For this third lesson in our series, Stéphanie Rousselle invites us back into the book of Malachi, exploring its lively conversation between God and the Israelites. She likens the dialogue to a "ping pong, tennis match" that embodies a series of question-and-answer exchanges, both from God and His people. This format inspires reflections on the nature of prayer as an honest and open dialogue with God.

You are invited to purchase the workbook that contains everything you need to take your experience of the Book of Malachi deeper! For each of the six lessons, you will find a complete listening guide, questions to go deeper (on your own, with a friend, or a group), as well as a worksheet to study further themes. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi for more.

The book of Malachi teaches us about the depth and authenticity required in prayer. It challenges us to ask hard questions, ones that reveal our true desires and convictions, paralleling the Israelites who inquire about justice and God's presence in difficult times. This lesson focuses on understanding these questions within the context of Malachi chapters two and three.

A key point discussed is the Israelites' question about justice, "Where is the God of justice?" This is a pivotal inquiry situated within a broader narrative of self-awareness and repentance among the Israelites. They grapple with topics such as their faithlessness, particularly in the context of divorce, which Scripture frames as a profound societal betrayal within their culture.

Stéphanie draws connections between the book of Malachi and other Old or New Testament teachings, such as those found in Micah and Romans, highlighting themes of justice, grace, and God's redemptive love through Christ. The Israelites, through their treacherous actions towards one another, reveal a deeper spiritual unfaithfulness to God.

The prophetic role of Malachi points to John the Baptist, the latter of whom prepares the way for Jesus, the ultimate messenger. We are invited to consider our own calling as modern-day messengers of God, akin to John the Baptist, as we share the gospel and prepare for Christ's return.

Stéphanie discusses the contrast between justice and grace, illustrating that while justice, in its purest form, would condemn us, it is through grace, offered by Jesus, that we are saved. This grace is of utmost importance in the spiritual life, echoed through Scripture and the personal prayers of faith leaders like King David.

Closing, in prayer Stéphanie asks for a renewed sense of gratitude and reverence for God’s grace and for guidance to be faithful messengers of His word, underlining a central message of the book of Malachi: finding the God of grace in Christ and extending His message of redemption to the world.

You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer 

There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement.

But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision?

As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray.

If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out!

A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER

To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts.

We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation.

So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is.

There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this.

Let’s begin.

THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE

Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings.

So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ.

Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together!

So, let’s get started.

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