Praying According To God’s Will

Praying According To God’s Will…

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  1 John 5:14

That’s a powerful verse, isn’t it? It offers such a profound sense of assurance in our relationship with God. Let’s unpack it a bit.

John’s words in 1 John 5:14 aren’t a blank check for us to ask for anything our hearts desire and expect it to be granted. Instead, the key phrase here is “according to His will.” This begs the question: how do we know God’s will?

God’s will isn’t some hidden, secret code that we need to crack. It’s revealed to us in several ways. Firstly, and most fundamentally, it’s found in His Word, the Bible. Scripture provides us with principles, commands, and examples that illuminate God’s character and His desires for humanity. When our requests align with the truths we find in Scripture, we can have greater confidence that they are in line with His will.

Secondly, God’s will can be discerned through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer, seeking His wisdom and guidance, the Spirit can illuminate our hearts and minds, leading us in the way He desires. This often involves a process of discernment, where we weigh our desires against God’s known character and principles, seeking His peace and confirmation.

Thirdly, God’s will can sometimes be seen in the circumstances of our lives. While not every event is directly orchestrated by God, He can use our experiences, the counsel of wise believers, and even closed doors to guide us.

The confidence John speaks of isn’t in our ability to manipulate God or get Him to grant our every wish. Rather, it’s a deep-seated trust in His goodness, His wisdom, and His love for us.

Knowing that we are approaching a God who is all-knowing and whose plans are ultimately for our good allows us to pray with boldness and expectation, trusting that even if the answer isn’t what we initially hoped for, it will be what is best in His perfect will.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible privilege of approaching You in prayer. We acknowledge that Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts beyond our understanding. Help us, we pray, to grow in our understanding of Your will, to seek it diligently in Your Word, and to be led by Your Holy Spirit. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your desires for our lives, and the humility to accept Your answers, even when they differ from our own. May our prayers be rooted in a desire to honor You and align ourselves with Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but laying hold of His willingness.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼