Calvin on Prayer

The materials for our bi-weekly book study include Treasures of Encouragement by Sharon Betters, portions from Calvin's Institutes, and selected Scripture passages that relate to the topic being discussed.  It has been a rich study, and I'm a little sad that our last meeting is next week.

A couple of weeks ago, the topic we looked at was prayer, and we all found John Calvin's writings on this particular Christian discipline to be most though-provoking and uplifting.  I thought I would share a few of my favorite quotes for encouragement as you continue to bring your requests before our God.

It is, therefore, by the benefit of prayer that we reach those riches which are laid up for us with the Heavenly Father...For having disclosed to the Lord the necessity that was pressing upon us, we even rest fully in the thought that none of our ills is hid from him who, we are convinced, has both the will and the power to take the best care of us.

...we are taught not to make any law for him [God], or impose any condition upon him, but to leave to his decision to do what he is to do, in what way, in what time, and in what place it seems good to him.

But if finally even after long waiting our senses cannot learn the benefit received from prayer, or perceive any fruit from it, still our faith will make us sure of what cannot be perceived by sense, that we have obtained what was expedient...For though all things fail us, yet God will never forsake us, who cannot disappoint the expectation and patience of his people.

So let us be as the persistent widow and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1-8)