Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
— Ephesians 6:17,18, HCSB 

THE TESTIMONY 

The injunction of the Saviour is, “Pray without ceasing.” The heart is to be continually going out in desire for the presence and grace of Jesus, that the soul may have divine enlightenment and heavenly wisdom. 

The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God’s people, and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things. Brethren, we should pray in all places, and under all circumstances. Our petitions may be only broken [utterances], or they may be but secret thoughts of the heart, but whatever we have opportunity for, let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of his heavenly atmosphere. Let the spirit groan after God, and mingle faith with fervent desire. We should encourage gratitude and praise, and always be found warring against every unholy impulse, crushing out of the soul every unclean lust. 

We are to pray in the Spirit, with the understanding also, and God will prompt the longings of the soul, and satisfy the desires of the heart. We must become intelligent as to the conditions upon which God will hear and answer prayer. There are many useless, meaningless words employed in prayer, but these heartless petitions are not acceptable, and cannot prevail with God. 

Says the prophet Isaiah: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” 

The Lord is under no obligation to grant us his favors, yet he has pledged his word that if we will comply with the conditions stated in the Scriptures, he will fulfill his part of the contract. Men often make promises, but do not live up to them. Often we have found that in trusting to men we have leaned upon broken reeds; but the Lord will never disappoint the soul that believes in him. “The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee...” 

— Signs of the Times, December 16, 1889  

THE RESPONSE 

Pray in all places and under all circumstances. Your petitions may be only your secret thoughts, but let your spirit groan after God and mingle faith with fervent desire.

Whenever you have the opportunity, let your soul be drawn out and upward asking God to grant you a breath of His heavenly atmosphere.

Encourage gratitude and praise when warring against unholy impulse and crush out of the soul every unclean lust. 

Claim His pledged word and comply with the conditions stated in the Scriptures, believe that God will fulfill His part of the contract.