Learn about the stages of prayer and the importance of persistence. Discover the power of gratitude and lament in prayer, as well as the role of petition and intercession. Understand the significance of praying in Jesus' name and its alignment with his nature. Explore the power of prayer in shaping the future and fostering a relationship with God. Delve into the struggle between control and surrender in the spiritual life.
Moving beyond reciting pre-made prayers to engage in personal and authentic conversations with God is the goal of prayer.
Gratitude and lament are essential aspects of prayer, cultivating appreciation and providing a space to express raw emotions and pain to God.
Deep dives
Progression from learning vocabulary and grammar to praying our particular life
In the podcast episode, the speaker discusses the progression in prayer from learning vocabulary and grammar to praying our particular life. Just as a child starts by learning words and phrases from their parents, we begin our prayer journey by reciting pre-made prayers such as the Lord's Prayer. However, the goal is to move beyond recitation and engage in more personal and authentic conversations with God, sharing our thoughts, desires, and even doubts.
The importance of gratitude in prayer
Gratitude is highlighted as a significant aspect of prayer. The speaker emphasizes that gratitude is not just a practice before meals or to start the day, but a foundational posture in our relationship with God. Gratitude helps us recognize the good things, graces, and gifts we receive, cultivating a heart of appreciation. It is viewed as the primary way we relate to God, acknowledging that everything in life is ultimately a gift from Him. By being overflowing with thankfulness, we reflect spiritual maturity and genuine joy.
The role of lament in prayer
The podcast explores the role of lament in prayer, which involves talking with God about the evil and pain in our lives and the world. Lament is seen as an honest and raw form of prayer, where we can express our anger, grief, doubts, and confusion to God. It is considered a way to bring our pain and emotions before God, avoiding the tendency to suppress or deny them. The Psalms are referenced as examples of lament prayers, showcasing the spectrum of human emotions and encouraging us to pray what we genuinely feel.
The power and importance of asking in prayer
The podcast emphasizes the power and importance of asking in prayer. It encourages listeners to ask boldly and persistently, drawing upon the teaching of Jesus. The speaker highlights that asking is a way to participate in the writing, directing, and shaping of God's world. We are invited to come before God with shameless audacity, recognizing our identity as His children and praying in alignment with His nature. Asking in Jesus' name is seen as invoking our status in Christ and praying according to His character. The podcast also emphasizes that our prayers genuinely make a difference in what God does or does not do.
There comes a moment in our prayer lives when we want to pray our own words to God. John Mark shows us how the ancient practices of gratitude, lament, petition, and intercession help us find words to place our lives before God in love.
Key Scripture Passage: Luke 11v1-13
This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Emily from Bakersfield, California; Evan from Woodland Park, Colorado; Callie Jane from Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lana from Kernersville, North Carolina; and A.J. from Newburgh, Indiana. Thank you all so much!
If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
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