As Timothy Keller continues Chapter 4 of Prayer, he states that we get our vocabulary for prayer from the Bible. He adds that this has parallels in the dynamic of human speech development. Because we learned language so early in life, we have no recall of the process. Before we spoke, we all were spoken […]
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword . . .”- Hebrews 4:12 In Chapter 4 (“Conversing with God”) of Prayer, Timothy Keller states that as a gift of the Holy Spirit, prayer becomes a continuation of a conversation started by God. As that conversation proceeds, Pastor Keller adds, […]
“For through him (Christ) we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”- Ephesians 2:18 As Timothy Keller concludes Chapter 3 of Prayer, he emphasizes that prayer can be much more than superficial conversation (where there isn’t much self-disclosure) with God. Some conversations go deep. That happens when we reveal not just information but our very […]
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”- 1 Corinthians 13:12 “However difficult it may sound, the hearing really precedes the asking. It is the basis of it. It […]
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”- Colossians 1:27 In Chapter 3 (“What is Prayer?”) of Prayer, Timothy Keller presents his concept of prayer by drawing on two seemingly opposing views on prayer- mystical versus prophetic […]
Today Timothy Keller concludes his presentation of twelve aspects of the richness of prayer, found in Chapter 2 of Prayer. 9. Prayer is a refuge. Poet George Herbert states that prayer is a “sinner’s towre”. Pastor Keller explains that means “prayerful dependence on Jesus is our only refuge from our own sin.” Without our dependence […]
In today’s blog, Timothy Keller continues his discussion on the richness of prayer in Chapter 2 of Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God. The next four aspects (of twelve) of prayer are presented. 5. Prayer tunes your heart to God. Pastor Keller observes that when our hearts are tuned to God, our joy will have […]
Timothy Keller concludes Chapter 2 of Prayer with a detailed discussion of the richness of prayer, specifically citing the rich word pictures written by poet George Herbert (1593-1633) in his “Prayer (I)”. Pastor Keller considers this poem “one of the greatest descriptions of prayer outside of the Bible.” Pastor Keller notes that there is a […]
In Chapter 2 of Prayer Timothy Keller focuses on the hardness (difficulty) and the centrality of prayer. He cites The Still Hour, a classic book on prayer by nineteenth-century American theologian Austin Phelps. Phelps began with the premise that “a consciousness of the absence of God is one of the standing incidents of religious life.” Pastor […]
“There is no one who calls upon your name, who raises himself to take hold of you.”- Isaiah 64:7 As Timothy Keller continues Chapter 2 of Prayer, he states that in ancient times people appealed to a great man by taking hold of his cloak. Similarly, St. Paul sees prayer as a way to get […]
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened . . .”- Ephesians 1:17 In Chapter 2 (“The Greatness of Prayer”) of Prayer: […]
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”- 1 Peter 1:8 As Timothy Keller concludes Chapter 1 of Prayer, he cites Scottish theologian John Murray (Redemption: Accomplished and Applied, 1955), who wrote […]