Providence and Prayer: If God Is Sovereign, Why Pray?

Happiness is often fleeting. Yet true joy endures. Today, R.C. Sproul shows us the source of deep, full, and lasting joy: living in communion with Jesus Christ. Request R.C. Sproul’s devotional The Advent of Glory, his book Can I Have Joy in My Life?, and lifetime digital access to his teaching series Joy—all for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3710/joy   Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Sin entices us with the promise of pleasure, but ultimately sin only robs us of joy. Today, R.C. Sproul observes how people enter the fullness of joy and escape the grasp of guilt. Request R.C. Sproul’s devotional The Advent of Glory, his book Can I Have Joy in My Life?, and lifetime digital access to his teaching series Joy—all for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3710/joy Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

It requires grace to share the joy of others while our own hearts are sorrowful. Today, R.C. Sproul addresses one of the greatest hindrances that can keep us from experiencing the fullness of joy. Request R.C. Sproul’s devotional The Advent of Glory, his book Can I Have Joy in My Life?, and lifetime digital access to his teaching series Joy—all for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3710/joy Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

One of the hardest lessons we have to learn as Christians is how to be joyful in the midst of suffering and pain. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us where to anchor our hope in a groaning world. Request R.C. Sproul’s devotional The Advent of Glory, his book Can I Have Joy in My Life?, and lifetime digital access to his teaching series Joy—all for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3710/joy   Travel with Ligonier on the 2025 Caribbean Study Cruise: Join us in Dallas for a free event, Renewing Your Mind Live: Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

As a fruit of the Holy Spirit, joy is a virtue that every Christian must cultivate. Yet true joy involves much more than putting on a happy face. Today, R.C. Sproul reflects on the biblical characteristics of a joyful life. Request R.C. Sproul’s devotional The Advent of Glory, his book Can I Have Joy in My Life?, and lifetime digital access to his teaching series Joy—all for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3710/joy   Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Four desperate men stopped at nothing to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus. From his sermon series in the gospel of Mark, today R.C. Sproul shows that Christ had the authority to give this man something far greater than physical healing. Get R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the gospel of Mark for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3665/mark-commentary   Freely download R.C. Sproul’s ebook What Can I Do with My Guilt?: https://renewingyourmind.org/guilt Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The manna from heaven sustained Israel in their wilderness wanderings. Christ, the true bread from heaven, feeds souls dead in sin with everlasting life. Today, R.C. Sproul examines Jesus’ self-description as “the bread of life.” Get R.C. Sproul’s book Who Is Jesus?, his teaching series Knowing Christ on DVD, and lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3709/knowing-christ Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Sometimes, the same trial serves to soften the heart of one person toward God while hardening another in his bitterness and sin. What makes the difference? Today, R.C. Sproul reflects on the mystery of divine providence. Get Truths We Confess, R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the Westminster Confession, for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3706/truths-we-confess   Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

When we sin, does God in His sovereignty bear any of the blame? Certainly not—but why not? Today, R.C. Sproul provides biblical answers to questions about humanity’s fall into sin, the origin of temptation, and the providence of God. Get Truths We Confess, R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the Westminster Confession, for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3706/truths-we-confess   Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

God is altogether good and altogether in control. How do sin and suffering fit into this picture? Today, R.C. Sproul continues his study of the Westminster Confession to consider the place of evil under God’s good providence. Get Truths We Confess, R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the Westminster Confession, for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3706/truths-we-confess   Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts