Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Command that they do good, that they be rich in good works, generous, willing to share, and laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.

— 1 Timothy 6:18,19, MEV 

The Testimony 

The Saviour has bidden us, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

A great responsibility rests upon those who profess the truth, to guard their means from flowing into channels that will not bring glory to God. How much has been thoughtlessly wasted by our youth in America, spent for display, for things which they would have been just as happy without! Every dollar we possess is the Lord’s. Instead of spending means in self-indulgence, we should invest it in answering the calls of missionary work.

As new fields are opened, these calls are constantly increasing. A deep longing is now taking possession of souls, a longing for something which they have not. They call for light, for help, for the opening of the Scriptures. To meet these calls we must have means. 

There must be a spiritual awakening. They must have a personal interest, a burden of soul to watch and pray for the success of the work. Let every one who gives of his means, also send up his prayers daily that it may bring souls to the foot of the cross. And in every church, once a week at least, let there be a season set apart for praying for this work. Let all be united, not mingling in their petitions other wants, such as blessings for the sick and needy, but having a specific object for their faith and entreaties. Brethren, move high heaven by your prayers for God to work with the efforts of his servants. The Lord has agencies which he will put in operation in answer to the importunate prayers of faith. He will fulfill his word, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” 

We need to cry to God as did Jacob, for a greater baptism of the Holy Spirit. The time for labor is short. Let there be much praying. Let the soul yearn after God. Let the secret places of prayer be often visited. Let there be a taking hold of the strength of the mighty God of Israel. 

— The Review and Herald, October 12, 1886 

The Response 

Take a personal interest and pray for the success of missionary work. As you give of your means, pray daily that it may bring souls to the foot of the cross.

At least once a week in your church set apart time to pray for missionary work. Be united making the work a specific object for your faith and entreaties. 

Move high heaven by your prayers for God to work with the efforts of his servants. Claim the promise, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” 

Cry to God as did Jacob for a greater baptism of the Holy Spirit. Let there be much praying and taking hold of the strength of the mighty God of Israel.