Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

So now, I pray, let the power of my Lord be great, just as You have spoken, saying, “The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression...”

— Numbers 14:17,18, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY 

Prayer has been made the means of obtaining blessings that would not otherwise be received. The patriarchs were men of prayer, and God did great things for them. 

Moses, who was much in prayer, was known as the meekest man on the face of the earth. For his meekness and humility he was honored of God... While leading the children of Israel through the wilderness, again and again it seemed that they must be exterminated on account of their murmuring and rebellion. But Moses went to the true Source of power; he laid the case before the Lord. He knew that Israel had provoked divine wrath, and were deserving of punishment; but he could not bear the thought of their being rejected of God. 

Moses pleaded the words of God with an earnestness and sincerity which mortals have never equaled: “And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is long-suffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty... Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” And the Lord said, “I have pardoned according to thy word.” 

Here is an example of intelligent prayer,—an appeal to the reason and the sympathy of Jehovah; and Moses’ prayer was answered, because God is reasonable and compassionate. The sorrows of his people touch his heart of love; and will he not hear our prevailing prayer? Will not our very urgency be regarded? His loving-kindness faileth not. As a kind Father...will he not avenge his own, who cry day and night unto him? 

The prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted—this is the prayer of faith. 

He who wrought wonderfully for his servants of old will listen to the prayer of faith and pardon our transgressions. He has promised, and he will fulfill his word. 

— Signs of the Times, August 14, 1884 

THE RESPONSE 

Go to the true Source of power and lay your case before the Lord. Plead the words of God with earnestness and sincerity. 

Pray intelligently by appealing to the reason and sympathy of Jehovah because He is a reasonable and compassionate God. 

Prevail in prayer for the sorrows of His people touch His heart of love. Your very urgency will be regarded, His loving-kindness does not fail. 

Pray in faith expressing the simple wants of your soul just as you would ask an earthly friend for a favor and expect it to be granted.