Why Calvinism Makes It Hard to Pray in Faith
If you don’t know God’s will, how can you pray with confidence?
Have you ever heard someone pray like this?
“Lord, please heal them — if it be thy will.”
That might sound humble.
But in many churches influenced by Calvinism, it becomes the only way people know how to pray.
Why?
Because Calvinism teaches that everything that happens is God’s will — even sickness, tragedy, or death.
So instead of asking boldly…
Instead of trusting what Jesus said…
People hold back — always unsure if God wants to help.
That’s not biblical faith.
That’s quiet confusion.
Calvinism Teaches: “You Don’t Know God’s Will”
If you believe:
God predestined all things
Everything that happens is God’s sovereign will
Even suffering or loss is part of His mysterious plan
…then you’ll never know what to expect when you pray.
You’ll say things like:
“God might want to heal — or He might want them to suffer for His glory.”
“This might be for your good, even if it kills you.”
It’s impossible to pray in faith if you think God might have secretly willed the opposite.
But the Bible Says You Can Know God’s Will
How?
“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” – John 14:9
Jesus perfectly revealed the will of God. And what did He do?
“He healed them all.” – Matthew 12:15
“And as many as touched him were made whole.” – Mark 6:56
“And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.” – Matthew 8:3
Not once did Jesus say,
“This sickness is from God. It’s not His will to heal you.”
If you want to know what the Father is like — look at the Son.
What Does the Bible Say About Praying in Faith?
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God… but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” – James 1:5–6
“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” – Matthew 21:22
“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick…” – James 5:15
Faith is not begging God to change His mind.
It’s believing His will has already been revealed in Christ.
How Calvinism Hurts Real Prayer
Calvinist thinking says:
“God may want you sick to sanctify you.”
“He only heals when it serves His greater decree.”
“You can’t presume to know His will.”
So believers end up praying with uncertainty, hesitation, and low expectation.
But Jesus never told anyone to pray like that.
He said:
“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” – Mark 11:24
That doesn’t mean we demand.
But it does mean we trust His heart, revealed in Jesus.
God Is Not Withholding Good
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above… and cometh down from the Father of lights…” – James 1:17
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts… how much more shall your Father… give good things to them that ask him?” – Matthew 7:11
God is a good Father — not a distant decree-maker.
He delights to answer the prayers of His children.
Pray Boldly. Believe Freely. Trust Fully.
Don’t let Calvinist confusion keep you from praying with confidence.
God’s Word says:
He loves you
He hears you
He wants to help you
His will was shown clearly in Jesus
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace…” – Hebrews 4:16
You can pray with faith.
You can expect answers.
And you can know your Father’s will — because it looks like Jesus.
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