We must ask ourselves how far the petitions we commonly present to God are in line with what Paul prays for. Suppose, for example, that 80 or 90 percent of our petitions ask God for good health, recovery from illness, safety on the road, a good job, success in exams, the emotional needs of our children, success in our mortgage application, and much more of the same. How much of Paul’s praying revolves around equivalent items? If the center of our praying is far removed from the center of Paul’s praying, then even our very praying may serve as a wretched testimony to the remarkable success of the processes of paganization in our life and thought.
–D.A. Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation, Priorities from Paul and His Prayers
I think I will post more on this book in the future. So far it’s very good, if a little oddly organized.
P.S. There is a good discussion about evil going on in a previous post.
Thanks, Jeff. Wow! This quote from prof Carson is so awesome. In fact, I’m planning on preaching through some of the prayers of Paul sometime in the near future. This book will be a good investment. Besides, Carson remains one of my favs to read.
Interesting, Jeff. I’ve had this book on my shelf for a while now, as my attention faded when I started reading it – is it worth my taking another shot?
You’re welcome TC.
Damian, right now I’m almost halfway through it. I can see how your attention may have faded because he kind of wanders. I want to make an outline of important things from the book to remember. It really can reform or transform your praying and perspective even beyond praying.
God had already been showing me how much more important spiritual things are as opposed to temporal, not that we shouldn’t pray for those things too as the Lord instructed. I already had a few of his prayers memorized which really helped. This book is helping me to keep going in that direction and helping me to see where I lack.
I should have said that in the post, huh?
Jeff
Possibly, Jeff
. But it sounds like I should at least read through it quickly and leave tags to go back to and read in more detail. I’d love to see your outline, if you ever write it!