Timothy Keller concludes Chapter 8 of Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by discussing the final two petitions of the Lord’s Prayer plus the ascription. 7. Lead us not into temptation. Pastor Keller states that Augustine made an important distinction about this petition: “The prayer is not that we should not be tempted, but […]
In today’s blog Timothy Keller continues his discussion of the Lord’s Prayer (Chapter 6) with the next two petitions. 5. Give us this day our daily bread. Pastor Keller notes that while the first three petitions center on recognizing God as our true food, wealth, and happiness, Jesus now charges us to align our “prayer […]
Timothy Keller concludes Chapter 7 of Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God as he discusses why we always are heard for Jesus’ sake. Pastor Keller notes that God named the anointed kings of Israel- David and Solomon- to be his sons. Yet, the history of Israel and of Israel’s kings was marked by failure […]
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, one thing will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord to behold the beauty of the Lord.”- Psalm 27:4 In today’s blog, Timothy Keller discusses St. Augustine’s three remaining principles of prayer. 2. Pray for a happy life. As Augustine previously […]
“To see the law by Christ fulfilled And hear his pard’ning voice Transforms a slave into a child And duty into choice.”- William Cowper, Olney Hymns Timothy Keller concludes Chapter 5 of Prayer by discussing the ground motive 0f Spirit-directed, Christ-mediated prayer: to simply know Him better and enjoy His presence. Pastor Keller notes this […]
“To encounter the words of the Scripture is to encounter God in action.”- Timothy Ward, Words of Life (2009) In Chapter 5 (“Encountering God”) of Prayer, Timothy Keller states that although prayer is a conversation with God, such conversations can remain at a superficial level, never rising to true personal encounter and relationship. It’s the […]
“The Bible does not present an art of prayer; it presents the God of prayer.”- Edmund Clowney, “A Biblical Theology” Timothy Keller concludes Chapter 4 of Prayer by emphasizing that God must be the starting point of prayer. Otherwise, our own perceived emotional needs drive our prayers, becoming our sole focus. We should, Pastor Keller […]
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, […]
“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 […]
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 […]