Knowing God Can Do the Impossible Should Affect the Way We Live
The sovereignty of God implies that God can do the impossible. This reality should impact your prayer, giving, and evangelism, and the article fleshes this out.
The sovereignty of God implies that God can do the impossible. This reality should impact your prayer, giving, and evangelism, and the article fleshes this out.
Prayer is essential to the life and ministry of the pastor. What is it that should motivate the prayers of the pastor? This article offers such four motives.
Prayer that is not the grateful response of the justified sinner is likely to degenerate into an attempt to gain acceptance with God, apart from Christ.
Prayer is the sweat of the soul.
Public prayer ought to be the overflow of one’s private praying.
Prayer is God’s appointed means for appropriating the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus.
Effective prayer is the fruit of a relationship with God, not a technique for acquiring blessings.
Should you pray for bad things to happen to bad people? This article looks at imprecatory psalms. It shows how they call believers to love and seek God's justice, and how this should shape our prayers.
Prayer should be warm and intimate. How can you make your personal prayer to be like that? The article considers eight keys to this.
The emphasis of Chapter 1 is that prayer may be uttered in confidence, because God as Father of his children want to hear their prayers.
Prayer is a means of beholding the glory of Christ. This article explains what this means and how we behold Christ's glory in prayer.
A theme for which the writings of Tertullian may be studied with profit is the place of prayer in the life of the church. This study draws attention to and serves as an introduction to a field of study on prayer that has many riches for those who will mine there.
How can you find joy in prayer? If praying is hard for you, you can use the Lord's Prayer as a template to enrich your prayer life.
When we pray, "Hallowed be your Name," what are we praying for? We want to see God's glory revered in our lives and the lives of others. Thie article shows how this prayer shapes discipleship.
Prayer is not the least you can do; it is the most you can do. This article explains by discussing things that hinder us from praying, misconceptions about prayer, and the problem of legalistic prayer. It is when we understand the purpose of prayer that we come to realize that prayer is the most we can do.
For mission work to go well it must be linked to prayer, because in the Bible mission and prayer are related. This article looks at Ephesians 6:19-20 and Colossians 4:2-4 to show this relationship.
Prayer is difficult for many. How do you learn to pray? This article shares lessons that can help you in learning to pray, but the best way to learn is by getting a mentor.
What is prayer and why do we have to pray? Prayer is the divinely appointed means through which we commune with the living God and advance his kingdom. This article explains this definition in orde to clarify the necessity for prayer and the reason for prayer.
From Philippians 4:6-7 this article offers some thoughts on prayer.
This article makes a case from church history and Scripture for prayer at set times of the day.
How should you deal with an unanswered prayer? Learn to see beyond your requests by understanding what prayer is.
How can you encourage Christians to pray? Consider the use of prayer societies as an encouragement to prayer.
This article exposes diverse applications of psychological approaches to the book of Lamentations. It gives an analysis of the benefits and limitations of this research. It then continues to relate prayer and pain in the poetry of Lamentations by exploring the connections between Lamentations and the psychology of prayer.
This article wants to indicate the political dimensions of the book of Lamentations. The Babylonian politics of violence are vividly depicted in the poetry of Lamentations. In the second part of the article, the author argues that Lamentations contributes to modern theo-political reflections.
This article considers what the devotional life of theological students might look like. Important are matters like study, devotion, prayer, and religious exercise.
How do you prepare for communion with God in prayer? This article discusses five ways we can prepare the heart and mind for prayer.
In times of affliction and distress the churches may deem it important to call for special days of prayer. This article explains the nature of prayer for those days that the church may be called to pray.
Does prayer change things? To answer this question one must understand the relationship between prayer and the sovereignty of God. It is through this understanding that one learns that prayer is submission to God’s will.
Family prayer is a precious time of fellowship with God by speaking to him. This article explains the role of the father in leading family prayer, the reasons for practicing it, its importance, and then practical ways of conducting it.
Congregational prayer is part of the worship of God’s people, so it must receive proper attention. This article looks at the role of the minister and congregation in congregational prayer.
Personal prayer is one-to-one communion with God. This article explains the importance of personal prayer, and the way of cultivating it.
Prayer is a gift of God to his covenant people. Therefore, to understand the nature of prayer, one must understand the nature of the covenant. The article explains this, showing how this understanding shapes the practice of the believer in prayer.
Prepare your public prayer. Why? Because public prayer is not only done in the presence of God, but also those listening. Therefore, it provides an opportunity to teach a congregation how to pray.
This article seeks to encourage the believer on the importance of prayer and relying upon God rather than one's own wisdom. It impresses upon the believer the importance of seeking God's will, learning the ways of God, doing his will, and rejoicing in his ways.
The author states that prayer is the most important topic in practical religion. All other subjects are secondary. The author offers seven reasons why this is so. Included among these reasons are the subjects of salvation, the character of a true Christian, private prayer, prayer as a source of encouragement, and prayer as a recipe for happiness and contentment.
What is the role of prayer in the narrative of Ruth? The article gives particular attention to the providence of God, which is effected by the actions of God and the prayers of intercession and thanksgiving by Ruth and Boaz.
How do you organize your prayer life as a pastor? This article suggests seven prayer lists you can use for your pastoral prayer.
This article, through the lens of Philippians 4:6-7, considers the blessing of prayer and the peace the believer has in Christ, in the face of frailty and danger.
How should the reference to bread in Matthew 6:11 and John 6:35 be best understood? This article argues that it is an error to presuppose that this is a prayer for physical bread. and wants to remind readers of the distinction between literal bread and its use as a metaphor. The author refers to texts like Deuteronomy 8:3 and Isaiah 55:1-4 as support of a metaphorical understanding.
Prayer is and always will be a battle, because of the temptation to give up. This article gives tips for persevering in prayer.
Praying in concentric circles, praying with a prayer mate, and using prayer cards can help in organizing your prayer life. Let the article explain.
Prayer is important in the life of every Christian. However, at times you do not feel like praying. What should you do when that happens. The article discusses the matter.
A quiet hour and quiet heart are what you need for a life of powerful prayer. This article explains.
This article considers how we may pray for each other, through a study of the prayer of Colossians 1:9-12.
Is corporate prayer important? This article looks at biblical examples on corporate prayer and it gives seven reasons why Christians should pray together.
This article touches on the purpose of prayer in the worship service.
Have you realized that your brothers and sisters in Christ are one of your heavenly treasures, already for the here and now? This article explains that reality, and how it shapes your daily life, whether that's parenting, small talk, prayer, or confessing sin.
Corporate prayer is essential to the life of the church and believer. It expresses oneness, love, and sacrifice; it is a way of remembrance. Through corporate prayer we follow in the footsteps of those who went before us.
From the Lord Jesus, Christians learn to make the fatherhood of God essential to prayer. In chapter 2 Ryken provides insight into the significance of this manner of addressing God.
This article is introduced with the question, "Does God take risks?" The intention is to answer the basic question whether God changes his mind due to human influence (such as prayer) and therefore whether he absolutely knows the future. Open theism takes as one of its key texts Genesis 18:22-23. The article considers this passage and concludes that here God is condescending to our human weakness and frailty.
In this chapter the author first shows that prayer is an important key to understanding Martin Luther as a Reformer and theologian. He further addresses Luther’s basic theology of prayer, his emphasis on the Trinity in prayer, and his personal prayer life.
What is prayer? Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will. How can we know things agreeable to his will? In the Lord's Prayer Jesus answer this question. We learn to seek reverent regard for God's name, steady advancement of his kingdom, and obedient respect for his will. And we also learn to pray for humble dependency, a broken and contrite heart, and personal holiness.
Chapter 1 is Carson’s summary of eight major lessons on prayer that he has learned from his interaction with Scripture and other mature Christians. At the end of the chapter there are questions for review and reflection.
Carson sees prayer as the most urgent need of the church in the Western world today and he wants to encourage the practice of prayer in the church.
This article shows from the life of Matthew Henry that you can shape your prayer life with adoration, confession, petition, thanksgiving, and intercession.
If God is sovereign, why pray? Understanding the relationship between prayer and the sovereignty of God is important to the practice of prayer, for it protects one against fatalism. This article gives three important truths about the relationship between prayer and the sovereignty of God.
Persistence in prayer—should the same matter be brought before God in prayer again and again? The author demonstrates how it functioned in the life of Christ. Luke 11:5-8 functions as illustration.
The prayer of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (see Matthew 26:37-45, Mark 14:33-41, Luke 22:40-46) reveals much about the life of our Lord. Why did Jesus pray this prayer? What is its significance? This essay offers some exegetical considerations.
Prayer is fellowship with God. It is a response to listening to God. This article explains the nature of prayer and its relation to the sovereignty of God
Many believers use the Psalms as a prayer book. It is also primarily God’s hymn book. From the early church the Psalter has been both the prayer and hymn book of the church. The author indicates this for the apostolic church and the church of the early church fathers. He continues with the Middle Ages and the Reformed tradition.
The author critiques the theology of the popular publication The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson at several points, but mainly on the aspect of the sovereignty of God in answering prayer.
This article discusses the reason for prayer and what that means for its role in pastoral care and counselling. It reflects on what prayer communicates about your beliefs, what you need to pray for, and how you may pray.
If prayer is speaking to God in His own words, then this should shape the way public prayer is done. This was the concern of John Knox as he sought the reformation of worship. This article shows Knox's contribution to the structuring of public prayer and prayer during and after the Lord's Supper.
This trilogy of articles are an exposition of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 about prayer. Those involved in the ministry must be prayed for. The nature of their work requires it, because of the importance of the work and the abundance of temptations and difficulties facing them.
This trilogy of articles are an exposition of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 about prayer. Those involved in the ministry must be prayed for. The nature of their work requires it, because of the importance of the work and the abundance of temptations and difficulties facing them.
This trilogy of articles are an exposition of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 about prayer. Those involved in the ministry must be prayed for. The nature of their work requires it, because of the importance of the work and the abundance of temptations and difficulties facing them.
This series of articles is about the elements of the worship service. Here the author looks at the importance of prayer in corporate worship. This prayer is guided by an understanding of God as the covenant God. Within the covenant God reveals Himself as a personal God, a promise-keeping God, and a holy and merciful God. This character of God shapes the response of God's people in prayer.
This series of articles is about the elements of the worship service. Here the author looks at the importance of prayer in corporate worship. This prayer is guided by an understanding of God as the covenant God. Within the covenant God reveals Himself as a personal God, a promise-keeping God, and a holy and merciful God. This character of God shapes the response of God's people in prayer.
No Christian can dispute the necessity of prayer. Why is prayer so important? Focusing on Jeremiah 33:3, the author shows that prayer has a double effect on the believer. Firstly, prayer is is communion with God, and secondly, prayer is enlightenment for the soul. God uses prayer to strengthen our faith in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
Every believer will face some form of discouragement in his life. This is a fact. However, how should believers deal with discouragements? This article provides some answers to this question. Prayer, "positive thinking", God’s refreshing visits through His Spirit, and the gift of fellowship with other believers are the cure for discouragement.
This article is the second of two on the topic of child abuse. Here counsellor David Powlison provides some concrete suggestions for child abuse victims to consider as they desire to progress in their walk of faith. His thoughts center around prayer and possible ways of engaging with the abuser.
This article is about seeking God daily through personal devotions, prayer, and church attendance.
This article is about the topic of evangelism. The author addresses the question of who is called to witness. This article also discusses how we are to witness; namely, with compassion, authenticity, and prayer.
The only way we can account for events happening in our lives is by looking at the providence of God. We should recognize, admire and submit to God's providence, and turn to prayer in the difficult times.
This is the first article in a seven part series on the Lord's Prayer. The Lord's Prayer can be used as a model for our prayer. Most important in prayer is our attitude toward God. Here we are encouraged to approach God as our Father in heaven. At the same time, we are reminded that His Name is glorious and deserves to be honoured through our lives (the first petition).
This is the final article in a seven part series on the Lord's Prayer. Looking at Matthew 6:13, this article focuses on the doxology at the end of the Lord's Prayer. Christians can find comfort in knowing that God is supreme and sovereign, and that God rules for the sake of the church. Prayer is a great comfort to the Christian, since we know that God listens to and answers our prayers.
This is the second of two articles on Luke 18:1-8 and the parable of the unjust judge. These articles encourage the Christian in fighting against depression and discouragement. The focus here is on the love of God and His patience as source of encouragement for our faith. We can cling to Him in prayer.
This is the first of two articles on Luke 18:1-8 and the parable of the unjust judge. These articles encourage the Christian in fighting against depression and discouragement. The focus here is on the contrast between the unjust judge and God, who is sovereign and gracious. The author also speaks about the confidence we can have in prayer.
The Lord's prayer should not only be used as words, but should be translated into the Christian life. This article shows how the Lord's prayer can be used to shape the life of the Christian.
This is the third article in a series about prayer and the psalms of lament. This article describes a good way to view suffering in relationship to God's providence and grace.
Looking at the psalms of lament, this article shows how they can teach us to lament before God in prayer in a way that shows faith in the sovereignty, faithfulness and goodness of God. This is the first article in a four-part series.
Looking at the Lord's Prayer, this article shows how it can used to pray in thankfulness to God. Focus is given to thanking God for who He is in your prayer.
Looking at Revelation 5, this article shows how prayer, singing and the congregational amen are vital to Christian worship.
God does not always answer prayer. This article shows how one can deal with unanswered prayer in such a way that one can be thankful to God for it. The relationships between prayer and faith, prayer and God's promises, prayer and desires, and prayer and guidance are discussed.
This article is on the topic of eschatology. Living in the last days is about knowing how to live as God's people. Looking at the challenges posed by tribulations during the last days, this article calls Christians to persevere in light of the certainty of the victory of Christ over the devil. Prayer is essential to perseverance. In this waiting period Christians must learn to live sacrificially and remain active in the world.
Though saved by grace, Christians have a responsibility to actively take part in what God has done for them in Christ. This article shows that personal devotions done through Bible reading, meditation and prayer are crucial for Christian growth.
Looking at the history of the Unitas Fratrum, or Moravians, this article shows how this movement began under the influence of Jan Hus and the leadership of Nicholas Louis von Zinzendorf. The Moravian movement left a great heritage for the church, especially in the areas of communal prayer and zeal for mission work.
This article is about M. Lloyd-Jones' view on preaching, specifically the authority and power of preaching, the presence of God and preaching, the attention of the hearers, the preacher and powerful preaching, and preaching and prayer.
This article compares the recorded teachings of Jesus to what is now known about the teaching of rabbis in the first half of the first century. The author looks at three examples: prayer, divorce and earthly rewards. Knowledge of the Rabbinic teachings is used to illuminate the meaning of the recorded words of Jesus.
This article examines the theme of wisdom in the Epistle of James. Wisdom forms a major motif in the background of the writer and his epistle. While not personified, wisdom is extolled here as a divine gift. Additionally, wisdom possesses some personal characteristics that form a wisdom poem in which the virtues of wisdom are listed and praised.
This article looks at the characteristics of prayer, calling to the Trinity in prayer, prayer and worship, and prayer and faith.
This article on Colossians 4:2-4 is an encouragement to pray and persevere in prayer.
The importance of good theological training in shaping the faith and theology of churches, denominations and missionary enterprise cannot be overemphasized. Prayer for the seminary is necessary!
Prayer for those in the Christian ministry is indispensable. (1 Thessalonians 5:25)
If we believe that God works all things according to His will (Ephesians 1:11), and if we believe that His knowledge of all things is perfect, then what is the point of prayer? Or: If God has determined some to be His sons and has chosen them before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4,5), is there then any point in praying for anyone's conversion?
This article on Calvinism, also looks at prayer and dependence, and pure religion.
Martin Luther warns that we must not be put off by the word 'theology'. In the way he understands it, theology is for everybody. We can learn true theology from king David in the Psalms. In the Psalms Luther finds three "rules" by which to become a true theologian: Oratio, meditatio, tentatio" (prayer, meditation, trials).
Here is provided a vision of evangelical, cross-centred, gospel worship. This is held together with catholic instincts about the ecclesiastic character of worship and charismatic experience of the dynamic of the Spirit in worship.
This article is 33 statements on true prayer.
Is it childish when we go on asking God for things even as adults? What Jesus says about prayer is put in the simplest childlike way: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you". This understanding of prayer makes sense only if we realize that for Jesus it belongs to a special kind of relationship with God - a relationship of trusting intimacy and close friendship. A child would not hesitate to ask a loving parent for anything.
This article on the signs of the times before the return of Christ, is about world disasters. The author also discusses Matthew 24:6-8, disasters and our prayer, prosperity, and the antichrist.