54. Does Prayer Actually Change Anything?

If God already knows everything...
why pray?

In this reflection on Psalm 74, John Ortberg wrestles with one of the oldest questions about prayer.

Can our prayers actually matter?

Drawing on insights from Walter Brueggemann and Dallas Willard, John explores the difference between the ancient philosophical idea of the "Unmoved Mover" and the God revealed in Scripture—the God who listens, responds, and is deeply moved by His people.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 74 and communal lament
- Psalms of orientation and disorientation
- Why the church needs lament
- God's unchanging character and responsive heart
- Dallas Willard's "Most Moved Mover"
- Why your prayers matter

Scriptures:
- Psalm 74

#psalm74  #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #WalterBrueggemann #DallasWillard #Lament #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #God


📚 Today's Resources:
Walter Brueggemann, Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit 
Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy 


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 00:00 Does Prayer Change God?
 00:30 Why Pray If God Already Knows?
 01:24 Psalm 74 & Communal Lament
 02:03 Psalms of Orientation & Disorientation
 02:40 "Why Have You Rejected Us?"
 03:34 Remembering God's Faithfulness
 03:59 Walter Brueggemann on Lament
 05:25 The God Who Suffers With Us
 06:21 Is God Really Unchangeable?
 07:07 Dallas Willard's Community of Prayerful Love
 08:13 The Most Moved Mover
 09:00 The Unmoved Mover vs. the God of the Bible
 10:03 Jesus Reveals God's Heart
 11:03 Bring God Your Disorientation
 12:02 Enter Into Another Person's Lament