Spirit of Prophecy: Prayer as the Breath of the Soul

Prayer is the breath of the soul and the primary source of spiritual power that connects us with the life of Christ18MR 172.4+2. It is a sacred privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord, both in public and private worship, to offer our petitions to HimGW 178.2. Sincere and simple prayers offered with a contrite heart are always regarded as precious in God's sight and will never be lost12MR 297.2+1. When we pray, we should avoid long, wearying repetitions and instead present our needs clearly and distinctly in a natural tone of voiceGW92 151.1+2. True worship and effective prayer are indited by the Holy Spirit, which purifies the heart and renews the mind to love God more deeplyDA 189.2. We must never forget that for our prayers to be heard, we must not regard iniquity in our hearts but rather seek to live in obedience to His word Psalm 66:18CG 450.2+1. Even when answers seem delayed or come in an unexpected form, we can trust that God is too wise and good to withhold what is best for our spiritual benefitMH 230.4+1.

...rvants who shall be assembled in council at any time and in any place, the Lord says, Remember that prayer is the source of power. Remember that it is through dependence upon God, by looking to Him in faith, that you gain the vic...— 18MR 172.4 (1990)

...d that because of this your joy is full. Cease to talk unbelief. In God is our strength. Pray much. Prayer is the life of soul. The prayer of faith is the weapon by which we may successfully resist every assault of the enemy.—Manuscript 24, 1904— 1SM 88.4 (1958)

... They can stand and talk, and not feel injured. The position in prayer should be perfectly natural. Long praying wearies, and is not in accordance with the gospel of Christ. Half or even a quarter of an hour is altogethe...— GW92 151.1 (1892)

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and pr...— GW 178.2 (1915)

...Christ said of him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” John 1:47.] The Lord reads the hearts of all, and understands their motives and purposes. “The prayer of the upright is his delight.” Proverbs 15:18.] He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to him, not exalt...— GW92 35.2 (1892)

...desire immediate and direct answers to our prayers, and are tempted to become discouraged when the answer is delayed or comes in an unlooked-for form. But God is too wise and good to answer our prayers always at just the time and in just the manner we desire. He will do more and...— MH 230.4 (1905)

...Could we see all the activity of human instrumentality, as it appears before God, we would see that only the work accomplished by much prayer, which is sanctified by the merit of Christ, will stand the test of the judgment. When the grand review shall take place, then shall ye return and discern between him that serveth ...— RH July 4, 1893, par. 5 (1851)

...ve in obedience to His word can we claim the fulfillment of His promises. The psalmist says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalm 66:18. If we render to Him only a partial, halfhearted obedience, His promises will n...— CCh 303.3 (1991)