Prayer and Promises

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ,…that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. — Colossians 4:2-4, NASB

As a people, we have received great light. This light the Lord has entrusted to us for the benefit and blessing of the world. To us has been given the ministry of reconciliation. With power from on high we are to beseech men to be reconciled to God. We are encouraged to pray for success, and we are given the divine assurance that our prayers will be heard and “if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” “Ask of Me, and I will answer your requests.” 

The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of God’s people are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another. 

No one lives to himself. In God’s work each one is assigned a post of duty. The union of all strengthens the work of each. As the faith and unity and love of the church grow stronger, their circle of influence enlarges. 

The prayers and offerings of God’s people will be combined with earnest, self-sacrificing effort. Men will be converted anew. The hand that once grasped for recompense in higher wages will become the helping hand of God. The believers will be united by one interest,—the desire to make centers of truth where God shall be exalted. Christ will join them together with holy bonds of union and love—bonds which have irresistible power. 

God calls upon His people, many of whom are but half awake, to arouse, and engage in earnest labor, praying for strength for service. Workers are needed. Receive the Holy Spirit, and your efforts will be successful. Christ’s presence is what gives power. Let all strife and dissension cease. Let love and unity prevail. Let God’s people move under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If they will give themselves wholly to Him, He will restore to them the strength they have lost by division. 

— The Central Advance, February 25, 1903 

Our Father in heaven, give us the ministry of reconciliation. We come united in prayer, O Lord, asking for Your Holy Spirit that we may be a benefit and blessing to others. Give us success and strength in service. Unite us together with holy bonds of union and love for one interest, that our church may be a center of truth where You are exulted.