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The Prayer Conundrum
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPrayer, as commanded by God, holds profound purpose and benefit for us, primarily on a spiritual level. God instructs us to pray to Him, indicating that it is meaningful and helpful, regardless of whether our specific requests are fulfilled. The essence of prayer lies in fostering an intimate, eternal relationship with our Father and Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, despite the vast differences in our natures. This relationship, akin to that of a loving, authoritative Father to His obedient children, prioritizes His will and purposes above our own, as exemplified by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when He submitted to God's will over His own. Prayer is not merely a tool to obtain things from God; approaching it with such a motive works against His purpose of instilling in us His giving, outgoing character. It is but one facet of a broader spiritual relationship, and its effectiveness hinges on aligning the entirety of our lives with God's will. Furthermore, prayer demands faith—true confidence in God's goodness toward us. A Christian praying in faith trusts that his petitions are heard and answered for his ultimate good, accepting God's decision with contentment, knowing that He determines what is best for eternal life and glory in His Kingdom. Thus, to those who know God, prayer is a vital means of communication that deepens our connection with Him, ensuring that all things work for the good of those chosen to share in His loving relationship.
The Model Prayer (Part One): Introduction
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the model prayer, Jesus Christ gave His disciples a basic outline from which they could craft their own meaningful prayers to the Father.
Avoiding Prayer? Consider Carefully
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe whole world is in hurry-up mode. What have often suffered are prayer and its companion, Bible study—and ultimately, the individual's relationship with God.
The Model Prayer (Part Two): Our Father in Heaven
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus begins His instructions to His disciples about how to pray with, 'Our Father in heaven.' There is more to this simple salutation than meets the eye.
Prayer and Fervency
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLiving faith has its roots in fervently, diligently seeking God and His righteousness with intense desire (like a passionate lover) through habitual prayer.
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.
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 Grand Secret!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod reveals a grand secret through David: namely, that spiritual growth will come to people who set the Lord before oneself continuously.
Praying Always (Part Two)
Article by Pat HigginsIn Luke 21:36, our Savior gives us two essential keys to being accounted worthy and escaping the terrors of the close of the age: watching and praying always.
Praying Always (Part Five)
Article by Pat HigginsDeeply examining ourselves for flaws and shortcomings, as we do each year before Passover, helps us to accomplish Christ's command to watch and pray always.
Praying Always (Part Three)
Article by Pat HigginsOur spiritual enemies are no match for the mighty power of prayer, backed by God who promises to aid us in our warfare.
The Book of Daniel (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSin, the real opiate of the people, makes us oblivious to danger, giving us a debased and reprobate mind. It is not static, but leads to destruction.
Matthew (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe should not seek material rewards under the New Covenant, though God may sometimes bless us physically. Our focus should be on spiritual rewards.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem fulfilled prophecies. The crowds welcoming Jesus were actually choosing the Paschal Lamb of God on Abib/Nisan 10.
Faith to Face the Fire
'Ready Answer' by StaffWe sometimes mistake faith for certainty about God's will. However, faith is not knowing what God will do but trusting Him to do what is best for us.
No Pain, No Gain
Sermonette by Mike FordWhen you're up to your neck in trials, it's easy to forget you are in training to be a member of the God family.