We are then to believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24 . Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we realize it. When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. But many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that comes through faith. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the Word of God, and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises. “If ye abide in Me, and My words…
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
EGW directly quotes Mark 11:24 and builds her argument about faith upon it.
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
Ellen White directly references John 15:7 in this passage.
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Ellen White directly references 1 John 3:22 in this passage.
I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He said, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw that we had doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour by our lack of faith. Said the angel, “Gird the armor about thee, and above all take the shield of faith; for that will guard the heart, the very life, from the fiery darts of the wicked.” If the enemy can lead the desponding to take their eyes off from Jesus, and look to themselves, and dwell upon their own unworthiness, instead of dwelling upon the worthiness of Jesus, His love, His merits, and His great mercy, he will get away their shield of faith an…
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
The EGW passage directly states, "Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them," which is a very close paraphrase of Mark 11:24. This is a clear and direct principle being reiterated.
"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"
Both passages encourage persistent prayer. Luke 18:1 teaches that men ought always to pray and not faint, while EGW encourages pressing petitions to the throne and holding on by strong faith, referencing Elijah's persistent prayer as an example.
"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months."
The EGW passage directly references Elijah and his earnest prayer, echoing the sentiment and even some of the language of James 5:17. The reference to Elijah being subject to like passions is a clear connection.