Do we really mean that? Are we really asking that the Lord’s will be done? This question is asked to Christians, especially praying Christians. Regardless of the need in the prayer… do we ask that His will be done? Or do we mean ours?
Actually, I was brought up a bit short today when I realize that the need I was praying about, I really had my preferred response in mind. Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing ‘wrong’ about having a preference and asking for what you really want.
” Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” [Hebrews 4:16]
Let’s look at what the Father has invited us into… we have privilege! Did you ever consider that when we come it’s because Jesus provided our way to come. We certainly didn’t earn it or deserve it – we come because Jesus and the Father provided the opportunity. Then it tells us that we should come confident and without fear! Why? So that WE may find mercy and grace in our need(s).
Now remember what James taught:
“You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask [c]with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires.” [James 4:2-3]
Do you look at your motives? Granted this is for one’s personal wants. But when you are interceding for the need of someone else… do you know your why, your motives? More to the point – do you ask ‘Thy will be done’?
“This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.”
[1 John 5:14-15]
It takes our faith and trust to pray, ask in this way. Perhaps, we should be praying more for His will to be manifested in the situation/need? And this does not mean that we shouldn’t lift the need up to Him nor stop interceding. This is simply a different view, perspective leading to a different foundation for how we pray, how we intercede. The Lord’s answer may not be what we want or expect but it really isn’t according to our will. We can ask, and keep asking but as pray-ers, we come alongside the person in need and seek.
Will we ask that His will be done…?
