Become New with John Ortberg
Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.
Become New with John Ortberg
54. Does Prayer Actually Change Anything?
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If God already knows everything...
why pray?
In this reflection on Psalm 74, John Ortberg wrestles with one of the oldest questions about prayer.
Can our prayers actually matter?
Drawing on insights from Walter Brueggemann and Dallas Willard, John explores the difference between the ancient philosophical idea of the "Unmoved Mover" and the God revealed in Scripture—the God who listens, responds, and is deeply moved by His people.
This episode explores:
- Psalm 74 and communal lament
- Psalms of orientation and disorientation
- Why the church needs lament
- God's unchanging character and responsive heart
- Dallas Willard's "Most Moved Mover"
- Why your prayers matter
Scriptures:
- Psalm 74
#psalm74 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #WalterBrueggemann #DallasWillard #Lament #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #God
📚 Today's Resources:
Walter Brueggemann, Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit
Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy
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00:00 Does Prayer Change God?
00:30 Why Pray If God Already Knows?
01:24 Psalm 74 & Communal Lament
02:03 Psalms of Orientation & Disorientation
02:40 "Why Have You Rejected Us?"
03:34 Remembering God's Faithfulness
03:59 Walter Brueggemann on Lament
05:25 The God Who Suffers With Us
06:21 Is God Really Unchangeable?
07:07 Dallas Willard's Community of Prayerful Love
08:13 The Most Moved Mover
09:00 The Unmoved Mover vs. the God of the Bible
10:03 Jesus Reveals God's Heart
11:03 Bring God Your Disorientation
12:02 Enter Into Another Person's Lament