Prayer Is…

In our prayer meeting in London, for the past few months, we’ve been studying through the 222 prayers quoted in the Bible. That has been a fascinating study.

Recently, while looking for a quote for a homework assignment, I headed over to egwwritings.org and did a search for “prayer is.” The quotes that came up, from the writings of Ellen G. White, are truly inspiring, so I just had to share. Here are my favorites:

Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. {GW 254.4

Prayer is the most holy exercise of the soul. {CCh 294.2}

Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence. {SC 94.2}

Prayer is heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. {AA 564.1}

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. {SC 93.2}

Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. {SC 97.2}

Prayer is communion with God, the Fountain of wisdom, the Source of strength, and peace, and happiness. {7T 42.3}

Prayer is not to work any change in God; it is to bring us into harmony with God. {COL 143.1}

Prayer is essential in order to receive strength to contend with the powers of darkness, and to do the work allotted us. {2T 203}

Daily prayer is as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is temporal food to physical well-being. {DG 81.3}

Prayer is a necessity in our labor for the salvation of souls. God alone can give the increase of the seed we sow. {GW92 29.1}

Prayer is the life of the soul; it is feeding on Christ; it is turning our faces fully toward the Sun of Righteousness. (The Signs of the Times, July 31, 1893)

Prayer is the strength of the Christian. When alone, he is not alone; he feels the presence of One who has said, “Lo, I am with you alway.” {MYP 383.2}

Prayer is necessary, and we should not wait for feeling, but pray, earnestly pray, whether we feel like it or not. Heaven is open to our prayers. Prayer is the channel that conducts our gratitude and yearnings of soul for the divine blessing to the throne of God, to be returned to us in refreshing showers of divine grace. {Lt52-1874.6}

Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of the soul. Family prayer, public prayer, have their place; but it is secret communion with God that sustains the soul life. (Education, 258.)