To keep my mind from straying when I pray, I write out my prayers on index cards (with a verse) and attach it to a poster or bulletin board. I have divided my poster board into Praise/thanks/confession/request. I then pray these in the closet with the door closed. It has made all the difference and I can see how He has blessed!
I am in such a place on my journey that the first few minutes this video completely wrecked me and met me RIGHT where I am. Maybe this will be the start of finding my way back.
I am absolutely, positively not a Calvinist, but I have learned a great deal from this man. Proof positive that doctrinal differences, aside from the Gospel message, are best set aside in the interim.
Sam Ogilvie, Having doctrinal differences cause rift between believers is the work of the devil. Unless someone is speaking heresy it is best to let differences be put aside
Pastor Keller thank you so much for this message. I have been a believer since I was 9 years old however, prayer became burdensome chore for me .... I forgot the part of adoration... I skip the most important part of prayer. I need to reminded myself who God is and that is how I enjoy my amazing Father. As soon as I did that everything finds its place. Thank you for your ministry and serve once gain and be healthy and safe.
Summary of Tim Keller's Sermon on Prayer # Introduction - Tim Keller addresses the importance of prayer, emphasizing it as a crucial practice for Christians, especially for those in ministry like church planters. - He mentions that prayerlessness can severely hinder one's spiritual life and ministry effectiveness. ## Importance of Prayer - **Self-awareness:** Keller states that prayer is essential for truly knowing oneself. Understanding one's smallness in relation to God's greatness is key. - **Change and Growth:** Real change in behavior comes through reordered loves, which can only happen through prayer. - **Receiving God's Gifts:** Keller argues that God’s gifts (love, wisdom, joy) are safely given to those who pray because prayer aligns one's heart with God's will. - **Dependency on God:** He gives an example of someone who became wealthy and self-reliant, which led to negative consequences. Without prayer, success can lead to pride and folly. ## Foundation and Structure of Prayer - **Relationship with God:** Prayer should be based on a loving relationship with God rather than a transactional one. - **Public vs. Private Prayer:** Keller notes that public prayer for show is criticized by Jesus. True prayer is often private and heartfelt. - **Motivation for Prayer:** It should stem from grace and love, not from a desire to control God or to gain approval from others. ## The Lord’s Prayer Breakdown - **Adoration:** The prayer starts with adoration, recognizing God's holiness and majesty. This sets the tone and frames all subsequent requests. - **Acceptance:** "Thy will be done" reflects a deep trust in God's plan, acknowledging His sovereignty even when His ways are not understood. - **Asking:** Requests like "Give us this day our daily bread" show dependence on God for daily needs, combining persistent asking with a heart of submission. - **Admitting:** Confession of sins is crucial. Forgiveness is tied to one’s willingness to forgive others, highlighting the need for humility and repentance. - **Rebelling Against Evil:** Praying for deliverance from evil involves battling against injustice and suffering in the world, aligning with God’s will for righteousness. ## Practical Applications - **Consistency in Prayer:** Keller shares a personal story about the importance of consistent prayer with his wife, equating it to taking a life-saving medication. - **Adoration’s Role:** Adoration makes other forms of prayer (asking, admitting) more effective by deeply rooting the pray-er in the reality of God's love and power. - **Handling Distractions and Dry Spells:** Keller acknowledges the difficulty in maintaining a vibrant prayer life but stresses persistence and the value of structured prayer practices, like regularly praying the Psalms. ## Conclusion - Jesus as the Model:** Jesus not only taught the Lord’s Prayer but also embodied it, especially in His submission to God's will in Gethsemane and on the cross. - Empowerment through Christ:** Believers are encouraged to see Jesus’ perfect prayer life as the basis for their own prayers, finding both inspiration and power to pray effectively. # Key Bible Verses Cited - Matthew 6:5-15:** Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer and instructs on the right attitude towards prayer. - Genesis 50:20:** Joseph's response to his brothers highlights seeing God's good purposes in difficult circumstances. - Psalm 1:** Keller alludes to the Psalms as a foundational prayer guide. - 2 Corinthians 5:21:** Speaks to Jesus taking on sin so that believers might become righteous, underscoring the transformative power of prayer rooted in the gospel. This summary encapsulates Keller's points on the necessity, nature, and practice of prayer, interwoven with practical examples and scriptural references.
Jackie Uzoh My grandmother, whom I never knew, is said to have compared chewing gum to a cow chewing her cud.(sp?) I read a critique of people from the States by a Spaniard. He compared us to fish in an aquarium.
scott banta, I would say it depends on your heart and your reasoning behind the prayer. Anything can become rote, from the Lord's prayer, saying a pledge, to telling your family you love them. If your heart is in it, then it is meaningful. If not, then it can certainly become vain and powerless.
Oh he's so funny. Knows it all. Read Flannery O'Connor's short stories to learn more about God, yourself, and redemption. It's real truth telling, not manufactured sermonizing.
