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One of the greatest theologians in the modern world is Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758). Raised in a pastor's home, he was surrounded by the things of God. But he also struggled to find his own faith, wrestling with the theology of the Scriptures and the new scientific ideas springing from people like Isaac Newton. The man-centered philosophical reasoning of the Enlightenment was blossoming all around (and would soon help birth the United States!). In the end, Edwards says his mind and heart found an “inward, sweet delight in God and divine things” (Works 16:792).
Edwards eventually became a pastor, then a missionary. By the end of his life, he was well-known as a theologian, publishing several books, and was even invited to serve as President of what is now Princeton University. Even today, Edwards' writings reveal a sharp mind that gives other sharp minds pause in their study! Yet, what stands out more than his mind is his heart--Edwards was driven by a sincere faith, leaving him consumed with the things of God.
In this, Edwards was a man of prayer. What did that life of prayer look like? William Marsden helps us with this. Marsden wrote one of the best biographies on Edwards. It's on the more academic end, but well worth the effort to read. He's also done the heavy lifting for when us when it comes to understanding Edward's prayer life:
He began the day with private prayers followed by family prayers, by candlelight in the winter. Each meal was accompanied by household devotions, and at the end of each day Sarah joined him in his study for prayers. Jonathan kept secret the rest of his daily devotional routine, following Jesus’ command to pray in secret. Throughout the day, his goal was to remain constantly with a sense of living in the presence of God, as difficult as that might be. Often he added secret days of fasting and additional prayers.*
It's not hard to see why Edwards is considered a man of prayer! In fact, his prayer life might even be intimidating to us. But our goal is never to imitate someone in every way. Instead, we can look at good models and glean help for our own prayer lives. So, what can be learn from Edwards?
Theology for Prayer
As we mentioned earlier, Edwards was an incredible theologian who thought deeply about the Scriptures. He was firmly in the Reformed tradition, exulting in the complete sovereignty of God over all things. And this thick, precise theology didn't keep him from prayer, but drove him to it. The more we actually know God, the more likely we are to pray to him.
Devotion to God through Prayer
This means prayer wasn't a mere ritual for Edwards. It was more than a routine spiritual practice. Just consider the way prayer permeates all of his life. For him, prayer was a means of communion with God. It framed his daily life in public and went deep into his private life. Edwards' mind was in a rare class, yet he humbly depended on God. One way to move deeper into prayer is to see it as a means of getting more of God himself.
Discipline in Prayer
Edwards did not leave his time with God to the whims of his schedule. It's obvious that he took great care in planning time with God. This is a good reminder that heartfelt devotion is no enemy of disciplined routine. Most of our would do well to plan for prayer--to set alarms, put it in our schedule, and even follow Edwards in setting aside an entire day for prayer and fasting a few times a year.
The Family in Prayer
We've seen this before in a previous post, but it's worth seeing again. Edwards' prayer life wasn't one of solitude. Though he prayed privately beyond what anyone even knew, he also regularly prayed with his family. As they gathered together for every meal, the Word was open and prayers were offered. If this is a regular practice, it would unveil the hearts of a family and bind them together like nothing else. As a father, Edwards shepherded his family well in this. It's a specific challenge to husbands and fathers to do the same. Lead your family to God's throne in prayer.
There much more we could say about Jonathan Edwards and prayer! But hopefully, this was enough to send you looking for more on your own. Even better, I hope it was enough to encourage you toward a richer life of prayer.
*Marsden, Jonathan Edwards: A Life (Yale University Press, 2003), 133.
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