Dangerous Prayers summary

Challenging the Status Quo in Prayer

In Dangerous Prayers by Craig Groeschel, we are invited to challenge our approach to prayer. Groeschel contends that most of us are guilty of playing it safe in our conversations with God. We ask for protection, provision, and peace, but we avoid the prayers that might cause discomfort or require us to step out of our comfort zones.

The author argues that the safest prayer we can pray is, in fact, the most dangerous one. This prayer is 'Your will be done.' It's dangerous because it involves surrendering our own desires and plans to God's divine purpose. It's a prayer that requires trust in a God we can't see and a faith that defies logic.

Three Dangerous Prayers

The book outlines three prayers that Groeschel considers particularly dangerous. The first prayer is 'Search Me.' This prayer asks God to reveal our hidden sins, fears, and insecurities. It requires us to confront the parts of ourselves we'd rather keep hidden. The second prayer is 'Break Me.' This prayer asks God to break our hearts for what breaks His. It requires us to have compassion for the suffering and to be willing to serve others sacrificially.

The third prayer is 'Send Me.' This prayer asks God to send us into the world to make a difference for His kingdom. It requires us to be willing to go wherever God leads, even if it's uncomfortable or inconvenient. These prayers, according to Groeschel, are dangerous because they challenge us to let go of control and embrace the unknown.

Embracing the Danger

In Dangerous Prayers, Groeschel doesn't shy away from the fact that these prayers are, well, dangerous. Praying 'Search Me' may reveal things about ourselves we don't like. Praying 'Break Me' may lead us into situations that are uncomfortable and painful. Praying 'Send Me' may take us to places we'd rather not go.

However, the author argues that the rewards of these dangerous prayers are worth the risk. When we allow God to search us, break us, and send us, we open ourselves up to a deeper relationship with Him and a life of purpose and fulfillment. We learn to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we don't understand His ways.

Living Dangerously

In the final section of the book, Groeschel encourages readers to put these dangerous prayers into practice. He shares personal stories and examples of people who have prayed these prayers and seen their lives transformed as a result. He also offers practical advice for cultivating a prayer life that is bold, honest, and full of faith.

Ultimately, Dangerous Prayers challenges us to move beyond our safe, predictable prayers and into a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. It reminds us that the Christian life was never meant to be safe and comfortable, but rather an adventure of faith. By embracing the danger of these prayers, we open ourselves up to the incredible work God wants to do in and through us.