Dr. Jeremiah Johnston welcomes Dr. Craig Hazen, known for his program leadership at Biola University and his books, including . The two discuss Craig’s take on Jesus’ words in John 15:7,
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Craig notes that the words challenged him, forcing him to evaluate if he truly believes them. Exploring the passage led Craig to rediscover what prayer means:
“Some people think that asking for things is a very low-level conception of prayer – that really what you want to aim for is some higher, mystical level where you’re not really asking for things, you’re just having a kind of communion with God. But the idea of asking things of God is actually central to biblical prayer. That kind of came as a shock to me.”
Craig refers to the Lord’s Prayer in which Jesus models prayer to the Father, including requests. Craig asserts,
“I think asking is not a low-level spiritual enterprise. It puts us in a position of depending on God. That really puts us just where God wants us. Through my study, I think we need to pray about everything – even if we think it’s a very selfish prayer. At least people are getting in front of God, and the Holy Spirit gets a chance to tinker with their soul and make it more in line with God’s Kingdom and God’s purposes. So, I say pray with abandon.”
Craig encourages Christians to keep a journal and make note of answered prayers.
“I think they need to write down their prayers every day and look back to see how God does fulfill those things. It really is a miracle when you’re asking God the Father for something and He provides it.”
Craig points us to John 15:8,
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples,”
Jeremiah concludes,
“Whatever you’re facing, God can meet you in prayer.”
Dr. Craig Hazen is the founder and director of the master’s program with a concentration in Christian apologetics and director of the master’s program with a concentration in science and religion at Biola University. His recent book, , explores the truth of Jesus’ promise about prayer.
Craig Hazen on Fearless Prayer
