Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 5—God’s Promises Concerning Prayer
God Supplies Wisdom in Answer to Prayer—The Lord has given us the promise, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” It is in the order of God that those who bear responsibilities should often meet together to counsel with one another, and to pray earnestly for that wisdom which He alone can impart. Unitedly make known your troubles to God. Talk less; much precious time is lost in talk that brings no light. Let brethren unite in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally.—(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 499.) {Pr 49.2}
Christ’s Grace Is Available Even Before We Pray—
Even before the prayer is uttered, ... grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 206.) {Pr 49.3}
We May Claim His Promises Boldly—“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” When you pray, present this promise. It is our privilege to come to Him with holy boldness. As in sincerity we ask Him to let His light shine upon us, He will hear and answer us. But we must live in harmony with our prayers. They are of no avail if we walk contrary to them. I have seen a father who, after reading a portion of scripture and offering prayer, would often, almost as soon as he had risen from his knees, begin to scold his children. How could God answer the prayer he had offered? And if, after scolding his children, a father offers prayer, does that prayer benefit the children? No; not unless it is a prayer of confession to God.—(Child Guidance, 499.) {Pr 50.1}
It was in the quiet hours at dawn and dusk that Jesus received wisdom and power while in prayer. We can also receive this wisdom and power when we come to God, under one accord, in prayer. God is ready to give this wisdom and power to all who ask. However, we must enter God’s presence in sincerity, not being double- minded. God will not answer prayers that are merely lip service, but will hear and answer a sincere, earnest, affectionate prayer. Pray that the Spirit dwell and live in you and for you to dwell and live in the Spirit. Lift up your heart to God throughout the day, ask, and you will receive.
Dear Father, God almighty,
We thank You for giving us yet another opportunity to come into Your presence in thanksgiving and praise. We thank You for giving us another day to do right in Your sight. You have given us Your example in prayer to receive wisdom and power. I pray that we may all follow Your example, from the earliest of the youth to the most mature adult. Help all the brethren come together, under one accord, none being double- minded. We pray that we continue to receive this opportunity to speak with You, to let You know what is on our minds and in our hearts,
though You already know, it allows us to draw nigh unto You and for You to draw nigh unto us. We come to You in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that You have promised to supply liberally to those that ask. Wisdom not as the world gives, but that wisdom which You alone can impart. Grant us Your wisdom, power, and strength that our prayers may be earnest and not be feeble, heartless lip service. Help us start our day with freshness and power. Help us when we are in agony to pray more earnestly. We pray to receive Your character, Spirit and Light. Please continue to shape us and mold us into the Christians we need to be. Let everything we say and do be for the glory of Your name and let not our will but let Thy will be done. We pray that we can reflect Your Spirit and light to those who are walking in darkness. We pray that Your people answer the call to confess and repent of their sins, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We boldly claim Your promise that if we ask, we shall receive. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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