SCRIPTURE nowhere states that salvation is to be had by prayer; it only speaks of sinners being saved in one way —through simple faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Did the Lord Jesus tell Nicodemus to “pray and be saved?” No. “Whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish.” (John 3:14, 15.)
Did Paul, in answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” reply, “Pray earnestly for forgiveness, and you will get it?” No; it was, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31.)
You do not need to pray to God for salvation; He is at this moment praying you to take it. (2 Cor. 5:20.) If you expect to be saved by prayer you will be deceived, as it cannot possibly take you a step nearer to heaven. How can you dare ask God for salvation so long as you are guilty of calling Him a liar? (1 John 5:10, 11.) Of him who has not faith it is written, “Let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord.” (James 1:7.)
Cease praying for salvation, and even now stretch out the hand of faith and take it as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Lord Jesus.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
ML 07/28/1918