Burning desire Quote by R.C. Sproul
““Still it is very important for us to call upon him: 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. 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. 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. (Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, ed. John T. McNeill [Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1960], Book 3, chapter 20, section 3.)””
About This Quote
Source Book: Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, 1960
Prayer should ignite zeal, align desires with divine will, and foster gratitude for received blessings.
In simple terms: Pray to ignite zeal, align wishes with God, and thank Him.
Key Takeaway
Seek God‑centered desire and gratitude.
Themes
faith
prayer
humility
gratitude
Mood
contemplative
reverent
Type
inspirational
theological
When to use this quote
- personal worship
- community prayer
- spiritual formation
Key Concepts
theology
spiritual discipline
devotion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does aligning desires with the divine change daily choices?
- What practices deepen gratitude for blessings?
A Different Perspective
Human selfishness can resist surrendering personal wishes.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
