Six reasons why every Christian should pray, as outlined in John Calvin’s Institutes
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| John Calvin (July 1509 – May 1564) |
1. For increased zeal
First, that our hearts may be fired with a zealous and burning desire ever to seek, love, and serve him, while we become accustomed in every need to flee to him as to a sacred anchor. For without communion with the Lord, you can’t expect to be zealous for the Lord.
2. For the right desires
Secondly, that there may enter our hearts no desire and no wish at all of which we should be ashamed to make him a witness, while we learn to set all our wishes before his eyes, and even to pour out our whole hearts.
3. For increased gratitude
Thirdly, that we be prepared to receive his benefits with true gratitude of heart and thanksgiving, benefits that our prayer reminds us come from his hand.
4. For reflection on God’s answers
Fourthly, moreover, that, having obtained what we were seeking, and being convinced that he has answered our prayers, we should be led to meditate upon his kindness more ardently.
5. For greater delight in God
And fifthly, that at the same time we embrace with greater delight those things which we acknowledge to have been obtained by prayers.
6. For confirmation of God’s Providence
Finally, that use and experience may, according to the measure of our feebleness, confirm his Providence, while we understand not only that he promises never to fail us, and of his own will opens the way to call upon him at the very point of necessity, but also that he ever extends his hand to help his own, no wet-nurising them with words but defending them with present help.
