Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

— Hebrews 4:16, NASB 

THE TESTIMONY 

Jesus promised a special blessing on united prayer. After his death, the disciples often prayed together in the place where they assembled for worship; they also resorted to the temple at the hour of prayer. Paul exhorted the Ephesians to pray “always with all prayer.” 

Oh that we could impress on the minds of all the great willingness of God to help and strengthen every one who looks to him in trusting prayer... consolation will be given to those who seek for it; the importunate soul will know him as the One who hears and answers prayer, the One who “comforteth those that are cast down.”  

After we have offered our petitions, we are to answer them ourselves as far as possible, and not wait for God to do for us what we can do for ourselves. The help of God is held in reserve for all who demand it. Divine help is to be combined with human effort, aspiration, and energy. But we cannot reach the battlements of Heaven without climbing for ourselves. 

As thus step by step we ascend the shining ladder that leads to the city of God, oh how many times we shall be discouraged, and come to weep at the feet of Jesus over our failures and our defeats. In our efforts to follow the copy set us by our Lord, we shall make crooked lines, and leave many a page blotted and blistered by our tears of repentance. Yet let us not cease our efforts. Heaven can be attained by every one of us if we will strive lawfully, doing the will of Jesus and growing into his image. Temporary failure should make us lean more heavily on Christ, and we should press on with brave-heart, determined will, and unfaltering purpose. 

We should be continually loosening our hold upon earth, and fastening it upon Heaven. Soon we must render an account to God for all the deeds done in the body... Let us, then, realize our great need of Christ and our dependence upon him; and let us thank God that help has been laid upon One who is mighty to save. 

— Signs of the Times, August 14, 1884 

THE RESPONSE 

Pray together in the place where you assemble for worship; pray “always with all prayer.” 

Know God as the One who hears and answers prayer, the One who “comforts those that are cast down.”

You shall often be discouraged and have to weep at the feet of Jesus over your failures and defeats. Lean more heavily on Christ and press on with a brave heart.

Realize your great need and dependence on Christ. Thank God that help has been laid upon One who is mighty to save.