We often hear these statements: “We must pray according to His Will, We must seek His Will, etc. But what does it truly mean to seek and pray according to His Will? 1 John 5:14 states “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Join us today as we discuss how to pray according to God’s will and how to find it.
From looking at the previous verse, we have to know God’s Will. How can we know God’s Will? We need to take time with Him whether it is reading His Word or prayer. When we study the Word, we know serving the Lord means more than just going to church and stating you are a Christian. It is a matter of the heart and if you obey His Word. When you live in obedience, you can be certain your life is right and pleasing before Him.
However, when we have done wrong, we need to ask God’s forgiveness and turn away from the sin. We cannot go back and keep committing the same sin deliberately. God’s grace is new for you every day and He will help you overcome sin. Jesus told us in John 16:33 “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
In accordance to doing God’s Will, we must also live a life of surrender. When someone surrenders, they have given up their will and desire without resistance. If we want to do God’s Will, we have to surrender our desires and listen to what God says instead. It is only with a surrendered heart, that God can do His complete and perfect will.
Just because we live a life of surrender does not mean we cannot desire or want anything. Rather, it means that we need to know if it is God’s Will. God’s plan is worth following because you will receive an eternal reward, not an earthly one. The earthly reward can make us happy but it will vanish away one day. However, an eternal reward will give us a peace and a joy that is unspeakable because God’s blessing is in it. As we draw near to God, the desires that do not line up with His will vanish away and we will have a clear direction.
So how do we pray according to God’s Will? Our prayer should be about seeking what He wants instead of just asking Him to fulfill our desires. God knows what He is doing even if we do not understand it. While it is important to come with needs, it is also important to come with praise. A thankful heart shows you honor the Lord and He is your God above everything. With this mindset, we can make our requests known to Him and He promises to hear us.
When we pray according to God’s Will, He will hear and answer our prayer. If we have prayed something before and it was not answered, do not be discouraged because God has something greater! There is no greater joy than to be walking in God’s Will. If you do not know God’s Will for your life, it is never too late to ask Him. Our walk with the Lord is an ever growing journey of being close to Him. God promises that when we seek Him, He will come find us. So today, let us seek the Lord and watch Him work mightily in our lives!
Thought for the week: Do you know God’s Will for your life? If not, how will you find it?