Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE  

Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God on the basis of faith. 

— Philippians 3:8,9, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY

All man’s attainments, all his capabilities, are to be laid at the foot of the cross of Calvary. His own righteousness is to be surrendered. Counting all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, with the meekness and humility of a little child, he is to receive the engrafted word, which is able to save the soul. 

True Christianity diffuses love through the whole being. It touches every vital part,—the brain, the heart, the helping hands, the feet,—enabling men to stand firmly where God requires them to stand, lest the lame be turned out of the way. The contemplation of him who loved us and gave himself for us, will make the life fragrant, and give power to perfect a Christian experience. 

We can, we can reveal the likeness of our divine Lord. We can know the science of spiritual life. We can glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits, which are his. Christ has shown us what we may accomplish through cooperation with him. “Abide in me,” he says, “and I in you.” This union is deeper, stronger, truer, than any other. The heart must be filled with the grace of Christ. His will must control us, moving us, by his love, to suffer with those who suffer, to rejoice with those who rejoice, to feel a deep tenderness for every soul in weakness, sorrow, or distress. 

Laborer for God, cease not to pray. If the answer tarry, wait for it. Lay all your plans at the feet of your Redeemer. Let importunate prayers ascend to God. If it be for his name’s glory, the words will be spoken, Be it unto thee according to thy word. 

“All things, whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” These words are a pledge that all that an omnipotent Saviour can bestow will be given to those who trust in him.

As stewards of the grace of heaven, we are to ask in faith, and then wait trustingly for the salvation of God. We are not to step in before him, trying in our own strength to bring about that which we desire. In his name we are to ask, and then act as if we believed in his efficiency to send the answer.

— Review and Herald, April 4, 1912

THE RESPONSE    

Lay all your capabilities at the foot of the cross of Calvary. Surrender your own righteousness and receive the implanted word, which is able to save your soul. 

Contemplate Him who loves you. Feel a deep tenderness for every soul in weakness, sorrow, or distress.

Cease not to pray. If the answer tarry, wait for it. Lay all your plans at the feet of your Redeemer.

Ask in Christ’s name and then act as if you believed in His efficiency to send the answer. Do not step in before God trying in your own strength to bring about what you desire.