The unanswered prayer of Jesus
Crossroads is about to circle the wagons and talk about prayer in a concentrated "40 Days of Prayer" sort of way. I confess I struggle with prayer. I've been doing a lot of thinking and reading on the subject. I want to learn and grow in this area.
In one of my readings this week I came across an article entitled "Jesus' Unanswered Prayers". I'd never considered the fact that Jesus had unanswered prayers (like we do). In fact, Jesus' longest recorded prayer (for unity among his followers--see John 17), remains far from being answered. At last count, over 34,000 distinct denominations/sects exist in the world! I'd say that's a far cry from Jesus' prayer that we would "be one".
I'd really appreciate any questions or comments you have about prayer. What you struggle with. What you hope we cover in the new series. Our last weekend of the series (March 3-4) will be a Q & A on whatever issues have surfaced.
In one of my readings this week I came across an article entitled "Jesus' Unanswered Prayers". I'd never considered the fact that Jesus had unanswered prayers (like we do). In fact, Jesus' longest recorded prayer (for unity among his followers--see John 17), remains far from being answered. At last count, over 34,000 distinct denominations/sects exist in the world! I'd say that's a far cry from Jesus' prayer that we would "be one".
I'd really appreciate any questions or comments you have about prayer. What you struggle with. What you hope we cover in the new series. Our last weekend of the series (March 3-4) will be a Q & A on whatever issues have surfaced.
posted by Pastor Phil Print at 1:05 PM
13 Comments:
I wonder sometimes if I'm now too informal with my prayers. I grew up in a church with the pastor behind the pulpit, using big words and eloquent speech for prayers. Not until I found Crossroads did I realize that prayer didn't always have to be that way. I now consider prayer to be a time of talking with my friend, in my everyday language. But am I honoring God this way or is there a place for more deferrental prayer, too?
Secondly, I am disappointed at times when during prayer I become distracted and my mind wanders. Any tips on how to truly focus? (Most of my prayer time is spent lying in bed, in minutes before I fall asleep, so I do try to limit distractions.) Finally, how does one begin to pray with their spouse? Though we both believe and both attend church, I am more open in my faith now than my spouse. I long for prayer together, but it ends up so uncomfortable because spouse isn't ready for that openness. Have tried a few times, but it's so awkward. How can we get over that, and how can one spouse encourage the other without inadvertently pushing away? Thanks for any advice in upcoming series, Phil. I appreciate the topic and look forward to it!
Outside the worship & talking with God aspect of prayer,
I struggle with what I'm supposed to ask & wait on God for, vs. what I'm supposed to apprehend by faith based on His provision through the finished work on the cross.
It's clear that both means are to be employed. I'm just not sure when to apply what.
Searcher,
One thing that would help you would be to utilize prayer journaling. It keeps you focused on the prayer and keeps you moving and thinking. The upcoming 40 Days of Prayer will have a booklet in which you will be able to journal along with the daily readings, so you can get a taste for it then. I have prayer journaled off and on over the years and do find my prayer life is stronger and more consistent when I journal. I picked up the practice after reading Bill Hybel's book "Too Busy Not To Pray" which will also be a component of the upcoming 40 Days of Prayer. Hybel's book is an excellent resource on prayer, I will re-read for the third time it with the church because it is really that good.
Big Chris
Warrior,
We don't need Hybels' book any more than we need a cookbook to know how to make food. The Bible certainly provides what we need to know with regards to prayer. Hybels' book is completely Biblical and I have no hesitation in recommending it. If you want to go without it, nobody will force you to buy it or read it, but I suggest you give it a try. And just as a cookbook is helpful in clarifying a recipe, so too is Hybels' book on prayer. If you don't want to spend the money, I'll lend you my copy so you can "investigate" whether it is worth your time or effort. I only ask that I get it back, as I've marked up the parts I particularly find useful. Let me know if you want it and I'll bring it to church this weekend so you can preview it before the 40 Days of Prayer kicks off.
Big Chris
Warrior,
For the record, I am indeed seminary trained, but I first read Hybel's book before I went to Seminary, and honestly before I knew much of anything about who Bill Hybles is and what Willow Creek is. Frankly it has been the pattern of my prayer life (his suggestions in the book) for the past 6-7 years. I read a lot, and a lot of what I have read I don't feel confident in recommending to others, especially not as highly as I recommend this book. But as I said, you certainly don't have to have it.
Big Chris
hey warrior, what's up? are you sick brother? i have very muched enjoyed your comments. folks like you who haven't caved-in to our feel-good culture will be sorely missed in our churchs!
please continue to check-in & keep us on the straight & narrow, as long as you're able to. i'm honeslty writing this through tears.
i sincerely love your heart, & will miss you!
Warrior, our prayer for you is that God's peace would fall upon you as you wrap up your earthly journey. Thanks for being part of our community through the internet.
My 2 cents on reading books and resources from churches like Willow Creek is that they don't change lives...but many of these types of resources do inspire people to act. What you said about prayer in your first post is exactly what both Hybels and Yancey say in their books on prayer! We at Crossroads don't bow daily toward Willow Creek. But we've learned from Willow just like we learn from others. God's Spirit speaks primarily through His Word but He also speaks through annointed teachers and authors (like Hybels and Yancey) and I want to be open to that.
it seems obvious that we are supposed to edify one & other in the Lord using are various gifts & talents. some have a talent for teaching & have written good books for us to learn from.
there can be a problem however, when christians depend wholly on teachers, books...etc instead of getting personal revelation directly from God through His word, prayer & meditation.
I'll bet that if there weren't so many christians who were dependent on regurgitated spiritual diets there would be far less christian books published.
Good question (amazed1). I believe annointed teachers/authors are those who bear great fruit over the long run. They prove themselves by their works...by their influence in building God's Kingdom. I'd put Hybels and Yancey on that list in a heartbeat.
Passionate you make a good point too. Here's my read: relying totally on Christian books is like relying on fast food for all your meals. Easy...but not the best route to go. The best meals are cooked at home, just like the best spiritual meals happen when I open my Bible, take out my journal, and allow God's Spirit to open my eyes to the truth.
i find it hard to talk about prayer without mentioning the Spirit's involvement throught the gift of tongues. Paul greatly appreciated this gift. so much so that he said that "he would that all spoke with tongues". He also said that praying in the Spirit was the "rest" & "refreshing" that Isaiah spoke of (28:11,12). Apparently praying in the Spirit bypasses our minds to offer perfect praise, intercede for others & edify ourselves. It seems that many people forget all the positives regarding this great gift & focus on Paul's admonishment not to abuse the gifts, to the end that they're hardly discussed at all. i can't help thinking that part of our problem with extended prayer times is that we're not availing ourselves with all that God has for us!
I'm not a big fan of repeating the same canned prayer over and over again. Even Jesus' model prayer in Matthew 6 is simply a template or guideline on how to pray. It is one of hundreds of prayers in the Bible to learn from. FYI, this weekend I'll be teaching through Jesus' model prayer. I do think there are times in our lives when we're "tongue tied" and unable to find the strength to pray. Maybe at those times saying a canned prayer is appropriate (although "groaning" is very appropriate too).
The other thing that I have a problem with is elevating speaking/praying in tongues. That is gift given to some not all. To imply that only those with the gift of speaking/praying in tongues can experience extended and profound times with God is selling prayer and most Christians short.
i didn't mean to imply that only those who speak with tongues can experience extended prayer, i just know that it sure helps me.
i didn't elevate the gift anymore than paul does. besides, the jury is still out on whether or not this gift is for all. it doesn't seem to be as far as it applies to the ministry in the church anyway.
i didn't think i'd strike a nerve, not in a church that's claimed they're not against the gifts of the Spirit.
Passionate, thanks for the clarification. I guess I was reacting against some who teach that those who don't speak in tongues are 2nd class Christians...or those who don't speak in tongues will be shallower in their prayer life than those who do. I'm relieved that your'e not in that camp. Since so few actually have this gift (including myself even though I've prayed and sought after it), I thought I needed to reply. I'm for all the gifts of the Spirit--and am glad that God has yet to give me the gift of martyrdom!!
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