Did you ever think about the fact that Jesus prayed a prayer that was not answered? He prayed that he would not have to go through the crucifixion, but that prayer was not answered (Matt. 26:39).
Unanswered prayer is one of the greatest challenges for many of our prayer lives. And so, whether it is unanswered prayer, lack of motivation, questions about how it works or why it matters, we all find ourselves in seasons of struggling with prayer. We all experience obstacles to a life-giving prayer life.
In this week’s message, I look at 4 common obstacles to prayer and how Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane just before his crucifixion speaks to these four challenges:
1. What do we do with unanswered prayer?
2. If God wants wants us pray, why can’t I focus?
3. If God’s will is going to be done anyway, why pray in the first place?
4. If God is loving and all-powerful, why doesn’t he fix my circumstances?
In order to address these obstacles, there are 6 things to understand about prayer:
1. Prayer is not only about us changing God’s plan, but God changing our plans.
2. Prayer is not only doing what God wants, but doing what is best for us.
3. Prayer is not only about us changing what God wants, but God changing what we want.
4. Prayer is not just about us inviting God into our story, but us being invited into God’s bigger story of reconciling all of humanity.
5. Prayer is not only talking to God, but hearing from God.
6. Prayer is not saying the right things to God, but hearing what God is saying to our present circumstances.
Enjoy the Message. Here it is.
