God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer

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pesar de todos los avances tecnológicos y el aumento de la expectativa de vida, hay una fragilidad extraordinaria en nuestra generación. Colapsamos fácilmente, nuestros matrimonios se desbaratan y somos rápidos para ofendernos. En nuestro mundo obsesionado con la celebridad, el escape a la muerte y anestesiado contra el dolor, necesitamos que se nos recuerde que es normal tener dificultades, enfermarnos, experimentar problemas financieros y enfrentar el rompimiento de relaciones. Jesús nos promete: “Ustedes tendrán tribulación” (Juan 16:33), pero no muchos de nosotros pegamos ese versículo en nuestro refrigerador. Al contrario, cuando encontramos dificultades, nos sentimos traicionados. Preguntamos: ¿por qué yo? Como si esas cosas no acosaran al seguidor de Cristo. Como si fuéramos inmunes a las enfermedades que afligen a nuestros vecinos.”

Q. What did you find most helpful, inspiring or challenging in what Pete Greig, Gemma Hunt and Simon Thomas shared? Sin. Because we have areas of disobedience. Are there hidden sins to confess or actions to take to lend power to prayers? Live with integrity.Q. Is it possible for a tragedy not to be God’s ‘fault’? Do you agree with Pete Greig’s statement that we tend to blame God for things that are Satan’s doing? If you do NOT care to understand what prayer to the Only One God who is the ultimate author of the Bible is all about, this is not a book for you. Greig faces the reality of the suffering that is endured when desperate prayers seem to go unanswered, but his essential message is nevertheless one of hope and confidence in God. He calls us to a deeper understanding of a God of love who always works for the best of those who love him, and acceptance that God is at work in the deepest trials. He uses them to create within those who endure them a holy sweetness and a depth of unshakeable faith that just cannot be produced any other way. One of many lovely stories is of an elderly friend who has suffered for 72 years with a debilitating illness. She testifies that her need has drawn her ever closer to the Lord, discovering his strength in her weakness, his presence in her pain, so much so that she can say that she feels almost sorry for those who sail through life without trouble but never discover the greatest gift of God’s strength. Wow! A large portion of the book is a comprehensive list of reasons as to why God may not be answering your prayers. Whilst this is extremely helpful and practical, there may have been some repetition in there. A couple of small personal differences in opinion to the author sprang up.For example, in one part he claims that miracles are rare and may not be particularly helpful in our time. I understand the point he is trying to make but personally disagree. Q. Do you think that it’s possible for everyone to find a purpose in – or in spite of – their pain?

Welcome to session 1 of The Prayer Course II: Unanswered Prayer! Over the next five sessions we’re going to process some of the painful and disappointing things we’ve probably all experienced as Christians – which we’re not always good at sharing. Some prayers aren’t answered because God’s will is being directly contested by “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). Perseverance, faith, and authoritative use of the Word of God become vital in winning.” Spiritual warfare is real. Sometimes we need to stop fighting against God, and start fighting with him against the enemy of our soulsSome prayers aren’t answered because creation is “subjected to frustration” and hast not yet been fully “liberated from its bondage to decay” (Rom. 8:20-21). Tragically, life in such an environment is inevitably going to be acutely difficult at times.” By the time I finished this book, I was filled with joy and hope, knowing that some of my prayers may never get answered this side of heaven. But I have a much better grasp of how to live with that in light of eternity. But even in this crushing silence, there is a way forward. Here is a story of faith, hope, and love beyond all understanding.

These discussions are designed to last an hour (plus 30 minutes for the video) but we have deliberately given you more content and questions than you will be able to get through in this time. Just choose the parts that you feel will work best for your group and don’t worry if one or two questions sometimes take up the whole of the session. We recommend that you always make time for personal prayer ministry at the end.But he doesn't leave the reader there. The book is centered around the days of Christ's Passion, and so begins at Maundy Thursday, and goes through the anguish of Good Friday, and the silence of Holy Saturday...and the beauty of Easter Sunday. By using this format, every aspect of the painful struggles of unanswered prayer is explored. He leaves no stone unturned.

You may want to take a little time before the meeting starts to pray through Isaiah 61:1-7. Apply vv 1-3a to yourself, asking the Spirit to anoint you today to ‘bind up broken hearts’ (v.1) and to ‘comfort all who mourn.’ (v.2). Then pray vv. 3b-7 over the members of the group.In my life I have received many gracious answers to prayer; when I recall them, my heart sings. My life with God has also been marked by heartrending instances of unanswered prayer, times when God remained silent, seemingly impassive to my longing for healing, reconciliation, restoration, or resurrection. Perhaps you have felt this way too. We will all, sooner or later, enter the desert of God's silence. God on Mute, one of the best books I've ever read on unanswered prayer, is a wise and helpful road map for navigating the strange and unexpected contours of unanswered prayer. God on Mute will help many precious image-bearers--I hope thousands--to travel well the confusing terrain of God's silence. I plan on rereading it for years to come.' Chris Hall, president of Renovaré, distinguished professor of theology emeritus at Eastern University I asked for strength that I might achieve; He made me weak that I might obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given grace that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I received nothing that I asked for, all that I hoped for. My prayer was answered, I was most blessed.”