Episode

54. Does Prayer Actually Change Anything?

Podcast
Become New with John Ortberg
Published
Jul 16, 2026
Duration seconds
856
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2118006/episodes/19501057-54-does-prayer-actually-change-anything.mp3
Audio
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2118006/episodes/19501057-54-does-prayer-actually-change-anything.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/become-new-with-john-ortberg-3584281/episodes/54-does-prayer-actually-change-anything
Markdown
/podcast/become-new-with-john-ortberg-3584281/54-does-prayer-actually-change-anything.md

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Summary

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 - Psa...