"It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually; that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this,—to be linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. [See Psalm 16:8 .] GW 258.1"
"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 16:8 in this passage.
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"
Both passages emphasize the power and privilege of prayer, highlighting the accessibility of God to humanity. The EGW quote elaborates on the implications of this access, while Matthew 7:7 provides the foundational promise.
"We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart's desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard. GW 258.2"
"Pray without ceasing."
Both passages advocate for constant prayer and communion with God. The EGW quote provides a more detailed description of how this can be practiced in daily life, while 1 Thessalonians 5:17 offers a concise command.
"Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good. GW 258.3"
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"
EGW directly references the principle of asking and receiving, which is the core message of Matthew 7:7. She expands on the conditions and timing of the answer, but the foundation is clearly from the verse.