Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

Command that they do good, that they be rich in good works, generous, willing to share, and laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life. 

— 1 Timothy 6:18,19, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY

Watch for opportunities to do good, and improve the talents God has given you, seeking grace daily that you may succeed in doing good. 

The principles of truth impressed upon the heart, line upon line, and precept upon precept, will produce right action. The Bible contains the searching maxims which God has given to guide men and women, youth and children, through the conflicts of this life to heaven. The prayer of Christ was, “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.” 

Those who are in pursuit of earthly riches are watching constantly and sharply their opportunities of gaining their desired object; and workers for Christ should be no less earnest in winning souls to him. They may be co-laborers with Christ if they, by imitating Christ’s example, do good to all brought within the sphere of their influence. 

We must have an increase of faith, else we cannot be renewed in the divine image, and love and obey the requirements of God. Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, “Lord, increase my faith; give me divine enlightenment, for without help from thee I can do nothing.” Come in humility and bow before God; open before the Lord your Bibles, containing the divine promises; take your position upon them; make a covenant with God that you will answer his requirements; tell him you will believe without any other evidence except the naked promise. This is not presumption; but unless you work with zeal, unless you are earnest and determined, Satan will obtain the advantage, and you will be left in unbelief and darkness. The words and promises of God are the only foundation of our faith. Take the word of God as truth, as a living, speaking voice to you, and obey faithfully every requirement. God is faithful who hath promised. 

Our blessings are limited by the weakness of our faith. God is not unwilling to bestow; he is a reservoir of power. We must cherish meekness and lowliness of heart. We may have rich evidences of his love and mercy daily in our self-denying efforts to do others good. 

— Sabbath-School Worker, April 1, 1886

THE RESPONSE

Pray, “Lord, increase my faith; give me divine enlightenment; for without help from You I can do nothing.”

In humility bow before God. Open before the Lord your Bible containing the divine promises; take your position on them; make a covenant with God that you will answer His requirements.

Tell Him you will believe without any other evidence except the naked promise. 

Take the Word of God as truth. As a living, speaking voice to you, faithfully obey every requirement.