Breaking Down Pride to Experience Powerful Prayer Life

The Relationship Between Humility and Powerful Prayer

The concept of humility is deeply intertwined with the idea of a powerful prayer life. According to John Calvin, one of the key aspects of effective prayer is the suppression of pride, which leads to earnest entreaty for pardon accompanied by humble confession and sure confidence in the Divine mercy ^[6]. This understanding is rooted in biblical teachings, such as in 1 Peter 5:6, which advises believers to "be humbled under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in time" ^[1].

Biblical Foundations

The Psalms provide a rich source of insight into the relationship between humility and prayer. Psalm 4:4 encourages believers to "tremble and do not sin. Speak within your own heart on your bed and be still" ^[2]. This call to introspection and stillness before God underscores the importance of humility in approaching prayer. Furthermore, the Psalmist's lament in Psalm 86:14, "God, the proud have risen up against me. A company of violent men have sought after my soul, and they don’t hold regard for you before them," highlights the contrast between the proud and the humble, emphasizing the need for humility in the face of adversity ^[3].

Theological Perspectives

The early Church Fathers also emphasized the significance of humility in prayer. Augustine noted that "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble," citing this as a reason for humiliation and the pursuit of humility ^[8]. This perspective is echoed in the Reformed tradition by Calvin, who stressed that true prayer is characterized by a mind that is "wholly intent on prayer" and "borne and raised above itself" ^[4]. Calvin further argued that believers should lay aside all thought of their own merits and found their confidence in prayer solely on God's promises ^[5].

The Role of Humility in Effective Prayer

The connection between humility and effective prayer is multifaceted. Humility allows believers to acknowledge their dependence on God and to approach Him with a sincere and contrite heart. As Calvin observed, the saints' prayers correspond to their view of God's character and their understanding of their own condition ^[7]. In this sense, humility is not merely a virtue but a necessary condition for prayer that is pleasing to God.

Historical and Theological Development

The emphasis on humility in prayer has been a consistent theme throughout Christian history. The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms, highlights the joy and satisfaction that come from seeking God with a humble heart ^[9]. Similarly, Charles Hodge, representing the Old Princeton school of Reformed theology, discussed the peace that comes from fellowship with God, underscoring the importance of a humble and loving relationship with Him ^[10].

Conclusion

The relationship between breaking down pride and experiencing a powerful prayer life is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and has been consistently emphasized throughout Christian history and across various theological traditions. By embracing humility, believers can cultivate a more effective and meaningful prayer life, characterized by a deep sense of dependence on God and a sincere desire to seek His will. As the biblical and theological sources underscore, humility is not merely a virtue but a fundamental aspect of a vibrant and powerful prayer life.

Sources

I Peter “I Peter 5:6 (LITV) — Then be humbled under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in time;”
Psalms “Psalms 4:4 (LITV) — Tremble and do not sin. Speak within your own heart on your bed and be still. Selah.”
Psalms “God, the proud have risen up against me. A company of violent men have sought after my soul, and they don’t hold regard for you before them. -- Psalms 86:14”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: framed as becomes those who are entering into converse with God. This we shall accomplish in regard to the mind, if, laying aside carnal thoughts and cares which might interfere with the direct and pure contemplation of God, it not only be wholly intent on prayer, but also, as far as possible, be borne and raised above itself. I do not here insist on a mind so disengaged as to feel none of the gnawings of anxiety; on the contrary, it is by much anxiety that the fervor of prayer is inflamed. Thus we see that the holy servants of God”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: hand. When making such comparisons, there is no wonder that they bring forward their integrity and simplicity of heart, that thus, by the justice of their cause, the Lord may be the more disposed to give them succour. We rob not the pious breast of the privilege of enjoying a consciousness of purity before the Lord, and thus feeling assured of the promises with which he comforts and supports his true worshippers, but we would have them to lay aside all thought of their own merits and found their confidence of success in prayer sole”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: pray always. This answer confirmed by an examination of the dangers by which both our life and our salvation are every moment threatened. Confirmed farther by the command and permission of God, by the nature of true repentance, and a consideration of impenitence. Conclusion. 8. Third rule, the suppression of all pride. Examples. Daniel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Baruch. 9. Advantage of thus suppressing pride. It leads to earnest entreaty for pardon, accompanied with humble confession and sure confidence in the Divine mercy. This may”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 39: view, likewise the prayers of the saints correspond. Thus Solomon prays that the Lord may “incline our hearts unto him, to walk in his ways, and keep his commandments” ( 1 Kings 8:58 ); intimating that our heart is perverse, and naturally indulges in rebellion against the Divine law, until it be turned. Again, it is said in the Psalms, “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies,” ( Ps. 119:36 ). For we should always note the antithesis between the rebellious movement of the heart, and the correction by which it is subdued to obedience.”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 8: Augustine — Exposition on Psalms — PSALM CXIX.(2) (part 20): saith: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."(6) Whence also our Lord Himself saith with His own lips, "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."(7) We well understand here that humiliation also, not whereby each man humbleth himself by confessing his sins, and by not arrogating righteousness to himself; but when each man is humbled by some tribulation or mortification which his pride deserved; or when he is exercised and proved by endurance;(8) ”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 63:3: How soon are David's complaints and prayers turned into praises and thanksgivings! After two verses that express his desire in seeking God, here are some that express his joy and satisfaction in having found him. Faithful prayers may quickly be turned into joyful praises, if it be not our own fault. Let the hearts of those rejoice that seek the Lord (Psa 105:3), and let them praise him for working those desires in them, and giving them assurance that he will satisfy them. David was now in a wilderness, and yet had his heart much enlarged in blessing God. Even in a”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 73: imparts that peace which passes all understanding. Our Lord says, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” ( John xiv. 28 .) In such fellowship, the soul must be holy and must be blessed. The Power of Prayer. The course of human events is not controlled by physical force alone. There are other powers at work in the government of the 709 world. There is the power of ideas, true or false; the power of truth; the power of love and human sympathy; the power”

Ask Your Own Question