Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

For all the promises of God in Him are “Yes,” and in Him “Amen,” to the glory of God through us. 

— 2 Corinthians 1:20, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY 

We do not ask for enough of the good things God has promised. If we would reach up higher and expect more, our petitions would reveal the quickening influence that comes to every soul who asks with the full expectation of being heard and answered. The Lord is not glorified by the tame supplications which show that nothing is expected. He desires every one who believes, to approach the throne of grace with earnestness and assurance. Do we realize the magnitude of the work in which we are engaged? If we did, there would be more fervency in our prayers. Our entreaties would rise before God with convincing earnestness. We would plead for power as a hungry child pleads for bread. 

We are to urge our way into the very presence of God, into the Holy Place of the Most High. We are to plead for that which we most need,—the bread of life, the leaf from the tree of life. As Jacob wrestled with the angel, saying, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me,” so we are to wrestle in prayer until we prevail. We are to ask with an urgency that will not be turned away, that expects God to bestow His blessings with a liberality that is an assurance to all fear. 

This is the Word of the Lord, which is Yea and Amen. Then let your prayers be more fervent, more heavily weighted with faith and hope. Let the intensity of your desire be proportionate to the value of the object you wish to obtain. 

Have we reason to believe that an earnest application to the Source of all power for the deep moving of the Holy Spirit upon hearts will be crowned with success? Certainly; but before we talk to others in regard to this, let us first talk with God. Plead with Him as if your life was depending upon the gift you desire. Remember that the blessing is promised unconditionally, absolutely, certainly. If you ask in faith, presenting the name of God’s Son as your endorsement, your prayer will be heard and answered. God’s goodness makes this promise unchangeable. The infallibility of the promise is to inspire faith in the one who asks. “Ask, and ye shall receive.” 

— Signs of the Times, August 7, 1901 

THE Response 

Dear Father in heaven, forgive me for not reaching higher and expecting more of the good things You promised. The magnitude of Your work is great and I come to Your throne of grace asking for Your life-giving influence to fill my soul. By the power which only You can give, renew and raise me up that Your will may be done in my life. I ask this in the name of Your dear Son, who is able to do above and beyond all that I ask or think!