Meaning: The quote "Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life" by Jonathan Edwards encapsulates the essential role of prayer in the life of a believer. Jonathan Edwards, an influential clergyman and theologian of the 18th century, was a key figure in the First Great Awakening, a religious revival that swept through the American colonies. His quote highlights the deep connection between faith and prayer, portraying prayer as an instinctive and indispensable aspect of one's spiritual life.

In this quote, Edwards draws a parallel between prayer and breathing, emphasizing the natural and essential nature of both processes. Just as breathing is an inherent and involuntary action that sustains physical life, prayer is portrayed as an innate and fundamental expression of faith that sustains spiritual life. This comparison underscores the idea that prayer is not simply a religious duty or ritual, but rather an integral and inseparable part of a believer's relationship with the divine.

The analogy between prayer and breathing also suggests that just as breathing is necessary for sustaining life, prayer is vital for nurturing and sustaining one's faith. It implies that prayer is not a mere formality or a means to an end, but a vital and continuous communication with the divine. The quote conveys the idea that prayer is not something to be done out of obligation, but rather a natural and instinctive response of a faithful heart.

Furthermore, by likening prayer to breathing, Edwards implies that prayer should be as constant and consistent as breathing. Just as breathing is a continuous and ongoing process that is essential for life, prayer should be a constant and ongoing practice that is essential for nurturing one's faith. This perspective encourages believers to integrate prayer into every aspect of their lives, making it a natural and seamless part of their daily existence.

Edwards' quote also highlights the intimate connection between faith and prayer. By equating prayer with an expression of faith, he emphasizes that prayer is not divorced from one's belief but is a tangible manifestation of it. This serves to underscore the idea that genuine faith naturally gives rise to prayer, and prayer, in turn, strengthens and deepens one's faith.

In sum, Jonathan Edwards' quote "Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life" encapsulates the intrinsic connection between faith and prayer. It portrays prayer as an essential and instinctive aspect of a believer's spiritual life, emphasizing its vital role in nurturing and sustaining one's faith. The comparison to breathing underscores the idea that prayer should be constant and consistent, seamlessly integrated into every facet of a believer's existence. Overall, this quote serves as a poignant reminder of the profound significance of prayer in the life of a person of faith.