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Secrets of the Kingdom Life  /  Chapter 9: Developing a Strong Prayer Life  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 2
The chapter answers “Why does God require it?” by tying prayer to God’s purpose in creating angels and humans—His desire for relationship like a parent with children; how does that reshape the way you interpret “requirements” in the Christian life (command vs. communion), and what does it imply about what God enjoys?
Another way to ask: If God “requires” prayer because He wants a close relationship with us, how does that change how you see Christian commands? What does it suggest God enjoys about you?

Direct Answer The transcript suggests God’s “requirements” around prayer are not mainly about checking a box, but about communion—God wants real rapport with His children. It implies God genuinely enjoys interaction, communication, and love exchanged between parent and child.

Support from Transcript:

  • He asks, “Since so many Christians find prayer difficult, why does God require it?” and answers by pointing to God’s original purpose.
  • God “loves having children for the same reason we do,” because of “meaningful rapport.”
  • He says there is “little joy” in parenting without relationship; likewise God desires “ongoing love and relationship.”
  • He connects this to Eden: “That’s why God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. He loved interacting with them.”
  • Prayer is described as closeness, not mere rule-keeping: “Prayer is the nearest approach to God.”
Discussion Follow-ups If prayer is primarily relationship, how might that change your attitude toward other Christian disciplines—Bible reading, confession, thanksgiving—from “duty” to “shared life with God”?

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