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The Prayer Conundrum
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPrayer, according to God's purpose, is not merely a tool for obtaining desires from Him. If we approach prayer with such a motive, we oppose His purpose, for He seeks to develop in us His giving and outgoing character. Until our motives align with His, prayer will remain frustrating and ineffective. Prayer is but one aspect of a broader spiritual relationship with God. It must be understood within the context of His purpose for our lives. Even if we pray ceaselessly, our words will be empty if the rest of our lives do not conform to His will. God commands us to pray, indicating that it is for our benefit, primarily in a spiritual sense, and secondarily in a physical one. He desires an intimate, eternal relationship with us, and prayer serves as a vital means of communication with Him. Through the sacrifice of our Savior and the Holy Spirit given to converted Christians, we have an open line to the God of the universe, allowing us to maintain and deepen our bond with our Father and Elder Brother despite our differences. Jesus reveals God as a Father to mankind and instructs us to approach Him in prayer as children to their Father. This establishes a family relationship, where God is the ultimate Superior, and we, as Christians, are humble subordinates. In such a relationship, the will and purposes of the Superior always take precedence, as exemplified by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, "Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done." Prayer also requires faith, not the simplistic view held by the world, but a real confidence in God's goodness toward us. A Christian who prays in faith presents his petitions to God and trusts that he is heard and answered for his ultimate good. Whether the response is positive or negative, he can accept it with the assurance that God's decision is best for him at that moment. Ultimately, to those who know God, there is no mystery in prayer, for our prayers are heard and answered, and all things work together for the good of those chosen to have a loving relationship with Him.
Unanswered Prayer
Sermonette by James BeaubelleEven though we often must wait for a response, God listens closely to our prayers from the heart and is looking out for our best interests.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe purpose of prayer is not to overcome God's reluctance, but to help in yielding to His will. 'Prayer changes things' is only true if it conforms to God's will.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Nine
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's sovereignty seems to imply that prayer is pointless. Yet the function of prayer is not to change God's mind, but ours!
The Sovereignty of God: Part Eight
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIf God is manipulating everything in His sovereignty, why pray? What does prayer teach us? Here is why God commands us to come before Him in prayer.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPrayer is not a dictating to a reluctant God, but a demonstration of our attitude of dependence and need. It is a means to get into harmony with God's will.
Prayer and Persistence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPersistence in prayer does not mean an incessant pestering God into action. God always looks at our petitions from the vantage-point of His purpose.
Faith and Prayer
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConstant, earnest prayer keeps faith alive and makes certain the receiving of the qualities that make us in the image of God. God's purpose comes first.
What Is Prayer?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPrayer to a tool we must learn to use. Because we take on the characteristics of those we are around, we should keep company with God continually though prayer.
Back to Life (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSickness and hardship should not erode our faith in God's ultimately favorable purpose for us. A current trial may serve as a witness for the good of others.
Ask, Seek, Knock
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidWhen we are searching for a solution to a problem, we should actively expend effort to resolve the difficulty. Jesus gives three different forms of seeking.
Another Look at the Prosperity Gospel
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerProsperity gospel preachers twist verses out of context to convince people that God will give them anything. They fail to mention that God does not give His benefits to just anyone.
Where Is My Rolls Royce? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerSome scriptures seem to say that all one needs to do is ask God in prayer for whatever the heart desires, and He will grant it like a genie rubbed from his lamp.
Whatever We Ask
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPrayer comes under attack if we live double-lives, giving us a guilty conscience, not practicing what we have been taught, allowing our hearts to condemn us.
Should We Pray for the World?
'Ready Answer' by StaffSome believe that we should not pray for those in the world because of a few verses in Jeremiah. However, the bulk of the Bible shows just the opposite!
The Book of Daniel (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to emulate Daniel by faithfully studying and praying for understanding, asking God for what He has promised and for His will to be done.
Are You Living an Abundant Life?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf Christianity is lived the way Christ intended, rather than as represented by media caricatures, it is one of the most exhilarating and abundant lifestyles.
Teach Us To Pray! (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPrayer should be a major practice in our life and bring us into contact with God's creative purpose, indicating to Him that we will yield to His purpose.