Prayer Quotations

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV) 20 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Introduction

"Ask and it shall be given unto you!" What a promise? What a gift? Prayer is a mighty power in the life of the Christian freely offered to His children by God. The Bible is full of encouragement for us to pray. The writings of Ellen G. White are also full of encouragement to pray. I have been personally blessed by reading and collecting quotations on prayer from Mrs. White and other authors. This page includes some of those wonderful quotations on prayer and will be a work in progress. Most of these quotes will come from Ellen White's writings. Any other authors quoted will come from our denomination. This is a great source for quotations to ponder and pray over, as well as a resource for using in your bulletin or in sermon preparation on prayer. You can find many more quotations on prayer in the writings of Ellen G. White at egwwritings.org.—Dan

Scriptures and Quotations on Prayer

No Limit To The Blessings

Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

"There is no limit to the blessings that we may receive in answer to sincere, fervent prayer. The love of God to fallen man is measureless, and if our Father sees that we will not be lifted up with the blessings he has power to bestow upon us, but will receive them with humble and grateful hearts, he will abundantly grant unto us our requests. He says: “Ask, and if shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” { ST December 23, 1889, par. 3 } The prayer that ascends from a broken and contrite heart, though it should come from the lips of the lowliest saint, is never disregarded. It is as sweet music in the ears of our heavenly Father; for he waits to bestow upon us the fullness of his blessing. It is not in our power to estimate the supplies that are provided by the Lord to meet our demands. What power might attend the church did we but call frequently and in faith for the abundant treasure of the store-house of God. We have only begun to taste of the richness of the divine promises. It is our privilege to drink largely of the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of his children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of God think of poor, helpless, human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, and he is ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little, and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God, they love to be near him. They regard intercourse with God as their highest joy, and yet the children of earth, who need so much help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of his Spirit, the companionship of his presence. { ST December 23, 1889, par. 4 } The darkness of the evil one incloses those who fail to pray to God. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin, and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s store-house, where are the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer, without diligent watching, we are in danger of growing careless, and of deviating from the right path. Our backsliding may be so gradual that we may fancy ourselves in a good spiritual condition when we are surely on the enemy’s ground. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy-seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain supplies of grace and power to resist temptation." { ST December 23, 1889, par. 5 }

No One Will Be Disappointed

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

"The promise is, Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. [Matthew 7:7.] We are to stand as minute men, ready to fall into place as God’s men of opportunity. I praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice that all things are possible to those that believe. No one coming to the Lord in sincerity of heart will be disappointed. It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually, that unworthy, erring fallible mortals possess the capability of offering their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this—to be linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We pour out our hearts desire from our closets. Then we go forth to walk with God as did Enoch. {Lt 14, 1899, par. 18}
We speak with Jesus Christ as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. We may commune with God in our hearts, and we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor we breathe out our heart’s desire inaudible to any human ear, but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost, though the activities of business are going on. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It reaches God’s ear; it rises above the din of the street above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and the prayer is heard. Ask then; ask, and ye shall receive. {Lt 14, 1899, par. 19}

Silence Is Eloquence

Psalms 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

“To God, the most eloquent prayer is the silent, earnest, heart-felt petition that comes from a broken and contrite heart.” 18LtMs, Ms 49, 1903, par. 4

Pray Short, Simple, To The Point Prayers

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

“A prayer indited by the Spirit of God will not be drawn out to a great length by vain repetitions, but will be short, simple, and pointed.” 18LtMs, Ms 49, 1903, par. 4

Count Upon God's Mercy When Praying

Psalms 103:8-12 “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

“We are not to be so overwhelmed by the thought of our sins and errors that we shall cease to pray. … Because your thoughts are evil, do not cease to pray. If we could in our own wisdom and strength pray aright, we could also live aright and would need no atoning sacrifice. But imperfection is upon all humanity. Educate and train the mind, that you may in simplicity tell the Lord what you need. As you offer your petitions to God seeking for forgiveness and pardon, a purer, holier atmosphere will surround your soul.” 18LtMs, Ms 49, 1903, par. 8

Pray With Confidence

Hebrews 7:25 "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

"What an encouragement to every soul! When, armed with the promises of God, you come to the Father in the name of Jesus, the Great Intercessor is seen by faith, standing at the altar of incense and having in His hand the golden censer. You hear His voice saying, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” John 14:16. What hope will fill your poor discouraged heart! What shame and remorse will you feel for your cherished unbelief! {Ms40-1891.14} Would you not feel that if Christ is praying for you, you can pray for yourself with an intensity of perseverance, and that all inferior aid is just what it is—finite and worthless? With Jesus as your Advocate, and you believing, confessing your sins with contrition of soul, and dying to self, would you not feel assured your suit is indeed gained? Would you not feel the evidence in your own soul that Jesus was amply able to do all things for you and that the foot of the cross was the only place of safety for you?" {Ms40-1891.15}

Ignore Circumstances; Keep Praying

Jeremiah 17:14 (NKJV) "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise."

"We have made a mistake in being backward in praying for the sick to be healed for fear that they would die. We must move forward in faith, and pray and believe that we shall receive the promise, trusting in God’s Word, whatever appearances may be, however our faith may be tested. We are to take God at His word. In praying for the sick, it is no sign that we are unbelieving to keep saying, If it can be for Thy glory to do this for us, we will praise Thee, and magnify Thy holy name. {Lt127-1898.1} ... In all my petitions I say, Not our will, but thine, O Lord, be done. He knows this—not a prayer of doubt, but of perfect trust that God knows what is best. ... Our work is to pray, to believe, and to wait patiently for Him who is our Saviour. I pray, O God, the living God, reveal Thyself. Make known Thy power unto Thy people, and may this sickness result in our good and Thine own name’s glory. There is not a thread of unbelief in this pray[er], but perfect submission to the will of God, who is mighty to save to the utmost all who believe in Him. Whatever objectionable circumstances attend the case, we have nothing to do with appearances. {Lt127-1898.9} God desires us to trust implicitly in Him, and if it is for our good and His name’s glory to do the work, it will be done. We are to wait. The power of the Lord is limitless. We poor mortals need to purify our souls, that when the Lord works for us, it will not ruin us. This is the reason that so few of the sick are healed. If they were, man would be elevated in self-esteem. We must learn from Jesus to be meek and lowly of heart, and we shall find rest unto our souls."—Ellen G. White, Letter 127, 1898.10

He Healed Them All

Luke 6:19 "And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all."

"Christ feels the woes of every sufferer. When evil spirits rend a human frame, Christ feels the curse. When fever is burning up the life current, He feels the agony. And He is just as willing to heal the sick now as when He was personally on earth. Christ’s servants are His representatives, the channels for His working. He desires through them to exercise His healing power." {CH 30.2}

Ask More Favors Upon The Sabbath

Luke 6:9-10 (NKJV) 9 "Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?” 10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other."

"The demands upon God are even greater upon the Sabbath than upon other days. His people then leave their usual employment, and spend the time in meditation and worship. They ask more favors of Him on the Sabbath than upon other days. They demand His special attention. They crave His choicest blessings. God does not wait for the Sabbath to pass before He grants these requests. Heaven’s work never ceases, and men should never rest from doing good. ... [A]s God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life, and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds. The work of Christ in healing the sick was in perfect accord with the law. It honored the Sabbath." {DA 207.2}

Continue Praying

Isaiah 49:15 (NKJV) 15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you."

"We are called to be laborers together with God. The Lord has a particular regard for those who are chosen and faithful, who cry day and night unto him. It may seem that the trials and sufferings continue, and that God does not regard them. Delay may seem long; but their prayers are not in vain; for he will avenge them speedily, that is, at last, and in a way not expected by them, when the most trying point is reached. There is no danger that the Lord will neglect to hear the prayers of his people. He will be true to his word. The danger is that his tried, tempted people will become discouraged and will not persevere in prayer, so that God will avenge them of all that wicked men have brought upon them. The Lord asks: “Can a mother forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” – {ST May 21, 1896 Par. 7}

Ask For Greater Favors!

Genesis 32:26 "And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."

"The Lord did not rebuke Moses as presumptuous because he asked greater and greater favors at his hand. Every laborer in the cause of God should have firm, earnest faith and determined purpose, that he may know that he has the favor and presence of God with him." {ST June 9, 1890, par. 7}

In Small Group Prayer Jesus Is Present

Matt. 18:19,20 "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

"If human agents would but cooperate with the divine intelligences, thousands of souls would be rescued. The Holy Spirit would give devoted workers glimpses of Jesus that would brace them for every conflict, that would elevate and strengthen them and make them more than conquerors. When two or three are met together to unite their counsel and to send up their petitions, the promise is for them, “Ask and it shall be given you: seek and ye shall find: knock and it shall be opened unto you.” “If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.” [Luke 11:9, 13.] {Ms52-1894.2} The Lord has promised that where two or three are met together in His name, there will He be in the midst. Those who meet together for prayer will receive an unction from the Holy One. There is great need of secret prayer, but there is also need of several Christians meeting together to unite with earnestness their petitions to God. In these small companies Jesus is present, the love of souls is deepened in the heart, and the Spirit puts forth its mighty energies that human agents may be exercised in regard to saving those who are lost. Jesus ever sought to show how worthless were formal ceremonies, and strove to impress upon His disciples that the Holy Spirit must enlighten, renew and sanctify the soul. {Ms52-1894.3}

Believe With Unwavering Faith!

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

"On Sunday a large number were out to the six o’clock meeting. I united with the people in prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I then dwelt upon the necessity of believing that we do receive the blessings for which we ask. “Ask, and it shall be given unto you,” is the promise. [Matthew 7:7.] Our part is to rest on the Word with unwavering faith, believing that God will do according to His promise. Let faith cut its way through the shadow of the enemy. When a questioning doubt arises, go to Christ and let the soul be encouraged by communion with Him. The redemption He has purchased for us is complete. The offering He made was plenteous and without stint. Heaven has a never-failing supply of help for all who are needy. {Lt42-1900.18} It is the Saviour’s delight to see His followers co-laborers with God, receiving bountifully all the means of fruit-bearing, and giving bountifully, as workers under Him. Christ glorified His Father by the fruit He bore, and the lives of His true followers will produce the same result. Receiving and imparting, His workers will produce much fruit. “Hitherto,” Christ said to his disciples, “ye have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [John 16:24.]"{Lt42-1900.19}

Knowing God Includes Holding Reverential Communion With Him

Php 2:1 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,"

"To know God is, in the scriptural sense of the term, to be one with Him in heart and mind, having an experimental knowledge of Him, holding reverential communion with Him as the Redeemer. Only through sincere obedience can this communion be obtained. Where this communion is lacking, the heart is not in any sense a temple of God, but is controlled by the foe, who is working out his own purposes through the human agency. Such a man, whatever his profession or claims, is not a temple of the Holy Spirit." {Ms120-1903.12}

We Need More Earnest, Persevering Prayer!

2 Thess. 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:"

"There must be more earnest, persevering prayer. Prayer is acceptable only when offered in faith and in the name of the Redeemer. Our faith must grasp the glorious fact that God hears and answers the prayers of every sincere seeker. As the believer bows in supplication before God, and in humility and contrition offers his petition from unfeigned lips, keeping his eyes fixed steadily on the Mediator of the new covenant, he loses all thought of self. His mind is filled with the thought of what he must have in order to build up a Christlike character. He prays, “Lord, if I am to be a channel through which thy love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that thou hast promised.” He fastens his hold firmly on 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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” {RH January 27, 1903, Art. A, par. 7} How this dependence pleases the Master! How he delights to hear the steady, earnest pleading! How quickly the sincere, fervent prayer is recognized and honored! How intensely interested the heavenly angels are! “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” With wonderful and ennobling grace the Lord sanctifies the humble petitioner, giving him power to perform the most difficult duties. All that is undertaken is done unto the Lord, and this elevates and sanctifies the lowliest calling. It invests with new dignity every word, every act, and links the humblest worker, the poorest of God’s servants, with the highest of the angels in the heavenly courts." {RH January 27, 1903, Art. A, par. 8}

Every Blow Directed Our Way Wounds The Hands Of Jesus

Exodus 33:22 "And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:"

"We must bear in mind continually this fact: that the hand of Jesus reaches over every one of his sincere followers, and every blow that is aimed at you to injure you, wounds the hand of Jesus that covers you." {RH March 29, 1887, par. 7}

Remember To Praise!

Psalms 100: 1 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

"It seems so sad that we praise God so little. Gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving need now to be searched for, and cultivated as lost arts. They are more precious to the Lord Jesus than all the treasures of gold and silver which the earth contains. Every human being should appreciate the kindness and love wherewith God has loved us. When we were yet enemies, Christ gave His life that we might be saved. How much have we appreciated this gift?" {ST August 7, 1901, par. 1}

Pray With Confidence

Hebrews 7:25 "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Pray And Believe

1 John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

"Talk courage to the church; lift them up to God in prayer. Tell them that when they feel that they have sinned, and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Many feel humiliated at their failures, that they have been overcome by the enemy in the place of overcoming. Worldliness, selfishness, and carnality have weakened them, and they think it is no use to approach unto God; but this thought is one of the enemy’s suggestions. Ashamed they may be, and deeply humbled; but they must pray and believe. As they confess their sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive them their sins, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Though the mind may wander in prayer, be not discouraged, bring it back to the throne, and do not leave the mercy seat until you have the victory. Are you to think your victory will be testified by strong emotion?—No; “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The Lord knows your desire; by faith keep close to him, and expect to receive the Holy Spirit. The office of the Holy Spirit is to control all our spiritual exercises. The Father has given his Son for us that through the Son the Holy Spirit might come to us, and lead us unto the Father. Through divine agency, we have the spirit of intercession, whereby we may plead with God, as a man pleadeth with his friend." {ST October 3, 1892, par. 7}

Praying Without Ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) "Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

"We need to pray without ceasing—not to be in vocal prayer all the time, but you will never see the time when you feel you can cease praying. The praying, asking in faith, believing, will always bring returns. Be of good courage. Press on in faith and hope, having on the whole armor of righteousness, and having done all to stand, etc. {Lt191-1900.10}

Persist, Complying With His Conditions

1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

"In order to receive the precious gifts of God, we must meet him upon the platform of his own devising, complying with the conditions that he has laid down in his word. There is much turning aside from the word of God. Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. When a trial of faith comes upon those that profess to be the children of God, they do not perseveringly present their petitions before the throne of mercy, depending upon the Holy Spirit, waiting and watching, and continuing to present their requests, searching the Scriptures at the same time to know what is the mind of God. Place your feet in the path of God’s commandments, and be assured that your prayers will be answered. There is a great lack of earnestness, a great lack of vital interest in prayer. Yet we are exhorted to be “instant in prayer,” “to pray without ceasing.” We are to keep a spirit of intercession, and present all our wants to God. We are to tell him about the smallest things of life,—our cares, our business, our desires and needs. You can never weary the Lord by your importuning. It is by beholding Jesus that you become changed into the divine similitude. We may behold him by continuing in prayer, until we are not aware that we are praying; for our souls turn to the Sun of Righteousness as a flower turns to the light." {ST May 28, 1896, par. 3}

We Cannot Dishonor God More Than In Distrusting His Word

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

I believe the promise is for me, and I appropriate the same personally. The promise itself is of no value unless I fully believe that He that has made the promise is abundantly able to fulfill, and infinite in power to do all that He has said. {TDG 156.5} The message the Lord gave me was a message of faith. We cannot dishonor God more than in distrusting His Word. Feeling is not at all reliable. A religion fed and kept alive by emotions is valueless. God’s Word is the foundation upon which our hopes may safely rest, and in the confidence we have in the Word of God we are established, strengthened, settled, riveted to the Eternal Rock. Then the prayer of Paul will be answered: {TDG 156.6}

More Rejoicing For Blessings Brings Greater Strength

Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

"If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have--the great mercy, forbearance, and love of God--we would daily have greater strength. Have not the precious words spoken by Christ, the Prince of God, an assurance and power that should have great influence upon us, that our heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children?"--Lt 7, 1892. (2SM 243.)

Divine Power Needed

John 15:8 "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

"The most successful way to reach men is through divine power. We may pray—we are invited to pray, commanded to pray—and He who has told us to pray will hear our petitions and will work for us with divine power. He will make our path all luminous by His divine light. The daily suppliant, if he have faith, will be like a tree planted by the river of water; his leaf will be always green, and he will bear an abundance of fruit." {Lt37-1878.8}

Tell Jesus All About It

Isaiah 41:13 "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand,
saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."

"It makes my heart ache when I read the letters that come over the broad waters of the Pacific from poor souls, such pitiful appeals: “The Lord does not hear my prayer,” “I am afraid the Lord has forsaken me,” and all this. Well, there is an Advisor right by them, and they do not recognize Him. {Ms49-1894.22}
“I am at your right hand,” says Jesus Christ, “to help you.” [Isaiah 41:13.] He wants them to pour out the soul troubles to Him. You need not study to have eloquence in your prayers; you need not study to have it all framed in set words and have a long prayer. No. You can come with a broken heart and with a contrite spirit, and you can tell Jesus all about it. And then what does He say? “If ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Luke 11:13.] Is not that promise good for anything to you? God wants us to show that we trust Him." {Ms49-1894.23}

Special Seasons Of Prayer Are Needed!

Acts 2:1 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

"What would become of the churches if there were no special seasons when the Spirit of Christ was sought for with earnestness and fervor, and the cold hearts were warmed by the rays of divine light? God wants to be inquired of by his people, before he pours out his Holy Spirit upon the church. How earnestly should every member pray and labor, and labor and pray for the deep movings of Spirit of God!" {RH June 26, 1888, par. 8}

Your Prayers Are Not Forgotten

Luke 11:13 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

"When the third angel's message shall go forth with a loud voice [and] the whole earth shall be lightened with His glory, the Holy Spirit is poured out upon His people. The revenue of glory has been accumulating for this closing work of the third angel's message. Of the prayers that have been ascending for the fulfillment of the promise-the descent of the Holy Spirit-not one has been lost. Each prayer has been accumulating, ready to overflow and pour forth a healing flood of heavenly influence and accumulated light all over the world." {Lt96a-1899.7

Few Pastors Pray All Night

Colossians 4:12 (NKJV) "Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."

"Few ministers pray all night, as did our Saviour, or devote hours in the day to prayer that they may be able ministers of the gospel and effectual in bringing men to see the beauties of the truth and to be saved through the merits of Christ. Daniel prayed three times a day, but many who make the most exalted profession do not humble their souls before God in prayer even once a day. " {4T 373.2}

Do Not Fret; Ask God For Help

Matt. 7:7 "Ask and it shall be given unto you."

Psalms 37:8 (NKJV) 8 "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm."

"Take care of your own garden. See that your own heart is cleansed by the power of God. When trouble comes, instead of getting out of patience instead of fretting and worrying, go to the Lord, and tell Him all about it. Has He not said, “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you?” Go right to the Lord, and in humility of mind, tell him about your trouble. Do not go to human friends; for they have all the burdens they can bear. Go to the One who gave his life for you. You have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are his. Do not walk in self-sufficiency, thinking that you are capable of guiding yourself aright. “Learn of me,” Christ says, “For I am meek and lowly in heart.” {PC 316.3}

God Is Behind Every Promise

James 1:5 "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. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

"God has a deep and earnest love for every member of the human family; not one is forgotten, not one is left helpless and deceived to be overcome by the enemy. And if those who have enlisted in the army of Christ will put on the whole armor of God, and wear it, they will be proof against all the assaults of the enemy. Those who really desire to be taught of God, and to walk in His way, have the sure promise that if they feel their lack of wisdom and ask of God, He will give liberally, and upbraid not. The apostle says, “Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” God is behind every promise, and we cannot dishonor Him more than by questioning and hesitating, by asking and not believing, and then by talking doubt. If you do not immediately receive what you have asked for, will you go on in sullenness and unbelief? Believe; believe that God will do just what He has promised. Keep your prayers ascending, and watch, work, and wait. Fight the good fight of faith. Say to your heart, “God has invited me to come. He has heard my prayer. He has pledged His word that he will receive me, and He will fulfil His promise. I can trust God; for He so loved me that He gave His only-begotten Son to die for me. The Son of God is my Redeemer.” “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” {FE 299.2}

Keep Praying For The Children

Lamentations 2:19 (NKJV) 19 “Arise, cry out in the night,
At the beginning of the watches;
Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord.
Lift your hands toward Him
For the life of your young children,
Who faint from hunger at the head of every street.”

"We need burden-bearers in every church—fathers and mothers who have a burden of prayer for their children, who will not cease their importunate entreaties until help and grace and salvation come to their children. God lives and reigns. He will hear the humble prayers coming from contrite hearts. What we need in every church is more praying, more believing, less talking doubts, less grumbling, less murmuring, and a great deal more hope, courage, and perseverance. May God give us these things for we are helpless without them." {Lt44-1875.2}

Are You Carrying Your Burdens To Christ

Matthew 11:28 (KJV) 28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

"The Christian is given the invitation to carry his burdens to God in prayer, and to fasten himself closely to Christ by the cords of living faith. The Lord authorizes us to pray, declaring that he will hear the prayers of those who trust in his infinite power. He will be honored by those who draw nigh to him, who faithfully do his service. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.” The arm of Omnipotence is outstretched to guide us and lead us onward and still onward. Go forward, the Lord says; I understand the case, and I will send you help. Continue to pray. Have faith in me. It is for my name’s glory that you ask, and you shall receive. I will be honored before those who are watching critically for your failure. They shall see the truth triumph gloriously. “All things, whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” {RH October 30, 1900, Art. A, par. 6}

Pray; Talk Courage!

1 John 5:4 (KJV) 4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

A Working Church Is A Praying Church

1 Timothy 2:8 "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;"

"A working church in travail for souls will be a praying church, a believing church, and a receiving church. A church whose members are found upon their knees before God, supplicating His mercy, seeking Him daily, is a church that is feeding upon the bread of life, and drinking of the waters of life. The promise, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you,” will be verified to them." {TM 205.1}

We Must Have Seasons Of Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (KJV) 18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

"In contact with the world, or even with that which has to do with the advancement of God’s cause, the heart grows hard and selfish, unless constantly brought in contact with the heart of Infinite Love. The conscience grows callous and feeble when we neglect to receive the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Those who flatter themselves that they can safely occupy their time in business, having no special seasons of prayer either in public or private, drawing no spiritual strength from the Source of all light and power, are under a delusion of the enemy." {ST October 17, 1892, par. 8}

Pray, Then Let Jesus Carry Your Burdens

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) 16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

"We are in this world to form characters for eternity. God does not want his people to be under constant condemnation. He would have them learn to confide in him. We need not be content with merely formal prayers; we may come to Jesus as to a friend, and in the most simple-hearted, definite manner tell him all our worries, perplexities, and trials, and he will carry our burdens for us. When our minds and our lives get tangled, we may take them to One who knows just how to untangle them. But after we have asked God to do this work for us, let us rest it with him. Here is where so many fail. They tell the Lord all their troubles, and then go on worrying just the same. They pray about their cares and sins, but do not cast off their cares nor cease to sin. Jesus invites us to cast all our cares upon him, for he cares for us; then let us leave them with him, and receive his peace and rest into our hearts." Review and Herald, October 21, 1884, Art. A, par. 2

We May Come To Jesus As To A Friend

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) 16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Ask!

John 15:7 (NKJV) 7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."

"We are thankful for the goodness and love of God. We praise His holy name that in Him we may trust and not be ashamed. It is not best for us to look on the dark side and walk in the shadow of the cross. We must have faith in God; we must believe and trust God to be our Healer, our joy, and our song. Many trying things will cross our pathway, but we must present ourselves before Him as children, asking of a parent the things we need. We must tell the Lord exactly what we want. And He says, “Whatsoever thing ye ask in my name, I will do it.” Have we proved this true? Then we have accepted it, and appropriated it to ourselves personally. {Lt10-1896.2}

If prayer were offered with humility and contrition of soul, in simplicity, short prayers, right to the point, with unfaltering confidence in the name of Jesus Christ, rich blessings would be received, because we take God at His word, telling Him exactly what we want, and believing we receive the things we ask of Him, whether it be in temporal or spiritual things. Rest your whole soul’s burden in the hands of God. It is your privilege to ask; it is His prerogative to discriminate what will be for your real good,and what would be an injury to you. We need much more of the childlike simplicity [in] which we tell the Lord all our necessities, and He will satisfy them abundantly, according to the riches of His liberality." {Lt10-1896.3}

Come Boldly

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) 16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

"We are in this world to form characters for eternity. God does not want his people to be under constant condemnation. He would have them learn to confide in him. We need not be content with merely formal prayers; we may come to Jesus as to a friend, and in the most simple-hearted, definite manner tell him all our worries, perplexities, and trials, and he will carry our burdens for us. When our minds and our lives get tangled, we may take them to One who knows just how to untangle them. But after we have asked God to do this work for us, let us rest it with him. Here is where so many fail. They tell the Lord all their troubles, and then go on worrying just the same. They pray about their cares and sins, but do not cast off their cares nor cease to sin. Jesus invites us to cast all our cares upon him, for he cares for us; then let us leave them with him, and receive his peace and rest into our hearts." Review and Herald, October 21, 1884, Art. A, par. 2

Christ Is Interceding For Us

Jeremiah 3:22 (NKJV) 22 “Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings.” “Indeed we do come to You, For You are the Lord our God."

"I want to tell you, God lives, and Christ is making intercession for us; and when He sees you backsliding, He places His hands before God, saying, “Give them another opportunity. I have graven them upon the palms of My hands. They have forsaken Me, they have gone away from Me. I want to exert an influence over My people, that they shall be brought back again.” Now that is the work that the Lord has presented to me to be done. God help us every one to be wide-awake." {Ms139-1906.60}

True Prayer Requires True Faith

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

"There can be no true prayer without true faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Prayer and faith are the arms by which the soul hangs upon the neck of infinite love and grasps the hand of infinite power. God does not recognize dumb children, as far as experience in His truth is concerned. Faith is an active, working power. The new-born faith in Christ is revealed by prayer and praise. Prayer is a relief and a comfort to the troubled soul. The sincere, humble suppliant at the throne of grace may know that he is communing with God, through the divinely appointed means, and that it is His privilege to understand what God is to the believing soul. We must have a realization of our needs. We must hunger and thirst after life in Christ and through Christ. Then we shall come to Him in humility and sincerity, and He will give us the faith that works by love and purifies the soul." {Lt301-1904.10}

We Receive Because We Obey

1 John 3:22 (KJV) 22 "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."

"The isolated brethren and sisters should feel it their duty and privilege to be light-bearers in every sense of the word, because they are the only ones in their vicinity who see the importance of the truth. If they lead faithful, self-denying lives, laboring for others in the spirit which actuated Christ, they will have help from Heaven; angels will be at their side. Whatsoever they ask, they receive of God, because they keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. These will be the true Calebs in the church. They may never give a lecture or preach a sermon; yet they have their work to do, and are successful laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. They have a transforming influence. These men draw nigh to God in prayer; their closets are often visited; their supplications move the arm of God. They reach the people through his power, and receive special grace to win souls to Jesus." {RH December 18, 1883, par. 9}

Faithful, Earnest Prayer Moves The Arm That Moves The World

Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

"Jesus prayed! The majesty of Heaven prayed! He wept in behalf of man. Prayer, faithful, earnest prayer will move the arm that moves the world. The minister of Christ must pray if he would have the refreshing from the presence of God. The church must pray much if they would walk in the light, as he is in the light." {ST January 15, 1880, Art. B, par. 15}

Pray In Faith

Luke 18:13 "God be merciful to me a sinner."

"There are two kinds of prayer,—the prayer of form and the prayer of faith. The repetition of set, customary phrases when the heart feels no need of God, is formal prayer. “When ye pray,” says Christ, “use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” We should be extremely careful in all our prayers to speak the wants of the heart, and to say only what we mean. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but vain repetitions, if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted—this is the prayer of faith. The publican who went up to the temple to pray is a good example of a sincere, devoted worshiper. He felt that he was a sinner, and his great need led to an outburst of passionate desire, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” {ST August 14, 1884, par. 8}

Pray With Thanksgiving

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

God desires His obedient children to claim His blessing, and to come to Him with praise and thanksgiving. God is the Fountain of life and power. He can make the wilderness a fruitful field for the people that keep His commandments; for this is the glory of His name. He has done for His people that which should inspire every heart with thanksgiving, and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. {ST April 14, 1909, par. 6}
If we would think of God as often as we have evidence of His care for us, we should keep Him ever in our thoughts, and should delight to talk of Him and to praise Him. We talk of temporal things because we have an interest in them. We talk of our friends because we love them; our joys and our sorrows are bound up with them. Yet we have infinitely greater reason to love God than to love our earthly friends, and it should be the most natural thing in the world to make Him first in all our thoughts, to talk of His goodness and tell of His power. The rich gifts He has bestowed upon us were not intended to absorb our thoughts and love so much that we should have nothing to give to God; they are to remind us constantly of Him, and to bind us in bonds of love and gratitude to our heavenly Benefactor. We dwell too near the lowlands of earth. Let us raise our eyes to the open door of the sanctuary above, where the light of the glory of God shines in the face of Jesus Christ, who “is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” {ST April 14, 1909, par. 7}

Learn The Science Of Prayer And Move Heaven

Mark 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

"The church may be composed of those who are poor and uneducated; but if they have learned of Christ the science of prayer, the church will have power to move the arm of Omnipotence. The true people of God will have an influence that will tell upon hearts. It is not the wealth or the educated ability which the members of the church may possess that constitutes their efficiency. The members of the church may have been so situated that they may have had every spiritual advantage, they may have been so situated that they have had opportunity to know the truth, to know Jesus Christ their Lord; but notwithstanding their advantages, if they are not humble, praying men and women, there will not be with them the hiding of the power of God. They will not exert that influence that will be far reaching as eternity in its results, and men will not see their good works, and glorify God because of his people’s faithfulness. It is when the Sun of Righteousness shines forth from the people of God that Christ is glorified and his kingdom advanced. It is then that they are chosen vessels of salvation, and are fit for the Master’s use." –Signs of the Times, September 11, 1893. Par. 4

Earnest Prayer, Mingled With Genuine Faith, Will Save Souls

Lam. 2:11 "My eyes fail with tears, My heart is troubled; My bile is poured on the ground Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people, Because the children and the infants Faint in the streets of the city."

"God's servants need constantly to lay hold with one hand of souls ready to perish, while with the hand of faith they lay hold of the throne of God. Souls possessed with evil spirits will present themselves before us. We must cultivate the spirit of earnest prayer, mingled with genuine faith to save them from ruin, and this will confirm our faith." {SpM 89.2}

Sustain Your Pastor With Prayer

2 Thess. 3:1 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you...."

"The preached Word will be powerless for the conviction and conversion of souls, while a sleepy, lazy, and backslidden church are all that are left to sustain the efforts of the laborers. The efforts of Christ's ambassadors will be successful only when sustained by an earnest, praying, working people." {PH152 6.2}

Prayer Denotes The Spiritual Condition Of The Church

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."

"A prayer-meeting will always tell the true interest of the church-members in spiritual and eternal things. The prayer-meeting is as the pulse to the body; it denotes the true spiritual condition of the church. A lifeless, backslidden church has no relish for the prayer-meetings." {PH152 7.1}

Victories Are Won In The Closet

Matthew. 26:41 "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation; for the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

"But how shall this victory over the world be obtained? Go to your closet, dear reader, and there plead with God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Be in earnest; be sincere; Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God. Remain until unutterable longings for salvation are awakened in your heart, and the sweet evidence is obtained of pardoned sin. Then when you leave your closet, watch; and so long as you watch and pray, the grace of God will appear in your life. {ST November 18, 1886, par. 7} In no case neglect secret prayer; for it is the soul of religion. If you expect salvation, you must pray. Take time. Be not hurried and careless in your prayers. Intercede with God to work in you a thorough reformation, that the fruits of the Spirit may dwell in you, and that, by your godly life, you may shine as a light in the world. When you sincerely feel that without the help of God you perish, when you pant after him as the hart panteth after the water-brooks, then will the Lord strengthen you speedily, and you will have that peace that passeth understanding." {ST November 18, 1886, par. 8}

Christ Is On Our Side In Heaven

Php. 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

“No sooner does a child of God approach the mercy-seat than he becomes the client of the great Advocate. At his ﬁrst utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon, Christ espouses his case, and makes it His own, presenting the supplication before the Father as His own request.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 364.1

Prayer Is A Duty And A Privilege

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:16

Prayer is both a duty and a privilege. We must have help which God alone can give, and that help will not come unasked. If we are too self-righteous to feel our need of help from God, we shall not have his help when we need it most. If we are too independent and self-sufficient to throw ourselves daily by earnest prayer upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, we shall be left subject to Satan's temptations. The grace of Christ we cannot do without. We must have help from above if we resist the manifold temptations of Satan, and escape his devices. Amid the prevailing darkness, we must have light from God to reveal the traps and gins of error, or we shall be ensnared. We should improve the opportunity for prayer, both in secret and around the family altar. Many need to learn how to pray as well as how to sing. When we in humility tell the Lord our wants, the Spirit itself makes intercession for us; as our sense of need causes us to lay bare our souls before the all-searching eye of Omnipotence, our earnest, fervent prayers enter within the vail, our faith claims the promises of God, and help comes to us in answer to prayer." Review and Herald, July 24, 1883

Unless otherwise stated, quotations come from the writings of Ellen G. White.