Collide - Why Pray?

Collide - Why Pray?

This Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, explores the often-complex topic of prayer, particularly focusing on Yeshua's (Jesus') teachings in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 7, verses 7 through 11. The speaker begins by acknowledging the frustration and intimidation that can arise when considering the multifaceted nature of prayer within Christianity and Judaism. Many different perspectives exist, each often drawing from specific verses to define the mechanics of prayer. However, looking at the entirety of Scripture reveals that prayer is, in many ways, a mystery.

The teaching delves into the context of Matthew 7, where Yeshua follows his strong words about judging others with a seemingly straightforward invitation: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." This powerful statement creates an expectation of receiving what we petition for, finding what we seek, and having doors opened when we knock. While acknowledging the hope inherent in these promises, the speaker highlights a significant issue: the apparent discrepancy between this blanket statement and the real-life experience of many believers who have earnestly prayed without receiving what they asked for.

This discrepancy often leads to disheartening explanations, such as the individual's faith not being strong enough or the prayer "formula" not being correctly followed. The speaker firmly rejects this notion, arguing that it contradicts the nature of God as revealed in the broader biblical narrative. He shares a personal experience of struggling with prayer after a significant unanswered request, illustrating the profound impact such situations can have on one's relationship with God. The aim of this teaching is to offer hope and confidence to those who find prayer challenging.

To understand Yeshua's teaching on prayer, the speaker emphasizes the crucial role of the example He uses: that of a father and his child. Yeshua asks, "Which of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?" The implied answer is a resounding no. Even flawed, "evil" human parents know how to give good gifts to their children. This leads to the powerful conclusion: "How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

The speaker uses a relatable anecdote about his young son, Benjamin, asking for suckers to further illustrate this point. As a loving father, his initial instinct is to grant his son's request. However, he also recognizes the need for wisdom and discernment, sometimes saying "no" for Benjamin's long-term well-being, such as limiting candy before meals or bedtime. This analogy suggests that God, as a far more loving and wise Father, may not always grant our requests in the way or at the time we expect, but His intentions are always rooted in love and a greater plan.

The teaching addresses seemingly contradictory passages about prayer. While Yeshua encourages persistent prayer, as seen in the parable of the persistent friend and the persistent widow, He also cautions against vain repetitions and babbling like the pagans, who believe their repeated words will compel God to act. Furthermore, Yeshua states that "your Father knows what you need before you ask him." This raises the fundamental question: "Why pray?"

The speaker argues that prayer is not primarily about informing God of our needs or manipulating Him to grant our desires. Instead, the foundation of prayer is the relationship that God desires to have with His children. God's goodness is always available, and He wants to hear from us, to spend intimate time with us, and for us to know His love. Prayer is the means through which we connect heaven to earth and present ourselves before God's throne. We are invited to be co-workers with God in His creation, and a healthy working relationship is built on communication.

The speaker highlights a subtle but significant difference between Matthew's account, which speaks of God giving "good things" to those who ask, and Luke's parallel account, which specifies that God will give the "Holy Spirit" to those who ask. He suggests that these are not contradictory but complementary. The "good things" encompass God's provision, while the gift of the Holy Spirit represents the very essence of God's goodness, the entity that connects us to His love and enables us to know and experience Him deeply.

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Application for Everyday Life:

• Prioritize Relationship: See prayer as an opportunity to connect with your loving Father in heaven, rather than just a means to get things.
• Be Open and Honest: Talk to God about everything in your life, even your frustrations and anger. Just as a child communicates openly with a parent, we should bring our whole selves to God.
• Acknowledge Dependence: Prayer is an acknowledgment of our reliance on God and His power beyond our own capabilities.
• Invite God Into Your Day: Make time to pray regularly, not just when you need something or during times of crisis. Consistent communication strengthens any relationship.
• Pray Boldly with Confidence: Approach God with confidence, knowing His power and goodness. This confidence comes from understanding His character as a loving Father.
• Seek God's Concerns: As you mature in your relationship with God through prayer, you will increasingly become aware of His concerns for the world and desire to pray for those things as well.
• Embrace the Mystery: Recognize that prayer is not a formula we can perfectly understand or control. Trust in God's wisdom and love even when prayers seem unanswered.
• Engage Actively: Practice asking, seeking, and knocking. Devote time to God and be open to how He wants to connect with you.

In conclusion, the teaching emphasizes that while God does answer prayers and desires for us to bring our requests to Him, the fundamental reason for prayer is to experience God's loving, caring, divine goodness and to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with our heavenly Father. Prayer is not a divine vending machine but a vital connection with the One who loves us infinitely.

References:

Bible Verses:

• Jeremiah 31
• Matthew 7:7
• Matthew 7:8
• Matthew 7:9
• Matthew 7:10
• Matthew 7:11
• Luke 11:9
• Philippians 4:6
• James 4:3

Books and Resources:

• The Bible

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