Chapter 17—Persevering Prayer

BIBLE GEM

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”—Ephesians 6:18CWG 46.1

QUESTION

What instruction is given on perseverance and fervency?CWG 46.2

ANSWER

Pray always: “Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat.”—Steps to Christ, 95CWG 46.3

Let nothing hinder: “Let nothing, however dear, however loved, absorb your mind and affections, diverting you from the study of God's Word or from earnest prayer.”—Testimonies For The Church 8:53CWG 46.4

“Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father.”—The Acts of the Apostles, 51CWG 46.5

The fervent prayer effectual: “Stronger and stronger should be our confidence that God's Spirit will be with us, making us pure and holy, as upright and fragrant as the cedar of Lebanon.”—Gospel Workers, 272CWG 46.6

“That prayer which comes forth from an earnest, believing heart is the effectual, fervent prayer that availeth much. God does not always answer our prayers as we expect, for we may not ask what would be for our highest good; but in His infinite love and wisdom He will give us those things which we most need.”—Testimonies For The Church 4:531CWG 46.7

Leave the results with God: “What God promises, He is able at any time to perform, an the work which He gives His people to do, He is able to accomplish by them.”—Counsel on Health, 378CWG 47.1

“It is better for us that God does not always answer our prayers just when we desire, and in just the manner we wish.”—Counsel on Health, 378CWG 47.2

“Our petitions must not take the form of a command, but of intercession for Him to do the things we desire of Him.”—Counsel on Health, 379CWG 47.3

An example of persevering prayer: “On the Day of Pentecost the Infinite One revealed Himself in power to the church....CWG 47.4

“The hearts of the disciples were surcharged with a benevolence so full, so deep, so far-reaching, that it impelled them to go to the ends of the earth testifying: God forbid that we should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Testimonies For The Church 7:31CWG 47.5

“By earnest, persevering prayer they obtained the endowment of the Holy Spirit, and then they went forth, weighted with the burden of saving souls, filled with zeal to extend the triumphs of the cross.”—Testimonies For The Church 7:32CWG 47.6

“Is not the Spirit of God to come today in answer to earnest, persevering prayer, and fill men with power?”—Testimonies For The Church 7:32CWG 47.7

“What the Lord did for His people in that time, it is just as essential, and more so, that He do for His people today.”—Testimonies For The Church 7:33CWG 47.8

SUMMARY AND PRAYER THOUGHT

If in any way we find it difficult to follow God's plan for our lives, then we need to be diligent in unceasing persevering prayer.CWG 47.9

There is no physical, mental, emotional or spiritual sin problem that prayer cannot cure. Earnest fervent prayer of faith believing that nothing is impossible with God must come from the depth of our heart. Then He will grant all of our requests.CWG 47.10

When our heart and mind is completely united with the Trinity, then the mighty power of God will be manifested just like at Pentecost. God will move heaven and earth to answer the earnest fervent prayer of faith, but never if it is presumptuous or selfish or self centeredCWG 47.11

Loving, Lord Jesus, please help us to unite and dedicate our hands, hearts, minds and all that we are and have with You, that unrestricted, Your Holy Spirit may flow through us with love and compassion to the hungry, needy, sick and suffering.CWG 47.12