Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 19, 2010
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15
Almighty God offers a friendly audience in the form of prayer. But not just any prayer, it is a prayer positioned in humility, offered by faith and aligned with His will. Prayer rests on the platform of God’s providence; it’s this baseline of belief that captures a heart for Christ’s agenda. Prayer places people at the portal of His presence to discern His purpose.
So, what does it mean to pray according to His will? It does not mean we ask flippantly or foolishly, but it does mean we ask boldly and in humility. A prayer according to His will—wills what God wills. We pray not our will, but His will be done. My will submits to His will from a dependent heart and mind, and then He defines His expectations.
Jesus modeled this for His followers in intense prayer, “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39, NKJV). His heavenly Father’s will was death, so others could be saved. God’s will works out what’s best for all.
We know we are praying according to the Lord’s will when we hold the results with an open hand. Instead of willing a response in our own strength, we rely on His strength. One indicator is I am not stressed over the outcomes from intercession, but trust Almighty God to govern my affairs accurately and according to His promises.
We know it’s His will for men and women everywhere to be saved, so we intercede on their behalf. We can be confident that Christ’s desire for His children is to love and forgive one another, so we approach His throne with this passionate petition. Scripture gives us plenty to pray about according to His will. In the unknowns we pray for His will. The Lord already knows what you need and will instruct you in the way you should go.
Jesus said, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: ” ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:8b-10).
Am I praying according to God’s will? Am I persistent in prayer over the unknowns, and then do I rest in Him for results?
Related Readings: 1 Kings 9:3; Nehemiah 1:11; Luke 1:13; John 15:7; Acts 10:5
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
