an untried path. It is a path in
which, as regards our deeper experiences, we each walk [316] alone. Into
our inner life no other human being can fully enter. As the little child sets
forth on that journey in which, sooner or later, he must choose his own
course, himself deciding life’s issues for eternity, how earnest should be the
effort to direct his trust to the sure Guide and Helper!
As a shield from temptation and an inspiration to purity and truth, no
other influence can equal the sense of God’s presence. “All things are naked
and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” He is “of
purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.” Hebrews
4:13; Habakkuk 1:13. This thought was Joseph’s shield amidst the
corruptions of Egypt. To the allurements of temptation his answer was
steadfast: “How ... can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
Genesis 39:9. Such a shield, faith, if cherished, will bring to every soul.
Only the sense of God’s presence can banish the fear that, for the timid
child, would make life a burden. Let him fix in his memory the promise,
“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and
delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7. Let him read that wonderful story of Elisha in
the mountain city, and, between him and the hosts of armed foemen, a
mighty encircling band of heavenly angels. Let him read how to Peter, in
prison and condemned to death, God’s angel appeared; how, past the armed
guards, the massive doors and great iron gateway with their bolts and bars,
the angel led God’s servant forth in safety. Let him read of that scene on the
sea, when the tempest-tossed soldiers and seamen, worn with labor and
watching and long fasting, Paul the prisoner, on his way to trial and
execution, spoke those grand words of courage and hope: “Be of good
cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you.... For there
stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God
hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” In the faith of this promise
Paul assured his companions, “There shall not an hair fall from the head of
any of you.” So it came to pass. Because there was in that ship one man
through whom God could work, the whole shipload [317] of heathen
soldiers and sailors was preserved. “They escaped all safe to land.” Acts
27:22-24, 34, 44.
These things were not written merely that we might read and wonder,
but that the same faith which wrought in God’s servants of old might work
in us. In no less marked a manner than He wrought then will He work now
wherever there are hearts of faith to be channels of His power.
Let the self-distrustful, whose lack of self-reliance leads them to shrink
from care and responsibility, be taught reliance upon God. Thus many a one
who otherwise would be but a cipher in the world, perhaps only a helpless
burden, will be able to say with the apostle Paul, “I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.
For the child also who is quick to resent injuries, faith has precious
lessons. The disposition to resist evil or to avenge wrong is often prompted
by a keen sense of justice and an active, energetic spirit. Let such a child be
taught that God is the eternal guardian of right. He has a tender care for the
beings whom He has so loved as to give His dearest Beloved to save. He
will deal with every wrongdoer.
“For he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.” Zechariah 2:8.
“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it
to pass.... He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy
judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5, 6.
 “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of
trouble. And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for
Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.” Psalm 9:9, 10.
The compassion that God manifests toward us, He bids us manifest
toward others. Let the impulsive, the self-sufficient, the revengeful, behold
the meek and lowly One, led as a lamb to the slaughter, unretaliating as a
sheep dumb before her shearers. Let them look upon Him whom our sins
have pierced and our sorrows burdened, and they will learn to endure, to
forbear, and to forgive. [318]
Through faith in Christ, every deficiency of character may be supplied,
every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence
developed.
“Ye are complete in Him.” Colossians 2:10.
Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together.
In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that everyone
who would make his lifework a success must understand. Christ says,
“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them,
and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. He makes it plain that our asking
must be according to God’s will; we must ask for the things that He has
promised, and whatever we receive must be used in doing His will. The
conditions met, the promise is unequivocal.
For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for
wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may
ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that
we have received.
We need look for no outward evidence of the blessing. The gift is in the
promise, and we may go about our work assured that what God has
promised He is able to perform, and that the gift, which we already possess,
will be realized when we need it most.
To live thus by the word of God means the surrender to Him of the
whole life. There will be felt a continual sense of need and dependence, a
drawing out of the heart after God. Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of
the soul. Family prayer, public prayer, have their place; but it is secret
communion with God that sustains the soul life.
 It was in the mount with God that Moses beheld the pattern of that
wonderful building which was to be the abiding place of His glory. It is in
the mount with God—in the secret place of communion—that we are to
contemplate His glorious ideal for humanity. Thus we shall be enabled so to
fashion our character building that to us may be fulfilled His promise, “I
will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall
be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16. [319]
It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth life received
wisdom and power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn
and twilight a quiet season for communion with their Father in heaven. And
throughout the day let them lift up their hearts to God. At every step of our
way He says, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, ... Fear not; I
will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13. Could our children learn these lessons in the
morning of their years, what freshness and power, what joy and sweetness,
would be brought into their lives!
These are lessons that only he who himself has learned can teach. It is
because so many parents and teachers profess to believe the word of God
while their lives deny its power, that the teaching of Scripture has no greater
effect upon the youth. At times the youth are brought to feel the power of
the word. They see the preciousness of the love of Christ. They see the
beauty of His character, the possibilities of a life given to His service. But
in contrast they see the life of those who profess to revere God’s precepts.
Of how many are the words true that were spoken to the prophet Ezekiel:
Thy people “speak one to another, everyone to his brother, saying,
Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the
Lord. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before
thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for
with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their
covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that
hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy
words, but they do them not.” Ezekiel 33:30-32.
It is one thing to treat the Bible as a book of good moral instruction, to
be heeded so far as is consistent with the spirit of the times and our position
in the world; it is another thing to regard it as it really is—the word of the
living God, the word that is our life, the word that is to mold our actions,
our words, and our thoughts. To hold God’s word as anything less than this
is to reject it. And this rejection by those who profess to believe it, is
foremost among the causes of skepticism and infidelity in the youth. [320]
An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the
world. In amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest for power, in the very
struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind
and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us
come apart and commune with Him. “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10.
Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of
real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps
they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, pausing perhaps a
moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have
no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to
their work.
These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the
secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait
upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need
the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened
by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the
burdened heart will be lightened.
Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with
Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him—this is our need. Happy
will it be for the children of our homes and the students of our schools when
parents and teachers shall learn in their own lives the precious experience
pictured in these words from the Song of Songs:
“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood,
So is my Beloved among the sons.
I sat down under His shadow with great delight,
And His fruit was sweet to my taste.
He brought me to the banqueting house,
And His banner over me was love.”
Canticles 2:3, 4.