(Audio Sermon Clip) Pray, Pray, Pray
John Piper passionately teaches that prayer is a divine command, a source of joy, and a staggering privilege through which God sovereignly causes things to happen.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer in the Christian life, highlighting the need for believers to pray for one another for healing, to pray without ceasing, to pray to avoid temptation, and to pray continually without losing heart. It explores the reasons why we pray, including being obedient to God's commands, experiencing increased joy, and recognizing the staggering privilege of communicating with the sovereign God of the universe.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- God commands us to pray for one another for healing and spiritual strength
- Prayer is a biblical mandate repeated throughout Scripture
- Lack of prayer leads to sickness and weakness in the church
-
II
- Prayer is a means to increase our joy by depending on God
- Jesus promises that asking in His name will fill our joy
- Christian hedonism values prayer as a pathway to joy
-
III
- Prayer is a staggering privilege granted by God's sovereign wisdom
- God does not need our prayers but ordains them to cause real effects
- Prayer causes things to happen that would not happen otherwise
-
IV
- Ignoring prayer is foolish because it withholds God's ordained means of change
- God’s sovereignty includes ordaining prayer as a cause in the universe
- Believers must avail themselves of this privilege to participate in God’s work
Key Quotes
“We pray because dozens of times in the Bible we're told to pray and God loves us; He wouldn't tell us to do something that's bad for us.” — John Piper
“Prayer is simply a staggeringly awesome privilege ordained by the sovereign God of the universe.” — John Piper
“Prayer causes things to happen that would not happen if you didn't pray.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Commit to praying regularly and fervently for others in the church to foster healing and unity.
- Approach prayer as a joyful privilege that deepens your dependence on God and fills your heart with joy.
- Recognize prayer as a powerful means ordained by God to effect change in your life and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God command us to pray?
God commands prayer because it is good for us, strengthens the church, and aligns us with His sovereign will.
How does prayer increase our joy?
Prayer increases joy by fostering dependence on God, who promises that asking in Jesus' name will make our joy full.
Does God need our prayers?
No, God is sovereign and all-knowing; He does not need our prayers but ordains them to accomplish His purposes.
Can prayer really change outcomes?
Yes, prayer causes things to happen that would not occur if we did not pray, demonstrating God's sovereign use of prayer.
What happens if we neglect prayer?
Neglecting prayer is foolish because it means missing out on the divine privilege to participate in God's work and blessing.