Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader.
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 7—Prayer And Obedience
Daily Temptations Make Prayer a Necessity—The strength acquired in prayer to God, united with individual effort in training the mind to thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares the person for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying. The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. In order that we may be kept by the power of God through faith, the desires of the mind should be continually ascending in silent prayer for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. But thought and prayer cannot take the place of earnest, faithful improvement of the time. Work and prayer are both required in perfecting Christian character.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:459.) {Pr 65.2}
Daily Prayer Turns Mistakes Into Victories—If one who daily communes with God errs from the path, if he turns a moment from looking steadfastly unto Jesus, it is not because he sins willfully; for when he sees his mistake, he turns again, and fastens his eyes upon Jesus, and the fact that he has erred, does not make him less dear to the heart of God. He knows that he has communion with the Saviour; and when reproved for his mistake in some matter of judgment, he does not walk sullenly, and complain of God, but turns the mistake into a victory. He learns a lesson from the words of the Master, and takes heed that he be not again deceived.—(The Review and Herald, May 12, 1896.) {Pr 65.3}
Satan is always out seeking whom he may devour. His wish is to have us all and sift us as wheat. We cannot allow ourselves to get complacent in this ongoing warfare. We are to remain vigilant and disciplined in work and prayer. If we stray from either, Satan may catch us off guard with his temptations. If we err, we are to go directly to God in prayer of repentance and pray not to be deceived again by the wily foe. Pray for wisdom and strength to continue the work. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Our kind and gracious heavenly Father,
We come humbly, yet boldly, to Your throne of grace in thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. We thank You for giving us this privilege, and yet another opportunity, to commune with You in heaven through the prayer lifeline we are blessed with. We pray to be in continual communion with You through prayer and for the continual outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We pray for Your shower of blessings to fall upon us as we go out to do the work You have appointed to us in these last days. Help us as we go about doing Your business. Please always bring to remembrance Your Holy Word while we evangelize to the world, teaching and preaching the Good News of Your return. We pray to communicate to all what a loving and merciful God You are. That Your promises are theirs to claim and that You love them. That You want them to come to You, surrender their life to You, to be heirs of the Royal Family. To spend eternity in heaven with Him and all the heavenly angels. To be His disciples here on earth until His great day to come. To be His witness and coworker in the plan of salvation. To love one another even as they love themselves. To work and pray without ceasing. To always, know that they have a friend in heaven who will never leave them nor forsake them. To know that if they make a mistake, to come to Him immediately in penitent prayer, asking for forgiveness. To love Him by always keeping His commandments. To seek His face for help in performing daily duties and keeping the Spirit of peace under all circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be. To submit themselves totally to You, resist the devil, and send him fleeing. To fight the good fight as a good and faithful servant. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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