Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

But we all, seeing the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.

— 2 Corinthians 3:18, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY 

Christ says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life;” and it is the privilege of every soul to make Christ his personal Saviour. You need not wait to grow good; you need not think that any effort of yours will make your prayers acceptable, and bring you salvation... you should pray to God for yourself, believing that he listens to every word you utter. Lay bare your heart for his inspection, confess your sins, asking him to forgive you, pleading the merits of the atonement, and then by faith contemplate the great scheme of redemption, and the Comforter will bring all things to your remembrance. 

The more you study the character of Christ, the more attractive will he appear to you. He will become as one near you, in close companionship with you; your affections will go out after him. If the mind is molded by the objects with which it has most to do, then to think of Jesus, to talk of him, will enable you to become like him in Spirit and character. You will reflect his image in that which is great and pure and spiritual. You will have the mind of Christ, and he will send you forth to the world as his spiritual representative. 

It is the privilege of every earnest seeker for truth and righteousness, to rely upon the sure promises of God. The Lord Jesus makes manifest the fact that the treasures of divine grace are placed entirely at our disposal, in order that we may become channels of light. 

Christ declares that Our Heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children... If they will cast out self, Jesus will pour into the thirsty soul a constant supply from the river of life. 

What kind of faith is it that overcomes the world?—It is that faith which makes Christ your own personal Saviour,—that faith which, recognizing your helplessness, your utter inability to save yourself, takes hold of the Helper who is mighty to save, as your only hope. It is faith that will not be discouraged, that hears the voice of Christ saying, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world, and my divine strength is yours.” It is the faith that hears him say, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” 

— The Review and Herald, August 26, 1890 

THE RESPONSE 

Pray to God believing that He listens to every word you utter. Lay bare your heart for His inspection.

Confess your sins asking Him to forgive you, pleading the merits of the atonement, and then by faith contemplate the great scheme of redemption. 

Study the character of Christ. Think of Jesus and talk of Him to become like Him and reflect His image in Spirit and character.

Recognize your helplessness, your utter inability to save yourself. Take hold of the Helper who says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world and My divine strength is yours.”