Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

And whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life — a ransom for many.
— Matthew 20:27,28, HCSB

THE TESTIMONY

Today let your light shine for Christ, even in the performance of little duties. Tomorrow again present yourself to Jesus as one ready to do any work, be it ever so humble. The faithful performance of today’s duties will prepare you to take hold of tomorrow’s work with fresh courage, saying, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped me.” Ever stand as minute men before God. Let the prayer of your heart be, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Imbue me with Thy Spirit; strengthen me for Thy Work.” 

Much prayer is necessary to successful effort. Prayer brings power… Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work. 

These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. 

The Christian worker must study the Word of God… The life of God, that gives life to the world, is in His word. It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons. And by His word He stilled the sea and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His word was with power. 

As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the Word of God. And every soul is to receive life from God’s Word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the Word for ourselves. Yes, the Word of God is the bread of life. Those who receive and assimilate this Word, making it a part of every action, of every attribute of character, will grow strong in the strength of God. 

— Signs of the Times, February 3, 1904 

THE RESPONSE

Dear Lord, I present myself as one ready to do Your work. What will You have me to do? I need the uplifting of Your Spirit, O Lord, imbue me with Your Spirit and strengthen me for Your work. You have always been there to help me and I am grateful for the power You give through Your word to nourish my spiritual life so that I may grow strong in Your strength.