Untitled Sermon (8)

Doubtful prayer is no prayer at all.

John Calvin

The lesson is clear. We must not play at prayer, but must show persistence if we do not receive the answer immediately. It is not that God is unwilling and must be pressed into answering. The whole context makes it clear that he is eager to give. But if we do not want what we are asking for enough to be persistent, we do not want it very much. It is not such tepid prayer that is answered.

Leon Morris

Prayer is the chief exercise of faith.

John Calvin

Faith is the fountain of prayer, and prayer should be nothing else but faith exercised.

Thomas Manton

Prayer without faith! What sort of prayer is it? It is the prayer of a man who does not believe in God.

Charles Spurgeon

For sometimes our lack of persistence in prayer is not a reflection of our great maturity but, rather, a reflection of our sheer unbelief.

D. A. Carson

To believers a persuasion of God’s fatherly love is more delightful than all earthly enjoyments.

John Calvin