Promises Kept... and the People Tricked into Treaty (Joshua 9:1-10:15)

"Breathing—as a metaphor for Christian prayer—captures so much of what prayer should be. It reminds us that prayer is something essential to our existence. Breathing is necessary for everything we do. It enables every activity. Likewise, prayer is basic and vital. It’s tied to both our present existence and perpetual endurance. Prayer is breathing. There’s no better metaphor of what prayer should be for the Christian.That’s why the struggle many Christians have with prayer is so puzzling. Isn’t it strange how so many Christians believe this truth in principle, but so few churches ratify it in practice? Our problem isn’t the way we talk about prayer. We talk about it with all the fervency and eloquence it deserves. Our problem is the way we treat prayer. Our practice doesn't line up with our proclamations, which is always a sign that something is off.”  —John Onwuchekwa