Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

That He would give you, according to the riches of His glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may...know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

— Ephesians 3:16-19, MEV 

The Testimony 

Let us dwell upon this wonderful prayer, recorded [in Ephesians 3:14-20] that we may understand what heights of attainment we may reach, through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill his requirements. Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of infinite power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” The Father gave the Spirit without measure to his Son, and we also may partake of its fullness. Jesus says, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” 

How marvelous that humanity, an earthen vessel, can receive the treasure of the light and power of God; can be filled with the fullness of his grace! Jesus was anointed “with the Holy Ghost and with power,” and he “went about doing good.” This is the result of receiving the anointing of Heaven. If you are filled with the Holy Spirit you will work the works of Christ, you will seek the salvation of those around you, and “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” 

Before his ascension, Jesus had promised the disciples that the Comforter should come... The baptism of the Holy Spirit was essential for the success of the ministry in the early gospel age; but it is no less necessary in this age when “darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people.” And the Lord has promised the same quickening spiritual power to his servants in these days. 

You must come closer to Jesus. There is a great work to be done in the world, and your influence is as far-reaching as eternity. You must be rooted and grounded in the truth. If Christ, the hope of glory, is in you, the light of Heaven will shine from you into the moral darkness of the world, and souls will be guided to the light of life. You will be a chosen vessel, through which God will make manifest the riches of his saving power. 

— Signs of the Times, February 24, 1888 

The Response 

Dear Lord, to You belongs all glory and power. You did not spare Your own Son, but delivered Him up for me. Strengthen me by Your Spirit, go deep within my heart that I may be rooted and grounded in Your love and filled with all Your fullness. Anoint me with Your Holy Spirit that I may work the works of Christ and be successful in ministry for Him. Let Your light shine through me that souls may become grounded in the truth and guided to the light of life.