Prayer and Promises

And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. — Mark 6:34, NKJV  

Jesus Christ has taken the position of one who came to seek and to save that which is lost, and he has exalted the world inasmuch as he died to redeem it, to bring back the one lost sheep to the fold. Jesus has given his precious life, his personal attention, to the least of God’s little ones; and angels that excel in strength encamp round about them that fear God. Then let us be upon our guard, and never permit one contemptuous thought to occupy the mind in regard to one of the little ones of God. We should look after the erring with solicitude, and speak encouraging words to the fallen, and fear lest by some unwise action we shall turn them away from the pitying Saviour. 

When heavenly intelligences see those who claim to be the sons and daughters of God putting forth Christlike efforts to help the erring, manifesting a tender, sympathetic spirit for the repentant and the fallen, angels press close to them, and bring to their remembrance the very words that will soothe and uplift the soul.  

Encourage your heart to put forth earnest endeavors to induce perishing souls to fix their eyes upon Him who was uplifted upon the cross; and remember that as you do this, unseen angels are flashing the light of truth into the mind, and impressing it upon the heart, and leading the soul to believe in Jesus. The sinner is enabled to see Jesus as he is,—full of compassion, pity, and love. 

The worker must be much in secret prayer; for this work requires great wisdom in the science of saving souls. 

When two or three are met together to unite their counsel, and to send up their petitions, the promise is for them: “Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”… Those who meet together for prayer will receive an unction from the Holy One. There is great need of secret prayer, but there is also need that several Christians meet together, and unite with earnestness their petitions to God. In these small companies Jesus is present, the love of souls is deepened in the heart, and the Spirit puts forth its mighty energies, that human agents may be exercised in regard to saving those who are lost. 

— The Review and Herald, June 30, 1896 

My dear Savior, You came to seek and save those who are lost, and I am grateful for the compassion, pity and love that You have shown to me. I pray for the mighty energies of the Spirit to give me a tender, sympathetic spirit and a deeper love for souls. Help me speak soothing and uplifting words to those who are struggling. I claim Your promise to ask and it shall be given me to unite with heaven in looking after the erring.