Contemplating the Mysteries
John Calvin’s Prayer of Devotion and Discovery
“May the Lord grant, that we may engage in contemplating the mysteries of his heavenly wisdom with really increasing devotion, to his glory and to our edification. Amen.”
— John Calvin’s prayer at the beginning of his lectures
John Calvin’s prayer is simple, yet its depth unveils a profound desire: that our study and contemplation of God would transform our hearts, sharpen our minds, and deepen our devotion. When Calvin opened his lectures with this prayer, he invited his students to approach divine wisdom with humility, recognizing that understanding God is not a mere intellectual pursuit but an act of worship.
Engaging with Devotion: More Than Knowledge
In asking for “increasing devotion,” Calvin acknowledged the need for a heart postured toward God, not just a mind seeking facts. True devotion doesn’t merely admire the beauty of wisdom from afar; it seeks to engage, to respond, and to be shaped by it. Calvin recognized that contemplating the mysteries of God requires more than curiosity; it demands reverence and a readiness to be changed.
Psalm 25:4-5 expresses a similar prayer: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Here, the psalmist approaches God’s wisdom as a guide, recognizing that to understand God’s ways is to seek Him as Savior and Teacher. Calvin’s prayer echoes this theme, asking that our engagement with divine mysteries would be fueled by a heart seeking God’s glory above all.
The Glory of God and Our Edification
Calvin’s prayer highlights two essential aims: that God would be glorified, and that we would be edified. This dual purpose elevates our study of Scripture and theology beyond academic exercise or personal gain; it becomes a pursuit that joins in the grand narrative of glorifying God.
In Isaiah 55:8-9, God declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” In this light, the mysteries of God are not meant to be fully fathomable but are an invitation to explore His greatness. Calvin’s prayer calls us to approach these mysteries with awe, allowing our discoveries to enlarge our view of God and deepen our worship.
Seeking Edification through Contemplation
While our aim is God’s glory, Calvin also prays for our “edification.” To be edified is to be built up, strengthened, and established in faith. Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:11-12 remind us that the purpose of understanding is not merely to know more but to be equipped for every good work: “So Christ himself gave… pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
When we engage in deep study or reflection, we participate in this edification, preparing ourselves to live out our faith with conviction and humility. We grow stronger in love, clearer in truth, and more devoted to Christ. Calvin’s prayer reminds us that edification happens not only in our minds but in the shaping of our lives as we live out what we have learned.
A Call to Begin with Prayerful Dependence
Calvin’s choice to open with prayer also speaks volumes about the posture with which we should approach any spiritual endeavor. He understood that genuine insight is a gift from God, not the result of human effort alone. In James 1:5, we are told, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” By praying for “really increasing devotion,” Calvin models a humble approach to wisdom, where we rely on God to open our eyes and ignite our hearts.
A Closing Prayer
In our studies, reflections, and daily lives, may we too seek God’s wisdom with an attitude of reverence and expectation. Let us pray:
“Lord, grant us the grace to approach Your mysteries with humble devotion, seeking not our own glory but Yours alone. May our hearts and minds be transformed as we learn, and may our understanding lead us to love and serve You with renewed passion. Let Your wisdom become our guide, our comfort, and our strength, edifying us and equipping us to be faithful witnesses in this world. Amen.”
In the spirit of Calvin’s prayer, may we engage in the sacred pursuit of knowing God with a devotion that grows ever deeper, ever richer, and ever more aligned with His glorious purpose.
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