God Who Answers
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this class, teacher Clint Davison addressed the fundamental truth that prayer is more about God than about ourselves. He began by noting that many believers struggle with prayer—worrying whether they pray enough, use the right words, or whether God will answer their prayers—concerns that inadvertently place the focus on themselves rather than on God. Drawing from Charles Hodge's insight that "we don't believe in prayer; we believe in a God who answers prayer," Davison redirected the class's understanding toward the character and nature of God. The teacher then examined Jesus's Model Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13, highlighting how the prayer begins with "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name," immediately establishing that prayer is centered on God's identity and nature. Davison explained the significance of Jesus addressing God as "our Father," extending this familial relationship to all believers. He emphasized that God, as the perfect Father, always listens, is never too busy, and never dismissive—a truth that challenges those whose earthly fathers were absent, neglectful, or abusive. Through Luke 11:9-13, Davison illustrated God's generosity and perfect fatherhood, comparing even imperfect human fathers' willingness to give good gifts to their children with God's infinitely greater generosity. The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 further exemplified God's compassionate, welcoming nature as Father, showing that His love is unconditional and His forgiveness complete.
Key Scriptures
Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.