Prayer and Promises

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. — Hebrews 7:25, NKJV 

Jesus, precious Redeemer!… He is a tried friend, a friend in need. Our necessities touch His great heart of love. The argument that we may plead now and ever is our great need, our utterly hopeless state, that makes Him and His redeeming power a necessity. When we confidingly take His proffered hand, and walk where He leads the way, He will lead us into the light; He will guide us into all truth, and will clothe our lives with the beauty of holiness. But the holiness He is prepared to give us is not an exaltation of self, a Pharisaical self-righteousness; it is a principle in the heart that leads to a life of loving, trusting obedience. 

He is bending over the purchase of His blood, asking with inexpressible tenderness, pity, and love, “Wilt thou be made whole?” He invites, “Come unto me, and be saved. I have borne thy iniquities; by the stripes laid on Me, thou mayest be healed.” He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. But we must empty our hearts of iniquity. He will never reveal Himself to us as a sin-pardoning Saviour until we feel that without Him we are hopelessly lost, that to live in sin is misery, despair, and death. 

We must have increased faith. We must pray with our heart in our petitions, believing that God hears, and answers even while we pray.  Put away sin; bruise Satan under your feet. Leave your weakness behind you, and, strong in the grace of Christ, press on to victory. 

You may present yourselves before God in all your helplessness and great need; you may give yourself to him without reserve, but obtain no relief because you do not take as well as give. You surrender to Jesus, but do not believe that he receives you. Come to our dear Saviour as a child would come to a parent. Do not talk of your feelings nor preach the Lord a sermon; do not allow your thoughts even to wander; but come right to the point, asking for what you need in the simplicity of faith, and pleading the promises in the word of God.

— The Review and Herald, May 27, 1884  

O my Lord, I need You and come to You in all my helplessness. I long to be made whole. By faith I claim Your promise to save to the uttermost those who come to You, I trust You and surrender myself into Your keeping with no reserves. Lead me into Your light, guide me into Your truth. By Your grace, I will follow You in loving, trusting obedience.