Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

— Matthew 28:18-20, HCSB

The Testimony 

In the words of the Saviour, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,” the work of the followers of Christ in every age was outlined. There is a promise for us in His assurance. “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.”... If we do our work faithfully, the Lord will complete His part of the contract, fulfilling the promise of His presence, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Let us not allow our faith to waver, but putting our dependence in God, let us teach all things whatsoever He has commanded. Day by day we need to receive divine instruction. I pray that every laborer may ask, and believe, and receive, the promise, “Lo, I am with you.” 

Plain, sensible, intelligent discourses should be preached to the churches, that will show the need of seeking the Lord in prayer, and of opening the heart to the Light of life, and that will lead church-members to engage in humble work for God. To every man God has given a work; to each worker who engages in service for Him, He gives a part to act in communicating light and truth. 

Receiving that light from the Source of all light, they are to reflect that light to others. But this can be done only as the church draws near to God and lives in close connection with the Giver of life and light. The purity and simplicity of Christ, revealed in the lives of His humble followers, will witness to the possession of genuine piety. 

No words of censure or blame will fall from your lips for those who are your fellow-workers, because you are being taught of God, and are learning to speak the words of Christ. Your earnest prayers for pardon for your own defects, and for the blessing of God upon your efforts, will show that your lips have been converted. And this will touch the cold hearts of unbelievers. 

When the grace of Christ is expressed in the words and works of the believers, light will shine forth to those who are in darkness; for while the lips are speaking to the praise of God, the hand will be stretched out in beneficence for the help of the perishing. 

— Jehovah Is Our King, p.7-11

The Response 

Day by day receive divine instruction and put your dependence in God. Ask, and believe, and receive the promise, “Lo, I am with you.” 

Seek the Lord in prayer and open your heart to the Light of life as you engage in the humble work of communicating light and truth. 

Draw near to God. Receive light from the Source of all light and reflect that light to others.

Earnestly pray for pardon of your own defects. Pray for the blessing of God on your efforts and that your lips will be converted to touch the hearts of unbelievers.