Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

— Matthew 28:18,20, NLT 

The Testimony 

A great work is to be done, and this work has been entrusted to those who know the truth. They should make mighty intercession with God for help now. The love of Christ must be diffused in their own hearts. The Spirit of Christ must be poured out upon them, and they must be making ready to stand in the judgment. While they are consecrating themselves to God, a convincing power will attend their efforts to present the truth to others, and its light will find access to many hearts. We must sleep no longer on Satan’s enchanted ground, but call into requisition all our resources, and avail ourselves of every facility with which Providence has furnished us. The last warning is to be proclaimed “before many people, and nations, and tongues, and kings;” and the promise is given, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” 

Through fraud and falsehood Satan is now using those who claim to be Christians to divorce the world from God’s mercy. They are working in blindness. They do not see that if a Protestant government sacrifices the principles that have made them a free, independent nation, and through legislation brings into the Constitution, principles that will propagate papal falsehood and papal delusion, they are plunging into the Roman horrors of the Dark Ages. But this need not be, just at this point of time, if the church is aroused to her duty and her work. A vast responsibility is devolving upon men and women of prayer throughout the land, to petition that God may sweep back this cloud of evil, and give a few more years of grace to work for the Master. 

The time will come when we shall be brought before councils, and every position of truth which we hold will be severely criticized. The time that we are now allowing to go to waste should be devoted to the charge God has given us, of preparing for the approaching crisis. Much time should be spent in prayer, that our garments of character may be washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. 

We should especially seek God for grace and power to be given his people now. 

— The Review and Herald, December 11, 1888 

The Response 

Dear Lord, You are so good that I may come before You and ask for help. I consecrate my life to You. Diffuse Your love into my heart and pour out the Spirit of Christ upon me. 

May Your convincing power attend my efforts to present the truth to others that it’s light will find access to many hearts. Thank You for the promise that You are with me always, even to the end of the world. May Your grace and power to be given to Your people now.