There are hundreds of books written about prayer and praying within God’s will. I do not pretend to be an expert in this matter but I can share with you my experience of praying within the will of God. I believe this entire series of posts about prayer is leading us to praying with belief and praying the of God.
What is God’s will and how can we KNOW we are praying within it. Let’s understand this mystery. When we grasp this concept we will find ourselves at the throne of God. It is on these steps where the Lord hears and answers our prayers. It is here we will experience a breakthrough.
To read this series from the beginning (click here). To view a list of all the articles in this series (click here).
There are two important components of breakthrough praying. The first is learning to discern God’s will. How can a believer actually discern God’s will?
The answer is simple yet complex. We learn the will of God when we learn to listen to His voice. One way we hear His voice is through reading His word.* It is crucial to understand reading God’s word, reveals His character. Comprehension of His word leads to understanding the “why” of His purposes. Our love and respect grows as we discover the depth of His love and concern for us.
Grasping God’s character, through the study of the Bible is key to knowing His will.
The second component of praying within the will of God is -SELF.
James 4:3 (NIV) When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Do you remember from last week’s post I talked about asking God for a Cadillac? Side Note: I really don’t want a Cadillac. However, would there ever be a time when praying for one is within the will of God?
The answer is yes. When you know the Lord has orchestrated specific events leading to its acquisition. However, asking for a new car out of pride, to impress others, is likely a sin and is asking with the wrong motives.
If you are like me, it is a daily struggle to surrender my selfish motives. How do we surrender our selfish desires to pray honestly and wholly for God’s purposes?
W.W.J.D?
Although this slogan is overly used, God placed it on my heart. It actually is a powerful question. What would Jesus Do? When you bring your requests before God, would you find Jesus standing by your side echoing every word? Let this thought guide you as you pray.
Next week I have a powerful visual of Jesus that I want to share with you. You will experience Jesus as He stands at your side while you pray. I am praying God will radically alter your prayer life because of it.
Finally, I leave you with a sentence. Lord, more of you and less of me.
When we utter these words to God, it changes our motives. Pray this sentence before you speak your requests, then watch as it transforms your heart and prayers.
Learning to pray in the will of the Father takes effort and time. Prayer requests change as you grow in your relationship with God. If you are willing to seek His will, He will surely reveal it.
Assignment: This is an opportunity to learn from each other how we can become self-less before the Lord. Give me an example how you practice; More of you Lord and less of me.
Questions:
*Reading and praying through God’s word will be covered in a later post.
Scripture References:
Ephesians 5:17 (NIV) do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
What is the will of God:
John 6:35-40
1 Thessalonians 4:2-7
1 Thessalonians 5:14-18
1 Peter 2:13-15
Romans 8:26-27
Galatians 1:3-4
Ephesians 1:3-11
There are many more. However, part of the fun of our journey here on earth is experiencing the discovery. Let the Lord lead you through His word and discover His perfect will for a purposeful and fulfilling life.
Be Blessed, Lynn
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