Prayer and Promises

The promise 

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

— 1 Timothy 2:1,3,4, CSB 

The testimony 

The earnest, persevering prayer of the righteous avails much. It is our duty to ask God for the very facilities that we need to lift the standard of truth in all parts of the world. It is not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit, saith the Lord, that the light of the knowledge of the truth for this time shall shine forth as a lamp that burneth. Prayerless zeal will not enable us to make the right kind of headway. The sincere, humble prayer of the true worshiper ascends to heaven, and Jesus mingles with our lowly petitions the holy incense of his own merit. Through his righteousness we are accepted. Christ makes our prayers wholly efficacious through the savor of his righteousness. 

Thank God that the world’s Redeemer promised that if he went away, he would send the Holy Spirit as his representative. Let us pray, and grasp the rich promises of God, and then praise God that in proportion to our earnest, humble supplications the Holy Spirit will be appointed to meet our needs. If we seek God with all our heart, we shall find him, and obtain the fulfillment of the promise. His grace will be given in large measure to those who will be active agents in imparting it to the world to convict the mind of truth, and to convert the soul to Christ. 

What does intercession comprehend?—It is the golden chain which binds finite man to the throne of the infinite God. The human agent whom Christ has died to save importunes the throne of God, and his petition is taken up by Jesus, who has purchased him with his own blood. Our great High Priest places his righteousness on the side of the sincere suppliant, and the prayer of Christ blends with that of the human petitioner. Christ has urged that his people pray without ceasing. This does not mean that we should always be upon our knees, but that prayer is to be as the breath of the soul. Our silent requests, wherever we may be, are to be ascending unto God, and Jesus, our Advocate, pleads in our behalf, bearing up with the incense of his righteousness our requests to the Father. 

— Sabbath-School Worker, February 1, 1896 

The response 

Earnestly ask God for the provisions you need to lift the standard of truth so that the light of truth for this time may shine forth as a burning lamp.

Thank God that the world’s Redeemer promised that He would send the Holy Spirit. Pray and grasp the rich promises of God.

Praise God that in proportion to your earnest, humble supplications the Holy Spirit will be appointed to meet your needs.

Seek God with all your heart and you shall obtain the fulfillment of the promise. His grace will be given in large measure that you may be an agent in imparting His grace to the world.