Prayer

It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth life received wisdom
and power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn and twilight a quiet
season for communion with their Father in heaven. And throughout the day let them
lift up their hearts to God. At every step of our way He says, “I the Lord thy God
will hold thy right hand,?Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13. Could our children
learn these lessons in the morning of their years, what freshness and power, what joy
and sweetness, would be brought into their lives!—(Education, 258, 259.)
Asking in faith brings rich blessings—In the words we speak to the people and
in the prayers we offer, God desires us to give unmistakable evidence that we have
spiritual life. We do not enjoy the fullness of blessing which the Lord has prepared for
us, because we do not ask in faith. If we would exercise faith in the word of the living
God we should have the richest blessings. We dishonor God by our lack of faith;
therefore we can not impart life to others by bearing a living, uplifting testimony. We
cannot give that which we do not possess.—(Testimonies for the Church 6:63.)
Ask in faith; then receive—There is strength to be obtained of God. He
can help. He can give grace and heavenly wisdom. If you ask in faith, you
will receive; but you must watch unto prayer. Watch, pray, work, should be your
watchword.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:427.)
Faith claims the blessing before it is realized and felt—I have frequently seen
that the children of the Lord neglect prayer, especially secret prayer, altogether too
much; that many do not exercise that faith which it is their privilege and duty to
exercise, often waiting for that feeling which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not
faith; the two are distinct. Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing
are God’s to give. The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living
faith, and that faith it is in our power to exercise.
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