God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you.'
Billy GrahamRead
Before prayer changes others, it first changes us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Prayer has the power to transform our own hearts and minds before it influences others.
This quote by Billy Graham emphasizes the transformative power of prayer, suggesting that its primary effect is on the person who prays. Before attempting to change the world or others through our requests to a higher power, prayer first prompts self-reflection, personal growth, and a change in perspective, leading to profound internal shifts that can ultimately influence external circumstances and relationships.
Themes
PrayerChangeTransformationSelf-ReflectionSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon addressing the congregation about the power of prayer.
More from Billy Graham
All quotes βThe wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance.
Billy GrahamRead
Don't ever hesitate to take to [God] whatever is on your heart. He already knows it anyway, but He doesn't want you to bear its pain or celebrate its joy alone.
Billy GrahamRead
God will not force himself upon us against our will. If we want his love, we need to believe in him. We need to make a definite, positive act of commitment and surrender to the love of God. No one can do it for us.
Billy GrahamRead
Success in God's eyes is faithfulness to His calling.
Billy GrahamRead
Heaven doesn't make this life less important; it makes it more important.
Billy GrahamRead
Similar quotes
Prayer is no fitful, short-lived thing. It is no voice crying unheard and unheeded in the silence. It is a voice which goes into God's ear, and it lives as long as God's ear is open to holy pleas, as long as God's heart is alive to holy things.
Edward Mckendree BoundsRead
Often the work of the Lord itself may be a temptation to keep us from that communion with Him which is so essential to the benefit of our own souls.
George MullerRead
When we discern that people are not going on spiritually and allow the discernment to turn to criticism, we block our way to God. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede
Oswald ChambersRead
Do not sit down and try to pump up repentance from the dry well of a corrupt nature. It is contrary to the laws of your mind to suppose that you can force your soul into that gracious state. Take your heart in prayer to Him who understands it and say, "Lord, cleanse it. Lord, renew it. Lord, work repentance in it." The more you try to produce penitent emotions in yourself, the more you will be disappointed. However, if you believingly think of Jesus dying for you, repentance will burst forth.
Charles SpurgeonRead
Of all things, guard against neglecting God in the secret place of prayer.
William WilberforceRead
To be closer to god, be closer to people.
Khalil GibranRead