Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit — the Father will send Him in My name — will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

— John 14:26, HCSB 

THE TESTIMONY 

The Holy Spirit has been given us as an aid in the study of the Bible. 

When the Bible is made the study book, with earnest supplication for the Spirit’s guidance, and with a full surrender of the heart to be sanctified through the truth, all that Christ has promised will be accomplished. The result of such Bible study will be well-balanced minds.

You who have long lost the spirit of prayer, pray, pray earnestly, “Pity Thy suffering cause, pity the church, pity the individual believers, Thou Father of mercies. Take from us everything that defiles. Deny us what Thou wilt, but take not from us Thy Holy Spirit.” 

When you sanctify yourself through obedience to the word, the Holy Spirit will give you glimpses of heavenly things. When you seek God with humiliation and earnestness, the words which you have spoken in freezing accents will burn in your heart.

Tell your students that the Lord Jesus has made every provision that they should go onward, conquering and to conquer. Lead them to trust in the divine 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.” 

From God, the fountain of wisdom, proceeds all the knowledge that is of value to man, all that the intellect can grasp or retain. The fruit of the tree representing good and evil is not to be eagerly plucked because it is recommended by one who was once a bright angel in glory. He has said that if men eat thereof, they shall know good and evil; but let it alone. The true knowledge comes not from infidels or wicked men. The word of God is light and truth. 

From the Holy Spirit proceeds divine knowledge. He knows what humanity needs to promote peace, happiness, and restfulness here in this world, and to secure eternal rest in the kingdom of God.

— Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 1913, p.357-360

THE RESPONSE 

Study the Bible with earnest supplication for the Spirit’s guidance and with a full surrender of the heart to be sanctified through the truth.

Pray earnestly, “Pity Your suffering cause, pity the church, pity the individual believers, our Father of mercies. Take from us everything that defiles. Deny us what You will, but take not from us Your Holy Spirit.” 

Seek God with humiliation and earnestness for His word to burn within your heart.

Trust in the divine promise, “If any of you lack wisdom, ask God who gives to all men liberally, and with no reproach; and it shall be given him.”