Ellen White wrote extensively about prayer. Here are several key statements from her writings:
1. "Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor." (Gospel Workers, p. 254.4)
2. "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." (Steps to Christ, p. 93.2)
3. "The idea that prayer is not essential is one of Satan's most successful devices to ruin souls. Prayer is communion with God, the Fountain of wisdom, the Source of strength, and peace, and happiness." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 42.3)
4. "Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be 'instant in prayer,' to 'continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.' ... 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." (Steps to Christ, p. 97.2)
5. "Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. Prayer has 'subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire'—we shall know what it means when we hear the reports of the martyrs who died for their faith—'turneth to flight the armies of the aliens.'" (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 172.4)
These quotes reflect Ellen White’s emphasis on the necessity, power, and relational nature of prayer. If you would like more specific statements or a focus on a particular aspect of prayer, please let me know!
References:
- White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers, p. 254.4.
- White, E. G. (1892). Steps to Christ, pp. 93.2, 97.2.
- White, E. G. (1902). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 42.3.
- White, E. G. (1900). Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 172.4.