Teach Us to Pray
Robert Dawson
Luke 11:1-13
In March of 2009, Dutch artist Johan van der Dong decided God needed a telephone number. So, he got him one. A cell phone number to be exact-to show that God was ''available anywhere and anytime.'' ''In earlier times you would go to a church to say a prayer,'' Dong said in an interview, ''and now [this is an] opportunity to just make a phone call and say your prayer in a modern way.''
It seems a lot of people appreciate the opportunity Dong has afforded them with his ''divine hotline.'' Within one week, over 1,000 people left God a message. On one hand, it's pretty thrilling to know that over 1,000 people want to connect to God.
On the other hand, you must wonder how people will feel once the ''connection'' is made. You see, when you call the number Dong has set up for God, this is what you hear on the other side of the line: ''This is the voice of God. I am not able to speak to you at the moment, but please leave a message.'' That doesn't exactly convey the idea of a God who is ''available anywhere and anytime,'' does it? To make matters worse, Dong plans on keeping the line open for just six months.
When you think about it, Dong only managed to connect people to an altogether disconnected God.
Associated Press, ''Dutch leave messages on God phone,'' www.newsvote.bbc.co.uk (3-7-09),
I am grateful that is not how God relates to us or how prayer works!! Today, I want us to look at Jesus' teaching on prayer. As we continue looking at the life of Christ, the timing of our study today is appropriate. Here at the start of 2017 it will be a great reminder and challenge to us all. The challenge of a growing and vibrant prayer life goes hand in hand with the challenge I gave to you last week, to read God's Word daily this new year.
As we work our way through these verses, I want us to see what lessons Jesus has for us in the area of prayer.
Luke 11.1-4 - It happened that while Jesus was praying in a ...
Robert Dawson
Luke 11:1-13
In March of 2009, Dutch artist Johan van der Dong decided God needed a telephone number. So, he got him one. A cell phone number to be exact-to show that God was ''available anywhere and anytime.'' ''In earlier times you would go to a church to say a prayer,'' Dong said in an interview, ''and now [this is an] opportunity to just make a phone call and say your prayer in a modern way.''
It seems a lot of people appreciate the opportunity Dong has afforded them with his ''divine hotline.'' Within one week, over 1,000 people left God a message. On one hand, it's pretty thrilling to know that over 1,000 people want to connect to God.
On the other hand, you must wonder how people will feel once the ''connection'' is made. You see, when you call the number Dong has set up for God, this is what you hear on the other side of the line: ''This is the voice of God. I am not able to speak to you at the moment, but please leave a message.'' That doesn't exactly convey the idea of a God who is ''available anywhere and anytime,'' does it? To make matters worse, Dong plans on keeping the line open for just six months.
When you think about it, Dong only managed to connect people to an altogether disconnected God.
Associated Press, ''Dutch leave messages on God phone,'' www.newsvote.bbc.co.uk (3-7-09),
I am grateful that is not how God relates to us or how prayer works!! Today, I want us to look at Jesus' teaching on prayer. As we continue looking at the life of Christ, the timing of our study today is appropriate. Here at the start of 2017 it will be a great reminder and challenge to us all. The challenge of a growing and vibrant prayer life goes hand in hand with the challenge I gave to you last week, to read God's Word daily this new year.
As we work our way through these verses, I want us to see what lessons Jesus has for us in the area of prayer.
Luke 11.1-4 - It happened that while Jesus was praying in a ...
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