Prayer is a means for humans to join in the conversation about what God is doing and will do in the world, serving as a partnership with Him.
While God is sovereign, prayer has an impact as He responds and adapts to our prayers, cautioning against rigid ideas of His immutability.
Deep dives
The Purpose of Prayer
Prayer serves as a means for humans to exercise their agency within God's world. It is a partnership with God, where humans join in the conversation about what God is doing and will do in the world. Prayer is not about telling God what to do or bargaining with Him, but rather a way to express gratitude, seek justice, and cry for mercy and peace. While prayers in church may sometimes resemble mini sermons or doctrinal points, it is essential to keep prayers concise and focus on the heart of the matter. Prayer is a mystery, enabled by the Holy Spirit, and plays a vital role in God's plan for humanity.
The Effects of Prayer
While God may have a preconceived plan and is sovereign, prayer still has an impact. Just as a master chess player can adjust their moves based on unexpected moves from their opponent, God responds and adapts to our prayers. Scripture reveals instances where God changes His course based on the prayers of His people. This dynamic and flexible nature of prayer should caution against rigid ideas of God's immutability. Prayer is not about manipulating God or fulfilling arbitrary desires, but it is a means for dialogue and partnership with Him.
Personal Prayer Practices
There is no strict requirement in the Bible for prayer before meals, but it is a tradition rooted in gratitude. When it comes to public prayer, there is a need for sensitivity to cultural and contextual factors. While public demonstrations of prayer can serve as a protest or show solidarity, they should not be driven by political motivations. Personal prayer practices can vary, but it can be helpful to keep a prayer diary or list, organizing prayers for family, friends, world issues, and specific situations. Such a practice helps to stay focused, remember those in need, and maintain a regular prayer routine.
Tom answers listener questions on prayer including: 'Is prayer just telling God what to do?' and 'What difference does prayer make if God has already decided what to do?'. Kelly is nervous about praying out loud before a meal in public, and Jennifer is questioning the legitimacy of public displays of prayer in the USA. Tom responds to these questions and shares his own habits of prayer, including keeping a prayer diary.