Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE  

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

— Ephesians 1:18,19, NASB 

THE TESTIMONY  

Our Saviour prayed that the mind of his followers might be opened to understand the Scriptures. Whenever we study the Bible with a prayerful heart, the Holy Spirit is near to open to us the meaning of the words we read... The opening of God’s word is always followed by a remarkable opening and strengthening of man’s faculties; for the entrance of God’s words giveth light. By contemplation of great truths the mind is elevated, the affections purified and refined; for the Spirit of God through the truth of God quickens the lifeless spiritual faculties, and attracts the soul heavenward. 

Then take your Bible and present yourself before your Heavenly Father, saying, “Enlighten me; teach me what is truth.” The Lord will regard your prayer, and the Holy Spirit will impress the truth upon your soul. In searching the Scriptures for yourself, you will become established in the faith. It is of the greatest importance that you continually search the Scriptures, storing the mind with the word of God. 

We must study the truth for ourselves; no living man should be relied upon to think for us, no matter who he may be... We are to counsel together, and be subject one to another, but at the same time we are to exercise the ability God has given us to learn what is truth. Each one of us must look to God for divine enlightenment. 

We are living in the last days, when error of a most deceptive character is accepted and believed, while truth is discarded. Many are drifting into darkness... The importance and benefit of Bible study cannot be overestimated. In searching the Scriptures our minds are caused to dwell upon the infinite sacrifice of Christ, on his mediation in our behalf. As we see his love, as we meditate upon his humiliation and sufferings, the same spirit of self-denial and sacrifice for the good of others will be kindled in our hearts. As we behold Jesus by the eye of faith, we shall be “changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 

— Signs of the Times, February 6, 1893 

THE RESPONSE  

Study the Bible praying that your mind might be opened to understand the meaning of the words you read.

Take your Bible and present yourself before your Heavenly Father, saying, “Enlighten me; teach me what is truth.”

Ask for the Holy Spirit to impress the truth upon your soul. Search the Scriptures for yourself, storing the mind with the word of God. 

As you search the Scriptures, dwell upon the infinite sacrifice of Christ and see His love as you meditate upon His mediation in your behalf.