Ephesians 6:18
If it is objected that the necessity which urges us to pray is not always equal, I admit it. James properly taught us this distinction: "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms" (James 5:13).
Therefore, common sense itself dictates that as we are too sluggish, we must be stimulated by God to pray earnestly when-ever the occasion requires. Thus David calls a time when God "may be found" a seasonable time; because, as he declares in several other passages, the more heavily grievances, annoyances, fears, and other kinds of trial press us, the freer is our access to God, as if he were inviting us to himself. Still not less true is the injunction of Paul to pray "always" (Eph. 6:18); because, however prosperously, according to our view, things proceed, and however we may be surrounded on all sides with grounds of joy, there is not an instant of time during which our want does not exhort us to prayer. A man abounds in wheat and wine; but as he cannot enjoy a morsel of bread, unless by the continual bounty of God, his granaries or cellars will not prevent him from asking for daily bread. Then, if we consider how many dangers impend every moment, fear itself will teach us that no time ought to be without prayer.
This, however, may be better known in spiritual matters. For when will the many sins of which we are conscious allow us to sit secure without asking for freedom from guilt and punishment? When will temptation give us a truce, making it unnecessary to hasten for help? Moreover, zeal for the kingdom and glory of God ought not to seize us by starts, but urge us without intermission, so that every time should appear seasonable. God promises that he will be near to those who call upon him in truth, and declares that those who seek him with their whole heart will find him. Those, therefore, who delight in their own pollution cannot surely aspire to him.
—John Calvin
Readings taken from Day by Day With John Calvin
If it is objected that the necessity which urges us to pray is not always equal, I admit it. James properly taught us this distinction: "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms" (James 5:13).
Therefore, common sense itself dictates that as we are too sluggish, we must be stimulated by God to pray earnestly when-ever the occasion requires. Thus David calls a time when God "may be found" a seasonable time; because, as he declares in several other passages, the more heavily grievances, annoyances, fears, and other kinds of trial press us, the freer is our access to God, as if he were inviting us to himself. Still not less true is the injunction of Paul to pray "always" (Eph. 6:18); because, however prosperously, according to our view, things proceed, and however we may be surrounded on all sides with grounds of joy, there is not an instant of time during which our want does not exhort us to prayer. A man abounds in wheat and wine; but as he cannot enjoy a morsel of bread, unless by the continual bounty of God, his granaries or cellars will not prevent him from asking for daily bread. Then, if we consider how many dangers impend every moment, fear itself will teach us that no time ought to be without prayer.
This, however, may be better known in spiritual matters. For when will the many sins of which we are conscious allow us to sit secure without asking for freedom from guilt and punishment? When will temptation give us a truce, making it unnecessary to hasten for help? Moreover, zeal for the kingdom and glory of God ought not to seize us by starts, but urge us without intermission, so that every time should appear seasonable. God promises that he will be near to those who call upon him in truth, and declares that those who seek him with their whole heart will find him. Those, therefore, who delight in their own pollution cannot surely aspire to him.
—John Calvin
Readings taken from Day by Day With John Calvin
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