Desiring God - Piper - VII - Chapter 6

Required reading
Desiring God by John Piper (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 6.

My summary
Last week we were encouraged to use our Bibles, this week we are encouraged to pray. 

Piper gives us two reasons why we should pray.

Firstly prayer glorifies God.  Although requests in prayer may appear self-centred, it actually magnifies God when we recognise that is the one that can help us.

Secondly prayer gives us joy because it:
(i) gives us fellowship with Jesus;
(ii) provides the power to do what we love to do.

What grabbed me
Good chapter on an important subject.

I particularly appreciated the point that prayer demonstrates humility: 'So how is God glorified by prayer? Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that he will provide the help we need. Prayer humbles us as needy, and exalts God as wealthy.'

I love to be independent and do things myself.  But when I pray I must admit my helplessness and ask God for what he alone can give.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 7.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.