Jun
05
2009
Sproul: The Only Two Rules of Prayer
From R.C. Sproul’s new book, The Prayer of Our Lord (p. 15):
There are really only two rules that you have to keep in mind when you’re in prayer, two things that should drive and govern and control your prayer life with the Almighty.
You should remember who is being addressed and who is doing the speaking.
That is, the first thing you are to remember in prayer is who it is you’re talking to, because nothing will condition your prayer life more deeply than remembering that you’re in conversation with God, the sovereign Creator and ruler of the universe.
Second, you are to remember who you are. You are not God. You are a creature. So prayer is not a conversation between peers; it is not a fireside chat among equals. This is the creature speaking to his sovereign Creator.
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3 Comments
I'm not sure Sproul's two rules does full justice to the metaphors of Scripture. We are sons. Jesus calls us friend. And so on. I think the distinction of Creator/creature is paramount, but not the only distinction of importance for guiding prayer life.
KSprecher makes a necessary point. I realise that Sproul is making sure that 'evan-jelly-ism' appreciates the holiness and majesty of God when it goes to prayer. The Creator/creature distinction always abides. Yet, what is the profound twofold rule about the Lord's Prayer is that this sovereign Creator is our Father (which is not a warm fuzzy thrown in for comfort), and the lowly creature is a sinner. Thus, it is not so much the distinction that is so evident a marvel as it is the privilege and intimacy of such a relationship. Having said that, let's not reduce "father" any more than "sovereign" to mere human capacities or ideals.
I like this. God : Our Father is One whose authority I will never outgrow; His Son an Elder brother and Friend who rules my soul like noone on Earth; and a Spirit upon my spiritual birth and daily illumination is completely dependent on . If He doesn't inspire reverence and awe in prayer, I must be dead… and /oran idiot chasing idols somewhere.