Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever. Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.” Then all the people said, “Amen,” and “Praise the Lord.”

— 1 Chronicles 16:34,36, MEV 

The Testimony 

If the loving-kindness of God called forth more thanksgiving and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of God and have more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear your prayers, change your present order and mingle praise with your petitions. When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that He will consider your wants.

Pray, pray earnestly and without ceasing, but do not forget to praise. It becomes every child of God to vindicate His character. You can magnify the Lord; you can show the power of sustaining grace. 

Praise the Lord in the congregation of His people. When the word of the Lord was spoken to the Hebrews anciently, the command was: “And let all the people say, Amen.”... This fervent response was an evidence that they understood the word spoken and joined in the worship of God. 

There is too much formality in our religious services. The Lord would have His ministers who preach the word energized by His Holy Spirit; and the people who hear should not sit in drowsy indifference, or stare vacantly about, making no responses to what is said. The impression that is thus given to the unbeliever is anything but favorable for the religion of Christ. These dull, careless professed Christians are not destitute of ambition and zeal when engaged in worldly business; but things of eternal importance do not move them deeply... The spirit of the world has paralyzed them. The truths of God’s word are spoken to leaden ears and hard, unimpressible hearts. There should be wide-awake, active churches to encourage and uphold the ministers of Christ and to aid them in the work of saving souls. Where the church is walking in the light, there will ever be cheerful, hearty responses and words of joyful praise. 

All heaven unite in praising God. Let us learn the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their shining ranks. Let us say with the psalmist: “While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” 

— Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, p.317,318 

The Response 

I give thanks to You, O Lord, for You are good and Your mercy endures forever! Energize me with Your Holy Spirit that I may reflect on Your goodness and abound in Your love. Wake up Your people that we may unite with all heaven in praising You for the power of Your sustaining grace. Help us walk unitedly in Your light that we may respond in joyful praise for Your great love and divine compassion!