Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever. For Your lovingkindness toward me is great, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

— Psalm 86:12,13, NASB 

THE TESTIMONY 

Should we not oftener render thanksgiving to the Giver of all our blessings? We need to cultivate gratitude. We should frequently contemplate and recount the mercies of God, and laud and glorify his holy name, even when we are passing through sorrow and affliction. 

We must ask for God’s blessing if we would receive it. Prayer is a duty and a necessity; but do we not neglect praise? 

The Lord’s merciful kindness is great toward us. He will never leave nor forsake those who trust in him. 

If we would think and talk less of our trials, and more of the mercy and goodness of God, we would find ourselves raised above much of our gloom and perplexity. 

My brethren and sisters, you who feel that you are entering upon a dark path... let us make trial of cheerful song. You may say, How can I sing, with this dark prospect before me, with this burden of sorrow and bereavement upon my soul? But have earthly sorrows deprived us of the all-powerful Friend we have in Jesus? 

Should not the marvelous love of God in the gift of his dear Son be a theme of continual rejoicing? When we bring our petitions to the throne of grace, let us not forget to offer also anthems of thanksgiving. “Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth God.” As long as our Saviour lives, we have cause for unceasing gratitude and praise. 

— The Review and Herald, November 1, 1881 

THE RESPONSE 

Return thanksgiving to the Giver of all your blessings. Ask God for His blessings. 

Frequently contemplate and recount the mercies of God, glorify His holy name. 

Think and talk less of your trials and more of the mercy and goodness of God. 

Bring your petitions to the throne of grace, do not forget to offer anthems of thanksgiving.