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 […]
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry,’Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”- Romans 8:15-16 In Chapter 1 (“The Necessity of Prayer”) of […]
Timothy Keller’s latest book, just published, is titled Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God. In the Introduction, Pastor Keller asserts that a book on the essentials of prayer should treat the theological, experiential (devotional), and methodological (practical) aspects of prayer- rather than primarily focusing on one specific aspect. Most recent books on prayer, the […]
“We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”- Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) Today’s blog is based on an excerpt from the book Soulprint by Mark Batterson. Tomorrow I’ll begin a series of posts discussing Timothy Keller’s newly published book […]
“Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”- Romans 8:34 (NASB) In the Conclusion to Next Door Savior, Max Lucado mentions the time when he was among the religious leaders invited to come to the White House and pray […]
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”- Isaiah 55:9 “We know in everything God works for the good of those who love him.”- Romans 8:28 (New Century Version) Max Lucado begins Chapter 20 (“Christ’s Coup de Grace: God- ordained Places”) […]