Prayer: Submission, Trust, and the Theology of the Cross
Summary
In the exploration of the contrast between the Theology of Glory and the Theology of the Cross, a deep dive into the nature of prayer and its implications on faith is presented. The Theology of Glory is characterized by expectations of God acting in ways that align with personal desires, while the Theology of the Cross is grounded in the revelation of God's character at the crucifixion. This distinction is not trivial; it acts as a rudder, steering the course of one's faith journey either towards safety or peril.
The discussion pivots to the role of prayer within these theological frameworks. Prayer can be challenging because it involves reconciling the omnipotent, loving nature of God with the act of petitioning through prayer. Scripture offers various perspectives on prayer, with some verses suggesting a form of spiritual authority where believers can declare outcomes in Jesus' name. However, this interpretation can lead to a misunderstanding of prayer as a means to exert control or power over God's will.
Contrary to this view, Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6 present prayer as an act of submission rather than a formula for obtaining desires. He warns against repetitive, empty phrases intended to manipulate God into action, likening this approach to spoiled behavior that lacks trust and deep love. Instead, Jesus emphasizes that God already knows what is needed before being asked, challenging the assumption that individuals inherently know their deepest needs.
The Lord's Prayer serves as a model for the correct posture in prayer. It begins with acknowledging God as Father, establishing a relationship of authority and care. The prayer continues with a plea for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done, reflecting a surrender of personal desires to God's perfect plan. This approach to prayer is not about demanding answers but about aligning oneself with God's will, as exemplified by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. In his anguished plea, Jesus ultimately submits to God's will, demonstrating trust in the Father's plan despite the impending suffering.
The power of prayer is found in this submission and trust. A Theology of Glory leads to despair when prayers are not answered as expected, whereas a Theology of the Cross provides assurance that God is always working for the best, even when it is not immediately apparent. The cross itself is a testament to God's ways being beyond human understanding, where what appeared to be defeat was actually the ultimate display of God's power and love.
The phrase "Thy will be done" encapsulates the essence of prayer within the Theology of the Cross. It is a relinquishment of control and an expression of trust that God's will is inherently good and perfect. This posture allows believers to endure trials with peace, knowing that God is actively responding to their prayers in the best possible way, even if the answers remain hidden.
In conclusion, prayer is not a mechanism for achieving personal ends but a means of drawing closer to God, aligning with His will, and trusting in His perfect plan. It is an act of humility, acknowledging human limitations and God's infinite wisdom. The ultimate goal of prayer is not to change God but to be transformed by Him, to trust in His goodness, and to find peace in the assurance of His unfailing love and provision.
Key Takeaways:
- Prayer is not a tool for exerting control over God but an act of submission to His will. It is a recognition that God's understanding surpasses human knowledge, and His plans are always for the best, even when they defy personal expectations or desires. This submission is not a sign of weakness but a profound expression of faith in God's perfect wisdom and love. [44:09]
- The Lord's Prayer is a template for approaching God with the right heart posture. It begins with recognizing God as a loving Father, setting the stage for a relationship based on trust and care rather than one of negotiation or demand. This recognition shapes the entire prayer experience, emphasizing dependence on God's provision and sovereignty. [46:19]
- Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is a powerful example of honest and vulnerable communication with God, coupled with a surrender to God's will. Believers are encouraged to pour out their hearts to God while also relinquishing their desires in favor of His perfect plan. This balance is crucial for a prayer life that seeks God's will above all. [50:18]
- The phrase "Thy will be done" is a declaration of trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. It is a powerful statement that can sustain believers through uncertainty and suffering, providing peace and assurance that God is at work even in the darkest circumstances. This trust is the foundation of a resilient faith that can withstand life's challenges. [52:58]
- Understanding that God knows what is truly needed transforms the nature of prayer from a list of demands to a dialogue of trust. It requires humility to accept that human perspective is limited and that God's perspective is all-encompassing. This humility is not only a virtue but a pathway to deeper spiritual maturity and peace. [43:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:7-10 (NIV)
> "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.'"
2. Matthew 26:36-39 (NIV)
> "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.' Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus warn against in Matthew 6:7-8 regarding how we should pray?
2. How does Jesus describe the relationship between the believer and God in the opening of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9)?
3. In Matthew 26:39, what does Jesus ultimately submit to in His prayer in Gethsemane?
4. According to the sermon, what is the main difference between a Theology of Glory and a Theology of the Cross in terms of prayer? ([36:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that God already knows what we need before we ask Him in Matthew 6:8? How does this shape our approach to prayer?
2. How does the phrase "Thy will be done" in the Lord's Prayer reflect a Theology of the Cross? ([48:23])
3. What does Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane teach us about handling our own desires and God's will? ([50:59])
4. How can the understanding that God knows our true needs (Matthew 6:8) change the way we present our requests to Him? ([43:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Do you find yourself using repetitive phrases or trying to persuade God to act in a certain way? How can you shift towards a more submissive and trusting approach? ([40:03])
2. How can you incorporate the acknowledgment of God's fatherly authority and care into your daily prayers? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this relationship? ([46:19])
3. Think of a recent situation where your prayers were not answered as you expected. How did you respond, and how might a Theology of the Cross perspective have changed your reaction? ([53:31])
4. Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane was marked by honesty and submission. How can you practice being more honest with God in your prayers while also surrendering your desires to His will? ([50:59])
5. The sermon mentioned that we often assume we know our deepest needs. How can you cultivate humility in your prayer life to trust that God knows what is best for you? ([44:09])
6. How can the phrase "Thy will be done" become a central part of your prayer life? What specific situations in your life right now require you to trust in God's will over your own? ([52:58])
7. Identify a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you find peace in the assurance that God is actively responding to your prayers in the best possible way, even if the answers remain hidden? ([54:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering Control in Prayer
Prayer is an act of surrender, not a means to impose our will on God. It's about acknowledging that God's wisdom and plans are higher than our own, and trusting that He knows what is best for us. This act of faith can be challenging, but it is the essence of a prayer life that honors God's sovereignty and perfect love. [44:09]
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God's plan? How can you practice surrendering these areas to Him in prayer today?
Day 2: Embracing the Lord's Prayer as a Model
The Lord's Prayer guides us to approach God with a heart of submission and reverence. It teaches us to prioritize His will and kingdom above our own desires, setting a foundation for a prayer life rooted in trust and dependence on God's provision and sovereignty. [46:19]
1 Chronicles 29:11-13 - "Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."
Reflection: How does the Lord's Prayer reshape your understanding of what it means to seek God's kingdom first in your daily life?
Day 3: Aligning with God's Will in Vulnerability
Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane exemplifies the balance between pouring out our hearts to God and yielding to His greater plan. It encourages us to be honest in our prayers while also embracing the humility required to submit to God's will, even when it differs from our own. [50:18]
Hebrews 5:7-8 - "During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you had to choose between your desire and God's will? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Faithfulness
Declaring "Thy will be done" is an act of trust in God's unchanging goodness and faithfulness. It is a powerful affirmation that can carry us through trials and uncertainties, providing peace and assurance that God is in control and working for our good. [52:58]
Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: What uncertainties are you facing right now, and how can the truth of God's faithfulness help you say "Thy will be done" with a trusting heart?
Day 5: Cultivating Humility in Prayer
Recognizing that God knows our needs better than we do invites us to approach Him with humility. This understanding transforms our prayer from a list of requests to a conversation grounded in trust and a desire for His perspective to guide our lives. [43:27]
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: How can acknowledging God's infinite wisdom and understanding change the way you pray and live out your faith today?
Quotes
1) "We start to turn into spoiled creatures demanding Our God to give us what we want... there was no trust, no deep love and Security in that relationship." [42:49] (Download)
2) "A theologian of Glory expects God to act in the way that they make sense to them... but a theologian of the Cross... comes in prayer with an open hand letting go." [48:23] (Download)
3) "Prayer is not focused at all about how to get an answer to your prayers... instead his focus is much more on our posture and our orientation our view of God when we pray." [45:34] (Download)
4) "The heart of prayer... changes me... the primary goal isn't getting something from God but it's ultimately Lord take everything that I'm laying before you and align it with your good and perfect will." [49:42] (Download)
5) "Jesus... facing everything that's about to lie ahead of him he goes to his father in prayer... he relinquishes the power... and he submits everything that he was about to go through to the will of his father." [52:15] (Download)
6) "The power of a theologian of the Cross is that... you have full assurance and confidence that he is always answering it in the best way for you even when you can't see it." [53:31] (Download)
7) "Our Brokenness our sin has entered into us so deeply where we can't even see the things that we need most... it's Lord here's my prayer request but maybe that's not even the best thing for me." [44:51] (Download)
8) "Theology... has drastic implications... the slightest change it changes everything for the course of where that ship ends up whether it goes safely to its destination or whether it gets off into all sorts of danger." [35:35] (Download)
9) "The cross... was the power of God on full display... we have assurance that just like we can look to the cross and know God's power, God was working for us." [54:53] (Download)
10) "It's not like that's an easy place to get to but that's we continually pray Lord thy will be done thy will be done help me trust in that reality and that that is always best for me." [54:53] (Download)
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