Reformation Essay!

During this particular period of time, Vision Forum is holding an essay competition! This has enabled me to really learn about the lives of John Calvin, and Charles Darwin.  Through much reading, I have found a couple of books that have really inspired me! 

One of them is written by David W. Hall, and the book is titled-- A Heart Promptly Offered. The book is about John Calvin.  

While grazing through certain passages in this book, my eye fell upon a certain chapter called: Prayer

David Hall gives us the apex of John Calvin's instruction on Christian living. This is the passage that caught my eye:

1. The first rule was that our minds should not be distracted by human concerns but oriented toward reverence according to God's majesty. As he put it, one must have his "heart and mind framed as becomes those who are entering into conversation with God." That determines the parameters of prayer.

2. The second rule was that prayers should originate with our own insufficiency according to our true need. 

3. The third rule followed from that position of inadequacy: in humility we should cast off our own worth and seek God's mercy alone. In order to pray, Calvin suggested that one "must divest himself of all vainglorious thoughts, lay aside all idea of worth; in short, discard all self-confidence humbly giving God the whole glory, lest by arrogating anything, however little, to himself, vain pride cause him to turn away his face." Such a submissive posture "casts down all haughtiness."

4. The fourth rule suggested that our prayers could be made in confidence, knowing that God will answer them. A true practice of prayer leads one to "assuredly understand that God cannot be duly invoked without this firm sense of he Divine benevolence." 

This is truly thought provoking, and very wise instruction!  I have enjoyed reading this very much, and hope you will also! 

Elizabeth