Prayer and Promises

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” — Matthew 4:4, NIV 

We are living in an important period of this world’s history, and we need now to have a constant connection with God. The watchmen upon the walls of Zion need to be vigilant and faithful. Those who claim to be giving the words of the Lord to the people, should reach the highest standard of spiritual elevation; then they will not give to the people their own words. Christ says to us, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” Learners in the school of Christ will watch and pray. They will have faith that God will imbue them with his Holy Spirit, that they shall not speak their own words to the people, but the words the Lord shall give them. 

The minister will not feel that he is sufficient of himself. He will be found often in prayer, pouring out his soul, as did his Master before him, in strong crying and tears. Then his fervent, constant supplications will draw him nigh to God. He will live as in the light of his countenance. His deportment and conversation when with others will be in regard to their soul’s highest interest. He will take individuals alone, will talk with them, pray with them; and it is this kind of labor that will be highly successful. 

Oh there is a great want with the workers in this cause of earnest, deep love for the souls of those for whom they labor! God requires more of his servants than they give him… They do not spend time in meditation and prayer. They are not acquainted with the movings of the Spirit of God. They neither pray, nor watch unto prayer. They keep Christ apart from their lives. 

There is need of most earnest prayer from the heart of the worker for the divine blessing, before he ventures to speak to the people. When the heart is at peace with God, when heaven’s light illuminates the soul, then the lips will surely speak forth the words of Christ. 

We need vital godliness in order to teach it to others. Those who live the religion of Christ, will bear a living testimony for Jesus. Of such Christ says, “Ye are my witnesses.” 

— The Review and Herald, February 22, 1887 

O my Father, I seek to live in Your presence and in constant connection with You. I earnestly pray to be imbued with Your Holy Spirit that I may live by every word that comes from You. Let me not speak my own words today, illuminate my soul with heaven’s light that I may speak the words of Christ. Give me a deep love for souls that I may truly be a witness for You.