Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Lord, who will not fear and glorify Your name? Because You alone are holy, for all the nations will come and worship before You because Your righteous acts have been revealed.

— Revelation 15:4, HCSB

THE TESTIMONY 

To the humble, believing soul, the house of God on earth is the gate of heaven. 

The song of praise, the prayer, the words spoken by Christ’s representatives, are God’s appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier worship into which there can enter nothing that defileth. 

If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls. 

If when the people come into the house of worship, they have genuine reverence for the Lord and bear in mind that they are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in silence... The mind should be prepared to hear the word of God. 

When the minister enters, it should be with dignified, solemn mien. He should bow down in silent prayer...and earnestly ask help of God... Every one of the congregation, also, who fears God should with bowed head unite in silent prayer with him that God may grace the meeting with His presence and give power to His truth proclaimed from human lips. 

The prayers of faithful worshipers will be heard, and the ministry of the word will prove effectual. 

When the word is spoken, you should remember, brethren, that you are listening to the voice of God through His delegated servant. Listen attentively. Sleep not for one instant.

When they enter the Lord’s house it should be with hearts that are softened and subdued by such thoughts as these: “God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and the holiest motives. I must have no pride, envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, or deception in my heart, for I am coming into the presence of the holy God. This is the place where God meets with and blesses His people...” 

— Testimonies to the Church, Volume 5, p.491-495 

THE RESPONSE 

Maintain the true spirit of devotion by silent meditation. 

Keep the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to your own heart and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls. 

Unite in silent prayer that God may grace the meeting with His presence and give power to His truth proclaimed from human lips. 

Enter the Lord’s house with thoughts such as: “I am coming into the presence of the holy God. This is the place where God meets with and blesses His people.”