Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

— 2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV  

THE TESTIMONY  

Let every one examine himself, to see whether he be in the faith. Let the people of God repent and be converted, that their sins may be blotted out.

There must be entire conformity to the will of God. There must be less self measurement, and more, very much more, Christlike practice. There must be more earnest, persevering prayer. Prayer is acceptable only when offered in faith and in the name of the Redeemer. Our faith must grasp the glorious fact that God hears and answers the prayers of every sincere seeker. 

As the believer bows in supplication before God, and in humility and contrition offers his petition from unfeigned lips, keeping his eyes fixed steadily on the Mediator of the new covenant, he loses all thought of self. His mind is filled with the thought of what he must have in order to build up a Christlike character. He prays, “Lord, if I am to be a channel through which thy love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that thou hast promised.” He fastens his hold firmly on the promise, “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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” 

How quickly the sincere, fervent prayer is recognized and honored! How intensely interested the heavenly angels are! “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” With wonderful and ennobling grace the Lord sanctifies the humble petitioner, giving him power to perform the most difficult duties. 

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have pledged themselves to make God’s children more than conquerors through him that has loved them. The Lord is gracious and long-suffering, not willing that any should perish. 

— Review and Herald, January 27, 1903 

THE RESPONSE  

Earnestly pray in faith and in the name of the Redeemer, grasp the glorious fact that God hears and answers the prayers of every sincere seeker. 

Bow in supplication before God. In humility and contrition offer your petition keeping your eyes fixed steadily on the Mediator.

Pray, “Lord, if I am to be a channel through which Your love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that You have promised.” 

Fasten your hold firmly on the promise, “If any of you lack wisdom, ask of God who gives to all liberally with no reproach, and it shall be given you. But ask in faith with no wavering.”