Prayer and Promises

The Promise  

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

— Matthew 6:6, NKJV 

The Testimony 

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. In the secret place of prayer, where no eye but God’s can see, no ear but His can hear, we may pour out our most hidden desires and longings to the Father of infinite pity; and in the hush and silence of the soul, that voice which never fails to answer the cry of human need, will speak to our hearts. 

By prayer man is braced for duty and prepared for trial. Morning and evening our earnest prayers should ascend to God for His blessing and guidance. True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence, and gains the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist temptation. And while engaged in our daily work, we should lift the soul to heaven in prayer. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. The silent, fervent prayer of the soul rises like holy incense to the throne of grace, and is as acceptable to God as if offered in the sanctuary. To all who thus seek Him, Christ is a present help in time of need. In the day of trial they will be brave and strong. 

Those who seek God in secret, telling the Lord their needs, and pleading for help, will not plead in vain. “Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” As we make Christ our daily companion, we shall feel that the powers of an unseen world are all around us; and by looking unto Jesus, we shall become assimilated to His image. By beholding, we shall become changed. The character is softened, refined, and ennobled for the heavenly kingdom. The sure result of our intercourse and fellowship with God will be to increase piety, purity, and fervor. There will be a growing intelligence in prayer. We are receiving a divine education, and this is illustrated in a life of diligence and zeal. 

We can no more live the Christian life without prayer than we can live the physical life without food. To grow in grace, we must ask and receive the bread of heaven. The strength gained by prayer gives a preparation for duty and fills the heart with peace. 

— Signs of the Times, January 29, 1902 

The Response 

Dear Lord, I kneel before Your throne of grace and praise You for the privilege of being shut in alone with You so I may totally open my heart. You are so good to listen to my most hidden desires and impart Your comforts and peace to my soul. I desire Your blessing and guidance today. Give me strength and courage for each trial of the day. I look to You seeking bread from heaven. Thank You for the fellowship of Your loving presence!