quotes from Chapter 31 To Whom Does God Listen? by W. Bingham Hunter
"People often talk as if prayer is the way we get God to give us what we want. Those who think this way seek prayer promises, techniques, locations, mediators and other methods they believe will influence God or place Him under obligation. But Scripture points in virtually the opposite direction, indicating prayer, communication with the living God, is a means He uses to give us what He knows we need."
"The goal of Christian prayer is to glorify the Father through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:13). God is glorified through accomplishment of His will and advancement of His kingdom on earth (Mt. 5:16, 6:9-10; 1 Cor. 10:31), as well as by our obedience, spiritual growth and deepening relationship with Him (Jn. 15:8). Since we often ask for things outside of His will - because they will not advance His kingdom, develop our spiritual maturity or enrich our relationship with Him - unanswered prayer is a part of the normal Christian life (2 Cor. 12:7-10). It's not an indication that God isn't listening to us. Nevertheless, most of us persist in thinking, There must be some way to get Him to give me what I ask."
