Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE  

As newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow, if it is true that you have experienced that the Lord is good.

— 1 Peter 2:2,3, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY  

Prayer,—oh, how is this precious privilege neglected! The reading of the word of God prepares the mind for prayer.

One great reason that you have so little disposition to pray is that you have unfitted yourselves for this sacred duty by reading fascinating stories, which have excited the imagination and aroused unholy passions. The word of God becomes distasteful; the hour of prayer is forgotten. And yet to have the consciousness that the eyes of the Lord are upon us, and his ears open to our prayers, is a satisfaction indeed. To know that we have a never-failing Friend in whom we can confide all the secrets of the soul, is a privilege which words can never express. 

Perhaps some will inquire how they are to know that they are accepted of God. The answer is, Study his word prayerfully. Lay it not aside for any other book... Since you are to stand or fall by the word of God, it is to that word you must look for the testimony in your case. There you can see what is required in order to become a Christian. Compare your life with that of your Master, who made so great a sacrifice that you might be saved. Do not neglect secret prayer. Plead as earnestly as you would if your mortal life were at stake. Remain before God until unutterable longings for salvation are begotten within you, and the sweet evidence is obtained of pardoned sin. 

Those who have themselves tasted the sweets of redeeming love will not, cannot rest, until all with whom they associate are made acquainted with the plan of salvation. You should inquire, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? How can I honor and glorify thy name upon the earth?” Souls are perishing all around us; what are you doing to win them to Christ? Oh, that you would use your powers of mind in seeking to so approach sinners that you may win even one soul to the path of righteousness! What a thought! One soul to praise God through eternity! One soul to enjoy happiness and everlasting life! One gem in your crown to shine forever and ever! 

— Signs of the Times, May 1, 1884

THE RESPONSE  

Read the word of God to prepare your mind for prayer.  Confide all your secrets of the soul to your never-failing Friend. 

Study his word prayerfully. Lay it not aside for any other book. Stand by the word of God,

Do not neglect secret prayer. Plead as earnestly as you would if your mortal life were at stake. Remain before God until the sweet evidence is obtained of pardoned sin. 

Inquire, “Lord, what will You have me to do? How can I honor and glorify Your name upon the earth?”