Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

— John 16:24, HCSB

THE TESTIMONY 

God will be to us all that we let Him be. But we must believe that we shall receive of Him the things He has promised. Languid, half-hearted, faithless prayers will bring no returns from heaven. We need to press our petitions to the throne of grace, asking in faith, waiting in faith, receiving in faith, rejoicing in hope; for every one that asketh receiveth. 

Be in earnest in this matter. Seek God with all the heart. Men put earnestness and energy into temporal business. They know that if they do not, their efforts will not be crowned with success. With intense earnestness learn the science of seeking for the rich blessings promised in God’s Word. 

Christ is our example. His life was a life of prayer. Yes, Christ, the Son of God, equal with the Father, Himself all-sufficient, the storehouse of all blessings, He whose voice could rebuke disease, still the tempest, and call the dead to life, prayed with strong crying and many tears... the Beloved of God prayed for sinners. Then He came forth to minister to them, His tongue touched anew with living fire. 

Christ was the representative of the race. As our example He prayed to the Father for strength and grace... By communion with God He was invigorated and refreshed for His work of helping those who were in need. Braced for duty and prepared for toil by intercession with the Father, He went forth to encourage and bless others. Those who are indeed friends of Christ will often commune with Him, having implicit faith that He will answer all the prayers offered in His name. 

“Every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth.” This is a law of the divine government, a law sure and unfailing, establishing a connection between human and divine agencies. O, what a world of promises we have in the Word of God! To all who seek Him at the footstool of mercy Christ gives power to witness for Him. He has placed Himself under obligation never to disappoint a true seeker for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.   

— Signs of the Times, September 5, 1900 

THE RESPONSE 

Believe that you will receive from God the things He has promised. Press your petitions to the throne of grace.

Ask in faith, wait in faith, receive in faith, rejoice in the hope of receiving. 

Seek God with all the heart. With intense earnestness learn the science of seeking for the rich blessings promised in God’s Word. 

Be prepared for toil by intercession with the Father having implicit faith that He will answer all the prayers offered in His name.