Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE  

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands among us; yes, establish the work of our hands.

— Psalm 90:17, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY  

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. 

If we would live a true Christian life, the conscience must be quickened by constant contact with the word of God. All the precious things which at infinite cost God has provided for us will do us no good; they cannot strengthen us and produce spiritual growth unless we appropriate them. We must eat the word of God—make it a part of ourselves. 

Let small companies assemble in the evening, at noon, or in the 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. 

Many seem to think the time lost that is devoted to seeking the Lord. But when He comes in to co-operate with human effort, and men and women co-operate with Him, a marked change will be seen in the work and in the results. Every heart that has been visited by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will reveal the working of the Spirit of God in voice, mind, and character. 

— Testimonies to the Church, Volume 7, p.194,195 

THE RESPONSE  

My Father in heaven, I begin my day opening Your word and asking for a purified heart so You may effectively use me. Strengthen my hands and the hands of those I work with. As I meet with my group of workers, strengthen and enlighten us by Your Spirit. May our personal testimonies be a blessing to every heart. Draw us together as we seek Your blessings and let the working of Your Spirit be revealed in our voices, minds and character.