Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

— Hebrews 3:13,14, NLT  

THE TESTIMONY 

The spirit of reformation must be kindled among us... We entreat those who have a connection with God to pray earnestly and in faith, and not to stop here, but to work as well as pray, for the purification of the church. The present time calls for men and women who have a moral fixedness of purpose. 

No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole soul is in the work, and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Whoever makes any reserve, whoever refuses to give all that he has, cannot be the disciple of Christ; much less can he be his co-laborer. The consecration must be complete. 

Meditation should be encouraged. We should view ourselves as ever in the presence of God, whose eye searches the soul and reads the most secret thoughts... Those who seek by earnest study of God’s word and fervent prayer the guidance of his Spirit, will be led by him... The reason why there is so much transgression is that little time is devoted to meditation and prayer. 

How earnestly should we begin the work of reformation... More earnest efforts should be put forth to form habits of devotion, of studying the Scriptures, of strict integrity. This will require deliberate purpose, and persistent effort; for the natural heart is opposed to such an education. These habits must be acquired by performing Christian duties with faithfulness and regularity. Make it a habit to attend the prayer-meeting, to be willing and earnest in doing good to others. Let it become a habit to engage in profitable conversation, instead of indulging in idle talk upon temporal concerns, upon dress, or upon the faults of others. “Our conversation is in Heaven,” says the apostle, “from whence also we look for the Saviour.” 

True conversion of soul is essential; theoretical religion will not take the place of heart-work. We all need to connect more closely with God, and then we may teach others the art of believing. The true, humble, earnest Christian will be receiving the mold of a perfect character, and his heart will ever be conforming to the image of Christ. His life will flow out in channels of beneficence and love. 

— The Review and Herald, June 3, 1880 

THE RESPONSE 

Pray earnestly and in faith, and work as well as pray for the purification of the church.

Devote time to meditation and prayer. Seek the guidance of His Spirit by earnest study of God’s word and fervent prayer. 

Earnestly begin the work of reformation. Put forth earnest effort to form habits of devotion, of studying the Scriptures, of strict integrity.

Make it a habit to attend the prayer-meeting and to be willing and earnest in doing good to others.