Prayer and Promises

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28, MEV 

Those that call upon the Lord in humble, fervent prayer, will receive the strength and grace that they need to battle with temptation and to endure trials. In coming to God, the petitioner must present Christ as his authority, Christ’s merit as his plea; and when these conditions are fulfilled, God has pledged his word that heaven is open unto the cries of the penitent and humble soul. 

The enemy will come to you, and say, “It is of no use for you to pray. Did you not do that evil thing? Have you not transgressed against God? Have you not violated your conscience?” Answer him, “Yes; but Christ has bidden me pray. He has said, ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’” 

Let the repenting soul repeat the promise that Jesus has made,—“Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out.” Let him tell the enemy, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” “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.” Tell the enemy that you know your garments are stained with sin, but that by faith you claim the righteousness of Christ. Turn to Jesus, and tell Him all your trouble; Christ sees all your circumstances, knows all your temptations and sorrows. The enemy will suggest that you stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God; but do not listen to his suggestions; for if you wait till you are good enough to come to God, you will never come… When the enemy would keep you from your Saviour, accusing you of being a sinner, tell him that you are entitled to go to the Lord, since He has said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” 

When the enemy rallies his forces to bring you into a critical place, the angels of God will be round about you, and you will have help from on high; for your prayer will be answered in the conflict. If you have genuine faith, you will praise God from whom all blessings flow, and as you praise Him you will realize more of his blessing. 

Heaven is all ready to receive those who receive Jesus. Then let us come to Him, asking for the very things that we need, believing that we shall receive them. 

— Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, February 15, 1893 

I fervently pray, O Lord, for Your strength and grace in the battles of this life. I am so weak, but in humbleness I choose You as my authority, I present the merits of Christ as my righteousness. I come to You just as I am and claim the promise that those who come to You, You will in no way cast out. Cleanse me, my Savior, send me help from on high, I praise You from whom all blessings flow!