God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer

Product Information

Over the years we've lost count of the number of times we've recommended God on Mute to people who are wrestling with doubts and struggling to connect with God in seasons of pain and confusion. It's achingly honest, beautifully crafted and theologically deep--an absolute classic. For both of us, this is one of the most profound and helpful books we've ever read on one of the most essential questions, 'Where is God when it hurts?' (And we're not just saying that because we love Pete!)' Tim and Rachel Hughes, Gas Street, Birmingham, UK, and Worship Central International In these dark nights of the soul moments, we often accept this “misconception out there that when it comes to unanswered prayer, there are no answers, and we just have to walk blindly through the veils of mystery and hope we don’t trip up.” Yet, Greig points out that while “it’s true that there can be no easy explanation when it comes to the ultimate problems of suffering,” the truth is also that “to the vast majority of questions, there are, in fact, answers – good ones – that have helped millions of people for thousands of years to navigate disappointment without losing their way.” Pete brings those answers to the surface, as navigational tools to keep us from losing our way, and he explores in great detail, 15 reasons our prayers may seem unanswered.

Many of us have struggled with prayers that seem to go unanswered, and Pete Greig has been down that difficult road of doubt. This book is both intensely personal and deeply theological—a book born out of his wife Sammy's fight for her life after a horrifying diagnosis. This is potentially a deep and difficult moment. You may like to go around in a circle so that everyone is gently encouraged to participate. Do also make it clear that if anyone would prefer not to share, that’s fine. The acclaimed author of Red Moon Rising wrestles with the hard side of prayer, how to respond when there seem to be no answers, and how to cope with those who seek to interpret our experience for us. Q. Do we as a community lean too hard on one side of this equation, either focusing so much on hope that we aren’t honest about pain, or focusing so much on pain that we fail to have hope? How can we hold both hope and pain together? Welcome to session 4 of The Prayer Course II: Unanswered Prayer! As usual today we’re going to watch a video, then we’re going to discuss the questions it provokes and finally we’re going to pray together.My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” – Psalm 22:2 Introduction Few experiences in life are as disconcerting as seasons in which God is silent. This may be a current reality for some members of your group. Therefore, it’s important to dignify their questions in this session without trying to ‘solve’ them. Q. What did you find most helpful, inspiring or challenging in what Pete Greig, Gemma Hunt and Alain Emerson shared?

Some prayers aren’t answered because God will not force a person to do something that he or she does not want to do.” In dealing with doubt tell Him. Honestly share your disappointments with others. You can pray like others: I believe, help my unbelief! 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.sun’s light Ringing me, as though I acted A great role. And the audiences Still; all that close throng