When Tim Keller preached on prayer in the Psalms, he reminded us that the Psalms are not just poetic expressions of devotion—they are a spiritual training ground. In Psalm 25:14, we discover a divine promise: “The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He makes His covenant known to them.”
Tim Keller draws out the richness of that phrase, unpacking how prayer is the pathway to becoming a friend of God. Here’s what we can learn from his teaching.
5 Powerful Lessons from Tim Keller on Friendship with God Through Prayer
1. Obedience: The Foundation of Intimacy
Keller begins where many least expect: obedience. In John 15:14, Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Obedience is not about earning God’s love—it’s the evidence of intimacy. True friendship transforms us to become more like the one we walk with. As Keller emphasized, “Jesus came a long way through the incarnation and the cross. Obedience is our movement toward Him.”
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2. Justification by Faith Alone: No More Mercenary Prayers
Without the gospel of grace, prayer becomes a transaction. We try to earn God’s favor through performance, turning Him into a cosmic boss instead of a covenant friend. Keller warns that unless we understand justification by faith alone, we can’t love God as a friend—we’ll only ever work for Him. “Only grace makes friendship with God possible,” he says.
