On Kingdom-Centered Prayer

This past Sunday, I called our people to become a people known for prayer. As we pursue this, what should be the substance of our prayers? Check out this terrific article from Tim Keller. Leaning on Jack Miller’s work, he makes a distinction between “maintenance” and “frontline” prayers. Maintenance prayers are “short, mechanical, and totally focused on personal, physical needs inside the church.” Been a part of a prayer meeting like that? These “maintenance” prayers are inwardly-focused. Frontline prayers, however, are characterized by three things: “a request for grace to confess sins and humble ourselves; a compassion and zeal for the flourishing of the church; and a yearning to know God, to see his face, to see his glory.” They are outwardly-focusing prayers. That is, they point up to God. They point out to our city and world. Karis Church, as we pray, let’s pray “frontline” prayers.