Sermon, July 5, 2009 - I do it anyway
2 Corinthians 1.11 I do it anyway
The problem of prayer:
if God is sovereign and has ordained all that will happen…why pray?
if God knows everything even before we ask…why ask?
Why pray?
A. TO GET HELP
1. Paul needed help
2. We need help
3. Why not pray for God’s help?
a. Some people don’t want help
b. Some people don’t think they need help
c. Some people don’t know what to pray for
B. TO BRING US CLOSER TO ONE ANOTHER
1. Praying WITH and FOR people draws them together
2. Praying WITH and FOR people draws together people who disagree
a. 1 Corinthians: the church was divided
b. 2 Corinthians: the church disagreed with Paul
C. TO HONOR GOD
1. Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 116:
…prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us.
2. Psalm 116.1-2, 12-14
3. Psalm 50.14-15
God is great.
But sometimes life ain’t good.
And when I pray
It doesn’t always turn out like I think it should.
But I do it anyway. [Martina McBride]
John Olson
