Prayer admits that we cannot, and that God can. We acknowledge our complete dependence and also discover God’s complete provision. If Jesus needed prayer, we certainly do too!

Ever give someone the silent treatment? Why? Your conversation or lack thereof demonstrates the state of your relationship. The object and author of prayer is what makes talking to God possible.

We easily talk with others, but praying together is not as commonly practiced. If prayer is just talking, then we can pray together as easily as we discuss sports or weather, right?

We become like those we are with. Talking to God is formative. Rather than seeing prayer as way to change God, prayer actually changes us. We become what we pray. So, let’s talk to God (Let’s pray)!

“Lord, teach us to talk.” They really asked Jesus to teach them to pray, but we spell prayer, “t.a.l.k.” After all, prayer is just talking. Like talking, it’s as easy as breathing. In fact, it’s easier to breathe than not to. Want to learn how to breathe more heavenly air?

We spell prayer, “t.a.l.k.” Prayer is just talking. But we often feel deficient in our prayer lives. Wanna learn how to pray better? Jesus only begins one prayer saying, “Pray like this.” If you want to know how, this prayer will show you.

The history of the world is a salvation story. This metanarrative overlays every other detail we are told or tell ourselves. It defines our dreams, whether waking or sleeping. Every plotline culminates here.

There is no way to understand the human world without stories. They fill our newspapers, court records, sports events, political debates, playgrounds, private thoughts, and public conversations. The Bible frames our stories.

Our experiences shape our conversations--the stories we tell each other and ourselves--and we want these tales to work in our favor. These stories have power to shape our lives and change them.

Stories are what make our societies possible, and impossible. Stories make us or break us. Conspiracy theories and disinformation serve a purpose--they satisfy our hunger for order. The truth will actually set us free.