Prayer and Promises

The promise 

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

— Colossians 3:1,2, CSB 

The testimony 

The exhortation is given, “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” How is it possible that we may grow in grace? It is possible to us only as we empty our hearts of self, and present them to heaven, to be moulded after the divine Pattern. We may have a connection with the living Channel of Light. 

We are to commune with God through the agency of the Holy Spirit; and when we pray, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities. The plow-share of truth must go deep. We are full of self, satisfied with our condition... We must fall on the Rock and be broken, and then the Spirit of God will take possession of us, and mould us after the divine Pattern. 

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” You are to set your affections upon God... Religion means the making of a daily consecration of yourself to God; it means meekness and lowliness of heart; it means to take everything that comes to you as a blessing, to let praise flow back to God. The Lord says, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me.” As we praise God, the soul becomes strong in spiritual power. 

At morning, noon, and night we should meditate upon the goodness and love of God, that we may know God; for this is life eternal. The Father has given the best gift, the greatest treasure of heaven, to us, and we are of value to God, and should render praise to him. 

We are to consecrate ourselves to God, to help others, to surround ourselves with a fragrant atmosphere. Our words are to be cheerful and kind; we are to come heart to heart as members of the family of Christ. We are to be one, as Christ is one with the Father. Let us seek for this oneness, and by and by we shall see him as he is, and enjoy his presence through the ceaseless ages of eternity. 

Let us come to the throne of infinite love, and there wait and watch to see the fulfillment of the promises of God. Make your appeal to heaven, knowing that what God hath said he will do, and will make his light shine through you to others. You may not know that you are giving light to others, but God will know it. 

— Signs of the Times, January 16, 1893 

The response 

Grow in grace by connecting to the living Channel of Light. Empty your heart of self and present it to heaven to be molded after the divine Pattern. 

Offer praise and glorify God to become strong in spiritual power. Take everything that comes to you as a blessing and let praise flow back to God.

Meditate on the goodness and love of God morning, noon and night that you may know God. 

Make your appeal to heaven knowing that what God said He will do. Come to the throne of infinite love and wait there to see the fulfillment of the promises of God.