God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer

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Some prayers aren’t answered the way we think they should be because our understanding and expectations of God are misguided.”

To prepare for that, and to get the most out of the session, read chapters 7-10 of God on Mute. This is also available as an audiobook if you find that easier. Closing prayer Q. Should we pray less for miracles or simply trust more when our prayers aren’t answered the way we want? Last time we thought about Maundy Thursday and asked the heart question: “How am I going to get through this?” Today we’re going to think about Good Friday and ask the more intellectual question: “Why am I suffering? Why am I going through this? Why is God letting this happen to me?”

Q. The Bible articulates the reality of life; the pain and hope coming together. Are there any particular Bible passages that have sustained you during times of trial or struggle? Next week’s session will explore Maundy Thursday and the most basic heart questions we all ask when we suffer: “How am I going to get through this?” There were times…when Sammy’s diagnosis merely stirred up the murkiest shallows of my soul, bringing to the surface my inner cravings for sin, sympathy…” Grace groweth best in winter’ (Samuel Rutherford) – Harsh winters are often the seasons in which we mature and become more fruitful Too many people ask God why, and quit because they don’t understand God or He doesn’t meet their human expectations. We are missing the point of a relationship with God. If I understood everything or it all worked out like I wanted every time then I would be “god”, not God!

Next week’s session will explore Holy Saturday and the mystery of God’s silence. We’ll be asking the question “Where?” – “Where on earth are you God, when heaven is silent and your son lies dead in the grave?” I very much enjoyed the whole book, but I think I found most helpful the central section in chapters 8-10, in which Greig proposes 15 reasons for unanswered prayer. Some of you will baulk at his take on God’s will and God’s determination to respect the free will of humanity. Personally, I found it helpful, but I suspect it will be a step too far for some my Reformed friends. I would implore them not to throw out the gems of solid, lived-out, Scripture-based wisdom contained in this book because of that. Q. In the midst of your pain and silence, have there been moments where you have been able to say, like Elie Wiesel, “There is God?” This would be an excellent book for those who have endured hard circumstances (which is pretty much everyone) or those who find themselves continually frustrated at unanswered prayer. The Kingdom is here but not here fully. We can pray bold and wild prayers, but also hold and hurt in the spaces where our cries to God go unanswered. These are tensions that few are able to hold, yet alone explain. In God on Mute, Pete Greig steers us wisely and compassionately through this difficult terrain, showing us that even in the darkest seasons, the light of God's love can be found.' Mark Sayers, senior leader, Red Church, Melbourne, Australia, author of Facing Leviathan and Reappearing Church

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These guides have been designed to provide you with all the content you could possibly need to lead five brilliant sessions, exploring the questions we all ask when confronted with unanswered prayer.

To prepare for that, and to get the most out of the session, try to read chapters 11-12 of God on Mute. This is also available as an audiobook if you find that easier. Closing prayer My daughter recommended this book to me and I am so glad she did! This is the best book/study I have read on prayer. Pete Greig's experience with suffering and his sound theology opened my mind and heart to new ways of handling suffering, trials and , especially, unanswered prayers in the midst of those situations.Q. Where are you waiting for a breakthrough, a word from God, or an answer to your prayers? What unanswered questions are you carrying today? Welcome to session 1 of The Prayer Course II: Unanswered Prayer! Over the next five sessions we’re going to process some of the painful and disappointing things we’ve probably all experienced as Christians – which we’re not always good at sharing. In dealing with doubt tell Him. Honestly share your disappointments with others. You can pray like others: I believe, help my unbelief! Q. In God on Mute Pete Greig says that “God’s silence is not his absence but rather his presence in another form”. In what ways have you experienced God’s presence in the midst of silence in the past?

Next time, in our final session, we’ll be focusing on the hope of Easter Sunday and our final question: “When?” – “When will my prayers be answered?” Q. Bob Sorge seems to be able to love and trust God even though he’s lived with incredible disappointment for decades. How is this possible? In my life I have received many gracious answers to prayer; when I recall them, my heart sings. My life with God has also been marked by heartrending instances of unanswered prayer, times when God remained silent, seemingly impassive to my longing for healing, reconciliation, restoration, or resurrection. Perhaps you have felt this way too. We will all, sooner or later, enter the desert of God's silence. God on Mute, one of the best books I've ever read on unanswered prayer, is a wise and helpful road map for navigating the strange and unexpected contours of unanswered prayer. God on Mute will help many precious image-bearers--I hope thousands--to travel well the confusing terrain of God's silence. I plan on rereading it for years to come.' Chris Hall, president of Renovaré, distinguished professor of theology emeritus at Eastern University Q. What did you find most helpful, inspiring or challenging in what Pete Greig, Gemma Hunt and Bob Sorge shared? Take time to pause and reflect on The Isenheim Altarpiece, by Matthias Grünewald, which Pete Greig talked about in the session. (available online HERE ) BooksIt became clear that although he had a spectacular vision for the next 30 or so years of life on Earth, he had no vision whatsoever for eternity. I suspect that although he was older than me, he had simply not yet been forced to stare for himself into the abyss, wondering, What's next? Today it’s the questions of the heart: “How am I going to get through this?” and we’re going to look at Jesus on Maundy Thursday in the Garden of Gethsemane.