Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. 

— Titus 3:5,6, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY

If we would only believe, we should receive the Holy Spirit. The question is asked, “Is the Lord’s arm shortened that it cannot save? is his ear heavy that he cannot hear?”—No, he now works in the hearts of those who ask, who believe that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

The Redeemer of the world has pledged his word, saying, “Ask, and it shall be given you.”… Who is it that has made to you these promises? It is He who “so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Who is it that says, “Ask, and it shall be given you”? Who is it that stands before the great multitude holding forth the divine promise?—It is He who came into the world to rescue us from the bondage of Satan, and make us free men and women in Christ Jesus. 

Then come to God with full assurance of faith, knowing that he who hath promised is faithful, and will fulfill his word. 

Having asked the Lord for good things, as a hungry child asks his parent for bread, believe from your heart that the Heavenly Father giveth not the Spirit by measure unto you; for to them that ask in faith the Holy Spirit will be given in its fullness, as free as the river that proceedeth from the throne of God, slaking the thirst of all who will come and drink. Come, then, feeling that all Heaven invites you. Come, then, in steadfast faith, knowing that all Heaven welcomes you. Fasten your soul on the blessed assurance, God has spoken this promise, God has invited me, not to mock me, not to disappoint me, for before I knocked, he was unlocking the door for me; while I was yet speaking, he answered, “Here I am.” Then put away this distrust of God; come to him now, and let all the angels of God have occasion for rejoicing, as they see those who are athirst partaking of the waters of life. 

— Signs of the Times, September 12, 1892 

THE RESPONSE

Dear Heavenly Father, as Your child I seek a rebirth experience and a new life through Jesus Christ as my Savior. I have no righteousness of my own to bring, but according to Your promise I come trusting You will do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think. I am grateful for Your pledged word to, “Ask, and it will be given you.” I empty my heart of self and claim Your promise to be filled with Your Holy Spirit.