Andrew Murray
Biography of Andrew Murray
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Andrew Murray
Common Aliases: None
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: May 9, 1828
Death Date: January 18, 1917
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: South African
Profession(s): Pastor, Author, Theologian
Early Life and Background
Andrew Murray was born in Graaff-Reinet, a small town in the Cape Colony, which is now part of South Africa. He was the second child of Andrew Murray Sr., a Scottish Presbyterian missionary, and Maria Susanna Stegmann, of French Huguenot descent. Growing up in a deeply religious family, Murray was exposed to the tenets of Christianity from an early age. His father’s work as a missionary greatly influenced his upbringing, instilling in him a profound sense of faith and duty.
At the age of ten, Murray was sent to Scotland for his education, where he attended the University of Aberdeen. His academic journey continued at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, where he studied theology. This European education not only broadened his intellectual horizons but also deepened his theological understanding, preparing him for a life dedicated to religious service.
Major Accomplishments
Andrew Murray's life was marked by significant accomplishments in both his pastoral and literary endeavors. After completing his studies, he returned to South Africa, where he was ordained as a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church. His first pastoral appointment was in the remote town of Bloemfontein, where he served a congregation spread over a vast area. Despite the challenges, Murray's dedication to his ministry was unwavering, and he quickly became known for his passionate preaching and commitment to spiritual growth.
Murray was instrumental in the revival movement that swept through South Africa in the late 19th century. His leadership and fervent advocacy for a deeper spiritual life inspired many to renew their faith. He was also a key figure in the establishment of several educational institutions, including the Huguenot Seminary in Wellington, which aimed to provide higher education for women.
Notable Works or Actions
Andrew Murray was a prolific writer, authoring over 240 books and pamphlets throughout his lifetime. His works primarily focused on Christian spirituality, prayer, and the inner life of believers. Some of his most notable books include "Abide in Christ," "With Christ in the School of Prayer," and "The Spirit of Christ." These writings have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be widely read by Christians around the world.
Murray's commitment to education and spiritual development extended beyond his writings. He played a pivotal role in the founding of the South African General Mission, an organization dedicated to evangelism and social work. His efforts in promoting Christian education and missionary work left a lasting impact on the religious landscape of South Africa.
Impact and Legacy
Andrew Murray's influence extended far beyond his lifetime, leaving a profound legacy in both South Africa and the global Christian community. His teachings on prayer and spiritual growth have inspired countless individuals to pursue a deeper relationship with God. The revival movement he championed contributed to a renewed sense of faith and community among believers in South Africa.
Murray's writings continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for Christians seeking to deepen their spiritual lives. His emphasis on the importance of abiding in Christ and the power of prayer resonates with readers across generations. The educational institutions he helped establish have empowered countless individuals, particularly women, to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Andrew Murray is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the Christian faith and his ability to articulate complex theological concepts in an accessible manner. His writings on prayer and spiritual growth have become foundational texts for many Christians seeking to enrich their spiritual lives. Murray's emphasis on the transformative power of a personal relationship with Christ has inspired generations of believers to pursue a life of faith and service.
His legacy as a pastor, author, and theologian continues to influence the Christian community worldwide. Murray's dedication to education, revival, and spiritual development has left an indelible mark on the religious and cultural landscape of South Africa and beyond. His life and work serve as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the impact of a life dedicated to the service of others.
Quotes by Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray's insights on:
It is not the law, and not the book, not the knowledge of what is right, that works obedience, but the personal influence of God and His living fellowship. And even so it is not the knowledge of what God has promised, but the presence of God Himself as the Promiser, that awakens faith and trust in prayer.
The presence and the power of the glorified Christ will come to them that are of a humble spirit.
If Christ is to give Himself wholly to me, He must know that He has me wholly for Himself;.
Oh, become nothing in deep reality, and, as a worker, study only one thing – to become poorer and lower and more helpless, that Christ may work all in you.
The one object God had in making you a branch is that Christ may through you bring life to men. Your personal salvation, your business and care for your family, are entirely subordinate to this. Your first aim in life, your first aim every day, should be to know how Christ desires to carry out His purpose in you.
Unless we are willing to pay the price, to sacrifice time and attention and seemingly legitimate or necessary tasks for the sake of the spiritual gifts, we need not look for much power from above in our work.
I spoke of an Army on the point of entering an enemy’s territories. Answering the question as to the cause of delay: ‘Waiting for supplies.’ The answer might also have been: ‘Waiting for instructions, ‘Waiting for orders.’ If the last dispatch had not been received, with the final orders of the commander in chief, the army dared not move. Even so in the Christian life – as deep as the need of waiting for supplies is that of waiting for instructions.
Workers, take your place every day at the feet of Jesus, in the blessed peace and rest that come from the knowledge – I have no care, my cares are His! I have no fear, He cares for all my fears.
The reality is that a heart desire for prayer is lacking. Many do not know how to spend half an hour with God! It is not that they absolutely do not pray; they may pray every day – but they have no joy in prayer. Joy is the sign that God is everything to you.