"Chapter 11—The Privilege of Prayer Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual relationship with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life. SC 93"
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
Both passages highlight the reciprocal nature of drawing near to God. James 4:8 states that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. EGW emphasizes the need for an actual relationship with our heavenly Father.
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Both passages emphasize the importance of personal, private prayer and communication with God. Matthew 6:6 speaks of praying in secret, while EGW speaks of pouring out our hearts to Him.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Both passages encourage prayer as a means of communicating with God. Philippians 4:6 encourages making requests known to God through prayer, while EGW emphasizes the need to pour out our hearts to Him.
"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"
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
Both passages emphasize drawing closer to God. James 4:8 states 'Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.' EGW states 'Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.'
"When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us. SC 93.3"
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of 1 Peter 5:7 regarding casting cares upon God. The connection is clear and strong.
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."
The EGW passage refers to Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray. Matthew 6:9 provides an example of that teaching, the Lord's Prayer. While not a direct quote, it's a clear thematic parallel.