Prayer and Promises

The promise 

Therefore, [Jesus] had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.

— Hebrews 2:17,18, HCSB 

The testimony 

The Lord will not leave his afflicted, tried children to be the sport of Satan’s temptations. It is our privilege to trust in Jesus. 

The heavens are full of rich blessings, and it is our privilege to have the joy of Christ in us that our joy may be full. We have not because we ask not, or because we do not pray in faith, believing that we shall be blessed with the special influence of the Holy Spirit. To the true seeker through the mediation of Christ the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit are imparted in order that the receiver may impart a knowledge of saving truth. Why do we not believe the plain “Thus saith the Lord”? Do not cease to pray under any circumstances. The spirit may be willing but the flesh may be weak, but Jesus knows all about that. In your weakness you are not to be anxious; for anxiety means doubt and distrust. You are simply to believe that Christ is able to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for us. 

The Lord Jesus loves his people, and when they put their trust in him, depending wholly upon him, he strengthens them. He will live through them, giving them the inspiration of his sanctifying Spirit, imparting to the soul a vital transfusion of himself. He acts through their faculties, and causes them to choose his will and to act out his character. 

The sincere, humble prayer of the true worshiper ascends to heaven, and Jesus mingles with our lowly petitions the holy incense of his own merit. Through his righteousness we are accepted. Christ makes our prayers wholly efficacious through the savor of his righteousness. In these days of peril, we need men who will wrestle with God as did Jacob, and who, like Jacob, will prevail. Thank God that the world’s Redeemer promised that if he went away, he would send the Holy Spirit as his representative. Let us pray, and grasp the rich promises of God, and then praise God that in proportion to our earnest, humble supplications the Holy Spirit will be appointed to meet our needs. If we seek God with all our heart, we shall find him, and obtain the fulfillment of the promise. 

— Sabbath-School Worker, February 1, 1896 

The response 

Pray in faith, believe that you will be blessed with the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit in order that you may impart a knowledge of saving truth.

Believe the plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Simply believe that Christ is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him, seeing that He lives to make intercession for you. 

Put your trust in the Lord Jesus. Depend wholly on Him to give you the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit that will lead you to choose His will and to act out His character. 

Sincerely and humbly pray in these days of peril. Grasp the rich promises of God and praise Him that the Holy Spirit will be appointed to meet your needs.