Next Sunday begins a five-part message series on prayer, telling the stories of the prayers of the kings in 2 Chronicles and conveying through them the teachings of Jesus on prayer (something he taught about quite specifically, and modelled in his own practice). This may be one of the most important series we've had at Vine to date, not only because of the importance of prayer in the spiritual life of a Jesus follower - and it is of the utmost importance to be sure - but also because how most Christians today are struggling to understand the ancient practice of prayer as they live in the Twitter age, where communications are reduced to 140 characters or less.
John Calvin, Presbyterians' "first thinker," wrote a great deal about prayer. Here are three highlights...
1. Prayer is the chief exercise of faith - Calvin wrote in his commentary on Ephesians that because of the union the Jesus Follower has with God in Christ, we are able to approach God in spite of our sinfulness with full confidence and make our requests know. And God incorporates our prayers into the working of his sovereign will in the church and in the world. This is truly a miracle! And it is one of the most valuable gifts we are given by God to use in life and living.
2. The true test of the measure of our faith lies in our prayer - Calvin wrote these words in another commentary, this one on Matthew 21. Denying ourselves of the practice of prayer as Jesus taught is one of the most telling evidences of a stunted, ungrowing faith.
3. God is praying, too! - In his commentary on Jeremiah, Calvin reminds us that prayer is a two way street...God is praying as much as we are, in fact more so because it is God who initiates and supplies our praying: "We cannot call upon God rightly and sincerely except by the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit; for he it is who not only dictates our words but also creates groaning in our hearts...we do not pray through the imulse of our own flesh, but when the Holy Spirit...in a manner prays in us."
What have been some of your experiences in prayer or praying to God?
What accounts for your greatest struggles or hesitations when it comes to prayer?
What is your view of God's role in prayer?
