Faith Quote by John Calvin
““For though God has promised to do whatsoever his people may ask, yet he does not allow them an unbridled liberty to ask whatever may come to their minds; but he has at the same time prescribed to them a law according to which they are to pray. And doubtless nothing is better for us than this restriction; for if it was allowed to every one of us to ask what he pleased, and if God were to indulge us in our wishes, it would be to provide very badly for us. For what may be expedient we know not; nay, we boil over with corrupt and hurtful desires. But God supplies a twofold remedy, lest we should pray otherwise than according to what his own will has prescribed; for he teaches us by his word what he would have us to ask, and he has also set over us his Spirit as our guide and ruler, to restrain our feelings, so as not to suffer them to wander beyond due bounds. For what or how to pray, we know not, says Paul, but the Spirit helpeth our infirmity, and excites in us unutterable groans. (Romans 8:26.) We ought also to ask the mouth of the Lord to direct and guide our prayers; for God in his promises has fixed for us, as it has been said, the right way of praying.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559
Prayer should be guided by divine law and the Spirit, not unrestricted personal desire, to avoid harmful impulses.
In simple terms: Pray within God’s guidance, not just personal wishes.
Key Takeaway
Seek divine direction in prayer.
Themes
faith
discipline
spiritual guidance
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- church teaching
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
theology of prayer
human desire
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern God’s will?
- What role does the Spirit play in your prayers?
A Different Perspective
Strict guidelines may limit authentic expression.
