John Calvin on Prayer in Institutes of the Christian Religion

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John Calvin on Prayer in Institutes of the Christian Religion

John Calvin, in his book Institutes of the Christian Religion, considers prayer a crucial practice of faith, through which believers deepen their relationship with God and grow spiritually. He systematically teaches about prayer, particularly in Book 3, Chapter 20, “On Prayer, Which Is the Principal Exercise of Faith”, where he explains its essence and principles.

1. The Importance of Prayer

Calvin emphasizes that prayer is the most essential practice of faith. He asserts that prayer is not merely a means of making requests but a way to maintain fellowship with God and experience His providence.

“Prayer is the communion with God and the means by which we experience His care for us.”

Thus, prayer is not just a petition but an act of forming an intimate relationship with God and exercising faith.

2. Four Principles of True Prayer

Calvin presents four key principles for proper prayer:

  1. Humility and Reverence

    • One must approach God with humility and reverence.

    • Recognizing one’s own helplessness, a believer should rely on God’s grace.

  2. Recognizing Our Need and Praying with Sincerity

    • Prayer should not be superficial or formulaic but heartfelt and sincere.

    • A believer must acknowledge their dependence on God and pray with urgency.

  3. Abandoning Self-Sufficiency and Relying on God’s Grace

    • Humans are insufficient on their own and must acknowledge their need for God’s grace.

    • Instead of relying on personal merit, one must seek God’s mercy.

  4. Praying with Faith in God’s Promises

    • A believer must trust that God hears and answers prayers.

    • Prayer should be grounded in the confidence that God will fulfill His promises in Scripture.

3. The Lord’s Prayer as a Model

Calvin highlights the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4) as the perfect model for prayer, teaching fundamental principles through it. He explains its structure as follows:

  • Petitions for God’s Glory (God’s name, kingdom, and will)

  • Petitions for Our Needs (daily bread, forgiveness of sins, protection from temptation)

Calvin stresses that the Lord’s Prayer is not merely a prayer to be recited but a pattern that guides all Christian prayers.

4. The Importance of Intercessory Prayer

Calvin teaches that prayer should go beyond personal requests and include intercessory prayer for others. Believers are called not only to pray for their own needs but also for the church and the community.

5. God’s Will and the Answer to Prayer

Calvin clarifies that prayer is not about persuading God but rather about aligning ourselves with His will.

  • God already knows our needs, but through prayer, He transforms our hearts and leads us to submit to His will.

  • The answer to prayer may not always come in the way we expect, but it will always be fulfilled in God’s perfect wisdom.

Conclusion

Calvin sees prayer as an indispensable exercise of faith, enabling believers to commune with God and grow spiritually. He teaches that prayer is not merely about asking for things but about trusting God and learning to submit to His will.

In summary, Calvin emphasizes humility, sincerity, faith, and submission to God’s will in prayer, allowing believers to deepen their relationship with God through this vital spiritual practice.

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