Starting week 3 and chapter 3 of Keller and Smith…while stopping for lunch at Primanti Bros. – a popular joint in a number of locations around Pittsburgh, PA. I just dropped my oldest son, Spencer, back at college following his Spring break. Miss him already…
I read Smith (Good & Beautiful Life) first today. Great stuff about who the religious establishment was quite certain would enjoy eternity with God contrasted with whom Jesus affirmed as recipients of his kingdom. Here’s a question for you: If you showed up at the door to Jesus home, knocked, and he answered, what do you imagine his response would be? Assuming of course he could see ALL of you – all that you’ve ever thought, said and done thus far in your life… What do you imagine his response would be? Would he smile widely with glistening eyes, throw open his arms and the door, and excitedly invite you in? Would he peer through the peep-hole hoping that you would come back later in order to avoid a certainly awkward exchange now? Something in-between those options? Something else? What you imagine in this scenario says quite a lot about who you understand Jesus and his gospel to be…
Keller asks, “What is Prayer?” as the title of chapter 3 in Prayer, and starts with this statement:
In the great monotheistic religions of Islam , Judaism, and Christianity, prayer is at the very heart of what it means to believe.
Keller, Timothy (2014-11-04). Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God (p. 35). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition.
And if you didn’t catch Tim Stauffer’s message this past Sunday, I highly encourage it. He suggested a reading of scripture that supports a definition of prayer as a “requesting” practice and relationship that reflects a humble, non-demanding condition of heart and a father-child trust.
Keller shows the diversity of prayer styles and models, while Tim isolated a necessary posture of heart.
What is your reaction to these thoughts? And what is your commitment in response?
