Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.

— Matthew 18:20, HCSB 

The Testimony 

I long to impress upon the defenders of the faith the magnitude of the work they may accomplish, even where there are but two or three in a village or city, if they will not become faint-hearted, but will do all they can with the talents which God has entrusted to them, letting a steady light shine forth to the world. 

In every place where there are two or three that love God, and keep his commandments, they should speak often one to another of the blessed hope, and should unite their prayers at the throne of grace. God will listen to their humble petitions. He will register their names in his book, and will preserve them in the hour of trial and temptation. Frequently these little meetings are precious occasions. Jesus has promised, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” And if they “shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” 

If meetings are held regularly, and those not of our faith are invited to attend, precious seed may be sown which will bear fruit in the kingdom of God. It is not the greatness of the effort, but the unconquerable persistence, that wins. If each will labor on to the utmost of his capacity, large results will be seen by and by. Success in any enterprise can be gained only through sincere prayer, earnest effort, and stern conflicts. Let none become discouraged because of the feebleness of the impressions they are able to make on the world, and thus become weary in well-doing… Go to God for strength; ask him for wisdom, for right words, for opportunities to come close to hearts. God will hear you; angels will be round about you, and will second your efforts. 

If this truth of heavenly origin were burned into our consciousness, if it ruled as a deep conviction and power in our hearts, it would have a transforming influence upon our lives, and would give new significance to all our human relationship. 

— The Review and Herald, October 14, 1884 

The Response 

Our Father in heaven, we humbly come before Your throne of grace asking for Your blessings as we unite our prayers together. May Your truth burn into our minds and rule in our hearts as a deep conviction and power. We need Your strength, O Lord, give us Your wisdom, give us opportunities to come close to hearts and right words that will draw others to Christ. Thank You for success as we come together and ask these things in the name of Jesus.