2 Corinthians--a Very Misunderstood Epistle

Many commentaries focus on Paul's defense of his ministry. Paul's main purposes have little to do with defending his ministry. The most common themes are: 1) reconciliation--between us and God, between fellow believers within the church, and between Paul and the Corinthians; 2) exhortation to ministry--Paul has been steadfast and uses his example to spur the Corinthians to look beyond their petty squabbles and reach out to the world, no matter how difficult it will be, because we have God and the rest of the world needs to be in relationship with Him. Be bold, be brave, get out of the pew!

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Who Are You Talking To?

One wit once said that 70 percent of public prayer (either it’s in a church or small group) is actually talking to the others in the space, and not actually talking to God. Another big percentage is talking ‘at’ God without really sharing anything heartfelt. Only a small percentage (my estimate of 1-3%) is talking with God.

I witnessed the worst case of not talking with God. A national ministry leader offered to pray for another leader on a webcast and here’s how it went: “Let’s pray...Bill, what a wonderful leader you are. You bless us with your skill and experience. Bill, we hope the surgery goes well...” and so on. I don’t think the ministry leader ever once addressed God.

Often in churches, pastors will pray to God for the first minute and then start talking to the congregation: “Lord, we know how great and awesome You are. You fill our lives with Your grace and mercy...and if any of you want to draw closer to God, and have decided to accept His wonderful grace, I invite you to repeat this prayer after me...”

What this shows me is that we’re not really paying attention to whom we’re talking. And then it’s obvious that the person who said 70% of praying isn’t praying is correct.

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