God Awakens Prayer through Problems

"Because we are too lazy, God pricks us the more sharply, as occasion demands, to pray earnestly."

Calvin spoke these words in his Institutes [3.20.7] to show us how God gets us to pray. By nature we neglect prayer. But when we come to see trouble, we quickly run to him.

Calvin goes on to talk about a prosperous man. One who experiences the abundance of things typically becomes dull in prayer because he is not aware of his dependence upon God. He forgets that at every moment dangers threaten to undo him. God then allows for him to face a degree of adversity or trouble that he might remember that he be drawn to Him in prayer.

As I read these words, I could not help but think of the present state of things in our nation. We've enjoyed our "beds of ivory" and our barns have been full for quite some time. Now our security and wealth are vanishing at an incredible pace. These troubles are to awaken us spiritually. They are God's means of drawing us to prayer.

I've lamented before how our churches today lack seasons of prayer, be it in their services or days of thanksgiving and lamentation. Pews are not places of supplication and homes are more filled with frivolous entertainments than with heavenly petitions. But we are seeing the remedy for this ill take place before our very eyes. If we will not go to prayer willingly and acknowledge all His benefits, God will stretch forth his hand of discipline. He will make us see our frailty and make us bend our knees in supplication.

I thank him for his gentle hand that is always stretched out to do us good. And I look forward to the days when churches become again "houses of prayer."