Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He would give you, according to the riches of His glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

— Ephesians 3:14,16,19, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY 

It is our safety, our joy, to dwell upon the truths of the plan of salvation. Faith and prayer are necessary in order that we may behold the deep things of God. 

Paul opens before the Ephesian church, in the most comprehensive language, the marvelous power and knowledge they might possess as sons and daughters of the Most High. It was theirs “to be strengthened with all might by his Spirit in the inner man,” to be “rooted and grounded in love,”... But the prayer of the apostle reaches the climax of privilege when he prays that “ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” 

Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our Heavenly Father, when we fulfill his requirements. Through the merits of Christ, we have access to the throne of infinite power. 

The heart that has once tasted of the love of Christ, cries out continually for a deeper draft; and as you impart, you will receive in richer and more abundant measure. Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love. The continual cry of the heart is, More of thee, and ever the Spirit’s answer is, Much more; for our God delights to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” To Jesus, who emptied himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy Spirit was given without measure. So it will be given to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is surrendered for his indwelling. Our Lord himself has given the command, “Be filled with the Spirit,” and this command is also a promise of its fulfillment. 

The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and he longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure. Compassion beamed from his countenance, and his conduct was characterized by grace and humility, love and truth. Every member of his church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant. 

To all who are willing for self to be humbled are given God’s promises: “I will make all my goodness pass before thee...” “Call upon me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” 

— Review and Herald, November 5, 1908 

THE RESPONSE 

Dwell upon the truths of the plan of salvation. Behold the deep things of God through faith and prayer. 

Cry out continually for a deeper draft of the love of Christ. Impart this love and receive a richer and more abundant measure.

Surrender your whole heart for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Claim the promise of the command to “be filled with the Spirit.” 

Be willing to humble self. Claim God’s promise, “Call upon Me, I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know.”