"There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul. SC 99.1"
"Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven."
The EGW passage explicitly mentions Nehemiah's prayer before King Artaxerxes, directly alluding to the event described in Nehemiah 2:4.
"Pray without ceasing."
The EGW passage directly echoes and expands upon the principle of constant prayer found in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
The EGW passage uses the imagery of opening the door of the heart to Jesus, which is a clear parallel to the imagery in Revelation 3:20.
"Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven. SC 99.2"
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 encourages focusing on pure and virtuous thoughts. EGW's statement directly echoes this principle by urging readers to 'close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts.' The connection is strong and directly related to the principle of focusing on positive and godly thoughts.
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"
Both passages speak of a spiritual elevation or dwelling in a heavenly realm through Christ. EGW's passage speaks of living in the 'pure air of heaven' and having 'constant communion with heaven,' while Ephesians 2:6 describes being 'raised up together' and 'made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' The connection is thematic, focusing on a spiritual reality beyond earthly limitations.
"We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God's children; and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things. SC 99.3"
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
Both passages emphasize the importance of holiness in relation to seeing or being close to God. EGW expands on the idea of the 'beauty of holiness' filling the hearts of believers, which aligns with the concept of pursuing holiness to see the Lord.
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
Both passages connect beauty and seeking God. The Psalm speaks of beholding the beauty of the Lord, while EGW speaks of the 'beauty of holiness.' Both encourage seeking God's presence.
"Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun. SC 99.4"
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
The core principle of drawing near to God is present in both passages. EGW's statement about keeping near to God directly reflects the principle articulated in James 4:8.
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Both passages speak of striving towards a higher goal related to God. EGW describes the soul being drawn upward, while Philippians speaks of pressing toward the mark. The connection is thematic, focusing on spiritual aspiration.