Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.

— 1 John 5:14,15, HCSB 

THE TESTIMONY 

God is the Teacher of His people. All who humble their hearts before Him, will be taught of God. “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.” The Lord wants every church-member to pray earnestly for wisdom; that he may know what the Lord would have him do. It is the privilege of every believer to obtain an individual experience, learning to carry his cares and perplexities to God. It is written, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” 

In our individual experience we are to be taught of God. When we seek Him with a sincere heart, we will confess to Him our defects of character; and He has promised to receive all who come to Him in humble dependence. The one who yields to the claims of God will have the abiding presence of Christ, and this companionship will be to him a very precious thing. Taking hold of divine wisdom he will escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Day by day he will learn more fully how to carry his infirmities to the One who has promised to be a very present help in every time of need. 

“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.” 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. The wonderful sacrifice of Christ has made it possible for every man to do a special work. When the worker receives wisdom from the only true Source, he will become a pure channel of light and blessing; for he will receive his capability for service in rich currents of grace and light from the throne of God. 

— Jehovah Is Our King, 1907, p.14-20 

THE RESPONSE 

Humble your heart before God and be willing to be taught by Him. 

Pray earnestly for wisdom that you may know what the Lord would have you to do.

Seek God with a sincere heart, confess your defects of character coming to Him in humble dependence.

Yield to the claims of God. Seek the abiding presence of Christ in the work of communicating light to the world.