Larry Crabb in his book, The Papa Prayer, identifies two basic paradigms for prayer. The paradigm that is far more commonly accepted among Christians today is what he calls the “Get Things from God” paradigm. The second paradigm for prayer, he calls, “Get to Know God Better.”
Yesterday, we look at the first four of eight assumptions that Larry Crabb listed regarding these two paradigms and then compares them. Today, we look at the last four assumptions. As we look at these assumptions, I’m going to ask you to see if you, like me, may need to have a major shift from one to the other.
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The “Get to Know God Better” Paradigm
Assumption #5
Power in petitionary prayer depends on intimacy in relational prayer. Know God a little and experience little power in petition. Know God a lot and experience great power in petition.
The “Get Things from God” Paradigm
Assumption #5
Power in petitionary prayer depends on visible passion, declared faith, length of prayer, number of prayers, and perhaps posture.
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The “Get to Know God Better” Paradigm
Assumption #6
Petitioning God without first relating to Him transforms legitimate desire into entitled demands.
The “Get Things from God” Paradigm
Assumption #6
Prayer is our way of holding God to His promises. We have a right to approach God, knowing we are entitled to what He has promised.
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The “Get to Know God Better” Paradigm
Assumption #7
Prayer is not a technique for persuading a reluctant God to give us what we want. It is our primary opportunity to get acquainted with God in this life before we see Him in the next.
The “Get Things from God” Paradigm
Assumption #7
Prayer is a method for securing blessing now that we will receive in full measure later.
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The “Get to Know God Better” Paradigm
Assumption #8
Knowing God changes what we most want in this life, and that changes what we most fervently request.
The “Get Things from God” Paradigm
Assumption #8
God grants the desire of our hearts. Therefore, we should discern what we believe would bring us the most.
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Think on these assumptions. Ask yourself what your assumptions are as you pray.
Psalm 37:4 (ESV) Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Tomorrow, we will see what these two paradigms look like in our actual prayers.
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