If we say we believe God is sovereign, but spend our days wringing our hands and fretting, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

If we say we believe God is love, but spend our days berating ourselves and others, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

If we say we believe God is faithful, but try to control outcomes and people, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

If we say we believe God is generous, but worry about being cared for and financial stability, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

If we say we believe God is just, but manipulate situations to get justice ourselves, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

If we say we believe God is good, but treat every day as if we're waiting for something better, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

If we say we believe God is wise, but ignore the wisdom He gave us in His word, we're just doing lip-service to theology. 

If we say we believe God is holy, but try to step as close to the lines of sin without sinning as possible, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

If we say we believe God is a comforter, but run around trying to clean up messes and keep a shred of peace, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

If we say we believe God is full of grace, but demand more of ourselves and others than God would, we're just doing lip-service to theology.

When I fret about life, time, finances, relationships, I'm tempted to control them for my preferred outcome. When I rest in the giver of good and perfect gifts, I see every allowance as unmerited favor and can walk in the confidence as one who is held by the God of the universe—the perfection of every attribute. 

How does God's Word impact our prayers?

God invites His children to talk with Him, yet our prayers often become repetitive and stale. How do we have a real conversation with God? How do we come to know Him so that we may pray for His will as our own?

In the Bible, God speaks to us as His children and gives us words for prayer—to praise Him, confess our sins, and request His help in our lives.

We’re giving away a free eBook copy of Praying the Bible, where Donald S. Whitney offers practical insight to help Christians talk to God with the words of Scripture.