Calvin and Prayer

John Calvin's commentaries on the prophets are the result of "lectures" which he gave following a brief period of study of the passages at hand. Scribes, one in particular, took down every word, including the brief pastoral prayers that followed the expositions. Here are a couple of the prayers, taken from his unfinished exposition of Ezekiel:

"Almighty God, since you so kindly invite us to yourself and do not cease, even if we are deaf, to extend your grace toward us, grant that we obey you willingly and allow ourselves to be ruled by your Word. And grant that we might obey you steadfastly, not only for a day or a short time, but until we have completed the course of our journey and are gathered together in your heavenly rest, through Christ our Lord. Amen." (Comm. on Ezek. 3:21ff).

"Almighty God, since you have condescended to approach us so intimately, grant that we in turn may eagerly approach you and abide in firm and holy communion. While we continue in the legitimate worship that you prescribe for us in your Word, may your benefits to us also increase, until you lead us to their fullness when you gather us together into your heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Comm. on Ezek. 8.15ff).