Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

— 2 Corinthians 7:1, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY 

God and his cause should hold the first place in our regard; and in order that this may be so, we should observe regular seasons for prayer. The youth who would serve God, should go away by himself, seeking some retired place to pray, or, if he cannot do this, he should pray while he labors, coming often to the throne of grace, asking the Lord to breathe upon him the spirit of prayer, and teach him how to ask for the things that he needs. The child-like, humble spirit, the living faith that should animate the heart of the Christian, will lead him to make earnest supplication at a throne of mercy, and he will appreciate the intercession of Jesus, his advocate. 

Let the youth who would serve God remember that only one day at a time is his own. Let him begin his day as if it were the last day he should pass upon earth, and let him close it in earnest prayer that God will bless his efforts and influence. 

If you desire to have your mind directed heavenward, you might commit to memory texts or portions of the Scriptures, and thus train your mind to dwell upon things that are pure and lovely. The heart that is stored with the precious truths of God’s word, is fortified against the temptation of Satan, against impure thoughts and unholy actions. It is essential that we search the Scriptures for ourselves; for we want to understand what is truth. The youth should read the Bible thoughtfully and prayerfully, and to some purpose, earnestly desiring to understand the sacred instruction of Christ. Whoever comes to the Bible with such a spirit, will receive the pure light of truth, full of inspiration; and the soft, subduing power of the Holy Spirit will cleanse and sanctify the heart of the honest seeker. The angels of God will be near to instruct him who is of a teachable spirit. Then read the precious utterances of God’s word slowly, patiently, reverently. 

Let Jesus cleanse and sanctify your heart. Confess your faults, and forsake them wholly and determinedly, believing the promise of God, and showing your faith by your works. 

— The Youth’s Instructor, July 28, 1892 

THE RESPONSE 

I come to the throne of grace, O Lord, asking You to breathe upon me the spirit of prayer. Teach me how to ask for the things that I need. I confess my faults, cleanse and sanctify my heart according to Your promise. Instruct me as I open Your word, bless my efforts and influence as I make Your sacred teaching the rule and guide of my life. I am grateful for the ministry of Jesus as my advocate at the throne of mercy!