Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works.

— Titus 2:14, HCSB 

THE TESTIMONY 

The Lord has rich blessings in store for all who seek him with real contrition of heart. He would have us reach up by faith and grasp his promises.

It is his will that we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, committing the keeping of our souls to him as unto a faithful Creator. We must daily compare our character with the law of God, the great rule of righteousness; and if that does not condemn us, we may approach the throne of grace in faith.

We may plead that we have complied with the conditions, and now claim the fulfillment of the divine promises. “If ye abide in me,” says Christ, “and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”... The promise is positive, and the rich blessings of Heaven are ours to enjoy. 

Brethren, you fail to receive the blessings which God longs to bestow upon you, because you place yourselves beyond their reach. It is essential for your spiritual life and growth that you should hang upon him from moment to moment. He will give you fresh supplies of grace day by day.  

Be thankful for the strength that you have for today. Praise God. Let gratitude be cherished in the soul. 

But the wants of the soul are not to be supplied unless we feel our need, and ask for the things we lack. Christ has more than human acquaintance with our needs, and we must study every lesson, every word of instruction, he has given us.

We need more spirit and life from Jesus in appealing to the conscience. Our own hard hearts must be melted by his love; this alone can break the spell of indifference, alarm the soul, and cause men to consider where they stand.  

We must have Jesus abiding in us, that the words we utter may be his words; our sluggish souls must be stirred by his Spirit, in order to bring us in close connection with the souls we wish to save. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” In him we can do all things.

— The Review and Herald, December 22, 1885 

THE RESPONSE 

Seek the Lord with real contrition of heart. Reach up by faith and grasp His promises.

Comply with the condition and claim the promise, “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask what you will and it shall be done.”  

Give thanks for the strength you have today. Praise God. Cherish gratitude in your soul. 

Feel your need and ask for the things you lack. Study every lesson and instruction Jesus has given us.