Understanding Prayer: God's Sovereignty and Our Participation

 

Summary

In our exploration of prayer, we delve into its profound connection with the providence of God. Understanding that God governs the universe with sovereignty, a common question arises: "If God is sovereign and ordains everything, why should we pray?" The answer lies in recognizing that God not only ordains the ends but also the means to those ends. Just as He uses preaching to fulfill His plan of salvation, He also works through the prayers of His people. Prayer is not about changing God's mind, as His wisdom and knowledge are perfect and complete. Instead, prayer is a means by which God invites us into His presence, allowing us to express our needs and concerns, not for His benefit, but for ours.

Prayer does not alter God's plan, but it does change things. The Bible assures us that prayer has a significant impact on what comes to pass. James teaches us that the fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. However, this is not an absolute guarantee that every prayer will be answered as we desire. God, in His wisdom, sometimes says "no," as seen in the lives of the apostles and even in Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. True faith in prayer is about trusting God for the outcome, even when it differs from our desires.

Fervency in prayer is crucial. It is not about emotional intensity but about the seriousness and sincerity of our requests. Jesus' parable of the unjust judge illustrates that if even a corrupt judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will our righteous God hear our prayers. We are encouraged to pray always and not lose heart, for prayer is a source of courage and hope. It is a privilege to approach God, knowing that He cares and listens when no one else does.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Sovereignty and Prayer: God's sovereignty does not negate the need for prayer. Instead, it enhances its significance, as God has chosen to work through our prayers as a means to fulfill His divine purposes. Prayer is an invitation to participate in God's plan, not to alter it. [02:19]

- Prayer and God's Mind: Prayer does not change God's mind, as His knowledge and wisdom are perfect. Instead, prayer changes us, drawing us closer to God and aligning our hearts with His will. It is a means of grace that transforms our perspective and deepens our trust in Him. [06:06]

- The Efficacy of Prayer: While prayer does not guarantee specific outcomes, it is powerful and effective. The fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much, impacting circumstances and bringing about God's will in ways we may not fully understand. [07:51]

- Faith and Trust in Prayer: True faith in prayer is about trusting God for the outcome, even when it differs from our desires. Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane exemplifies this trust, as He submitted to God's will despite the impending suffering. [16:32]

- Persistence in Prayer: Jesus teaches us to persist in prayer, as illustrated in the parable of the unjust judge. Our persistence is not about convincing God but about demonstrating our faith and reliance on Him. God, who is just and loving, hears and responds to the cries of His people. [21:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:24] - God's Sovereignty and Prayer
- [00:56] - The Purpose of Prayer
- [01:23] - Preaching and Prayer as Means
- [02:19] - Prayer's Role in God's Plan
- [02:53] - Does Prayer Change God's Mind?
- [03:48] - God's Perfect Plan
- [05:17] - God's Invitation to Pray
- [07:22] - Prayer Changes Things
- [08:23] - James on Prayer and Healing
- [10:07] - God's Responses to Prayer
- [11:58] - The Prayer of Faith
- [13:14] - Misunderstandings About Faith and Healing
- [14:58] - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane
- [17:29] - Trusting God's Will
- [19:20] - The Parable of the Unjust Judge
- [21:23] - Persistence and Efficacy in Prayer
- [22:35] - The Privilege of Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. James 5:13-18 - This passage discusses the power and efficacy of prayer, emphasizing the fervent prayer of a righteous person.
2. Luke 18:1-8 - The parable of the unjust judge, illustrating the importance of persistence in prayer.
3. Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, demonstrating submission to God's will.

#### Observation Questions
1. What does James say about the power of prayer in James 5:16, and how does he illustrate this with the example of Elijah? [08:45]
2. In the parable of the unjust judge, what was the widow's approach to getting justice, and how does Jesus use this story to teach about prayer? [19:57]
3. How does Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane reflect His trust in God's will, even in the face of suffering? [14:58]
4. According to the sermon, why does God invite us to express our needs and concerns through prayer if He already knows them? [06:06]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's sovereignty enhance the significance of prayer, rather than diminish it? [02:19]
2. What does it mean for prayer to be a "means of grace" that transforms our perspective and deepens our trust in God? [06:06]
3. How can the example of Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane guide believers in their own prayer lives, especially when facing difficult situations? [16:32]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between fervency in prayer and the seriousness of our requests? [18:51]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your prayers were not answered as you desired. How did you respond, and what did you learn about trusting God's will? [16:32]
2. How can you incorporate the practice of fervent prayer into your daily routine, especially in areas where you feel a deep need or concern? [18:51]
3. Think of a situation where you need to persist in prayer. How can the parable of the unjust judge encourage you to keep praying without losing heart? [21:23]
4. In what ways can you align your heart with God's will through prayer, even when His plans differ from your desires? [14:58]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God more. What steps can you take to express this trust through prayer? [17:29]
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to engage in persistent and fervent prayer? [21:56]
7. Consider a current challenge you are facing. How can you use prayer as a source of courage and hope in this situation? [22:35]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereignty Enhances Prayer's Significance
Prayer is a profound invitation to participate in God's sovereign plan. While God governs the universe with complete authority, He has chosen to work through the prayers of His people to fulfill His divine purposes. This does not mean that prayer changes God's mind, but rather that it is a means by which God accomplishes His will. Prayer is an opportunity for believers to align their hearts with God's will and to express their needs and concerns. It is a privilege to be invited into God's presence, knowing that our prayers are part of His sovereign plan. [02:19]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: How can you intentionally align your prayers with God's sovereign plan today, trusting that He is working through them to accomplish His purposes?


Day 2: Prayer Transforms Us, Not God
Prayer is not about changing God's mind, as His wisdom and knowledge are perfect and complete. Instead, prayer is a transformative process for the believer. Through prayer, individuals are drawn closer to God, and their hearts are aligned with His will. It is a means of grace that changes our perspective and deepens our trust in Him. As we pray, we are invited to express our needs and concerns, not for God's benefit, but for our own spiritual growth and transformation. [06:06]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you allow prayer to transform your heart and align your desires with God's will today?


Day 3: The Power and Efficacy of Prayer
While prayer does not guarantee specific outcomes, it is powerful and effective. The Bible assures us that the fervent prayer of a righteous person has a significant impact on circumstances and brings about God's will in ways we may not fully understand. Prayer is a means by which God invites us to participate in His work, and it is through prayer that we can witness the unfolding of His divine plan. Even when the outcome is not what we desire, we can trust that God is working all things for His glory and our good. [07:51]

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you desire change. How can you commit to fervent prayer, trusting in its power and efficacy, even if the outcome is uncertain?


Day 4: Trusting God for the Outcome
True faith in prayer is about trusting God for the outcome, even when it differs from our desires. Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane exemplifies this trust, as He submitted to God's will despite the impending suffering. As believers, we are called to trust in God's wisdom and goodness, knowing that His plans are perfect. This trust is not passive resignation but an active faith that seeks God's will above our own. In prayer, we learn to surrender our desires and embrace God's purposes, confident that He is working all things for our good. [16:32]

Matthew 26:39 (ESV): "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's will? How can you practice surrendering this area to Him in prayer today?


Day 5: Persistence in Prayer Demonstrates Faith
Jesus teaches us to persist in prayer, as illustrated in the parable of the unjust judge. Our persistence is not about convincing God but about demonstrating our faith and reliance on Him. God, who is just and loving, hears and responds to the cries of His people. Persistence in prayer is a testament to our trust in God's character and His promises. It is a source of courage and hope, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. As we persist in prayer, we are assured that God is attentive to our needs and will act according to His perfect will. [21:23]

Luke 18:1-8 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary." For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming."'"

Reflection: Is there a prayer request you have given up on? How can you renew your commitment to persist in prayer, trusting in God's justice and love?

Quotes

God works in and through the prayers of His people. And so, it's not that the New Testament says, "Well, God is sovereign, so you can just go back and put up your heels and take a nap, and don't be engaged in preaching or in praying or in any activity." On the contrary – it’s because God is sovereign that we get so excited about the whole role of prayer, because in His sovereignty He has so designed His plan of salvation as to work through the prayers of His people. [00:25:43]

What could be further from your imagination than that your prayer or my prayer would have the power or the influence to change the mind of the Almighty? Let's just think about that for just two minutes and you will see that to ask the question is to answer it. Because what would have to happen for God to change His mind? What kind of a view of God do we have when we assume that God has worked out a plan, and He has His plan A? [00:35:23]

Now, the Scriptures tell us that the Lord knows what you need before you ask of it. And what's the conclusion? Therefore you don't need to bother to ask? Isn't that amazing? That the Father who knows everything about you – He knows every hair on your head, He knows every thought in your mind, every word that is going to – before it’s even formed on your lips, He knows what you’re going to say before you say it. [00:52:23]

When He asks us to come and tell Him what our concerns are and our needs, He’s inviting us in to the sacred presence of the Almighty in heaven itself, and to say, "Come and talk to me." For our benefit. Because we walk away from that communication, from that experience of speaking our needs and our concerns before the Lord encouraged and at peace because we have been with Him in that discourse. [01:03:23]

Does prayer have any impact on what actually comes to pass? And, the answer to that Biblically is yes. And not just a simple yes, but a "By all means." Let's take a moment to look at James' teaching on this subject in the fifth chapter of his book, beginning in verse 13 – we read these words: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing songs. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. [01:16:13]

We know in the New Testament that there were the prayers of the saints to which God said, "No." For example, by inference, let's take a look at what happened when Peter was thrown into prison, and the disciples gathered together to pray fervently for Peter's rescue. Remember that event? And as they were praying there’s a knock at the door. Somebody goes to the door and opens the door and sees Peter standing there – and what happens? He closes the door in his face! [01:41:52]

You see sometimes God says, ‘No’ even when we are sick. But, at the same time, what James is encouraging is, he’s saying, "Hey, we understand, that’s a given that God doesn't always say ‘yes.’ But don't miss out on the opportunity. Pray for the sick. Pray for those who suffer because God does answer those prayers. God does heal the sick. He does relieve our suffering." But it’s not cast as an absolute guarantee. [01:56:43]

The greatest teacher we have on how to pray is Christ Himself. And when He was faced with His great passion, His ultimate suffering, that none of us can imagine what it was like to have the cup of God's wrath set before Him. We can't imagine that. And He, in agony, sweating beads of blood, is on His face before God in the garden of Gethsemane, and He says "Oh Lord, if it be Thy will, let this cup pass from me." Was that an act of unbelief on Jesus part? By no means. [02:27:02]

You see, faithful prayer, true faith – what faith is in its essence is trust. And, the prayer of faith is a prayer that trusts God for the outcome, even if He says, ‘no.’ That’s what Jesus teaches us in Gethsemane. "Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done." So that if you want me to take that cup, I'm going to trust you while I'm drinking the cup. That's the posture of Job – "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." [02:42:13]

And God's will does not always agree with my will. And aren't you glad? Because, if it did that would make me God. And I guarantee you, I would be an extremely poor substitute for the one who already holds that position. Alright. So saying "If it be Thy will" is not an act of unbelief. It is an act of trust – trusting in God and in His will. [02:54:33]

His point is this: if even corrupt judges in this world from time to time will hear somebody's prayer, how much more will the true judge of heaven and earth who has no corruption in Him at all, hear your prayers. And he asks the rhetorical question, "Will not God vindicate His elect who cry out to Him day and night?" Again Jesus is talking about the efficacy of prayer. [03:31:53]

And if we feel from time to time on the edge of fainting, if we feel like we’re about to give up, chances are we have been lax in our prayer. Because, there is a corollary between prayer and courage – prayer and hope. So, the next time you are thinking of fainting, remember that the fervent effectual prayer of a righteous person avails much. [03:49:23]

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Transcript
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