Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT 

THE TESTIMONY 

In order to have the proper control of our children, we must manifest a spirit of gentleness and of meekness, and of long-suffering. We do not want to have a fault finding, fretful, scolding spirit. If we teach them to have a spirit of gentleness, we must have a spirit of gentleness ourselves... and if we would have them manifest a spirit of love toward us, we must manifest a gentle, loving spirit toward them. 

But at the same time there need be no weakness or unwise indulgence on the part of parents. The mother must have firmness and decision. She must be as firm as a rock, and not swerve from the right. Her laws and rules should be carried out at all times and under all hazards; but she can do this with all gentleness and meekness. She should not be bitter and accusing; that only causes a spirit of opposition. 

We are to believe in God and his promises, and in his power to help and save us. We must believe him; for he is well able and more than willing to help us in time of trouble, to comfort us in times of affliction and distress, and to deliver us out of all our trials and difficulties. Troubles and difficulties will come, and we must confide in God. If our children do not do as we wish them, what course are we going to take in the matter?… We must come before God with them in our prayers. We must present them before the throne of God, and say, Lord, here are the children thou hast given me, and I cannot rest day nor night till thou hast brought them into the ark. I cannot enjoy it to be in the ark unless my children are there also. 

Are you coming to the throne of grace, pleading and agonizing with God for his mercy and blessing upon your household? Do you plead with your children to come to Christ, and then go where there is no eye to see and no ear to hear, and there pour out your petitions before God for them? 

We want the living faith that will grasp the strong arm of Jehovah. Christ said: “Ask, and it shall be given you…” Here is the promise. Where is the faith to grasp the promise of God, and never give up until every child is gathered into the ark? 

We all need the graces of the Spirit of God in the heart. God help us to seek for this. 

— The Review and Herald, December 21, 1886 

THE RESPONSE 

My Father in heaven, I present my family before You. Forgive me for a fretful, scolding spirit. Cleanse me and help me be firm with a gentle, loving spirit. I present the children You have given me before the throne of grace, bring all my children into the ark. With living faith I grasp Your promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” I pray for Your mercy and blessing on my family, fill our hearts with the graces of Your Spirit.