I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 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 5:13-15
These three simple verses are encouraging ones, for they assure us of two wonderful things. First, we have eternal life. Second, anything we ask for in prayer will be done, if we ask in God’s will. This is our focus here: God’s will.
The whole idea of tacking “in Jesus’ name, Amen” has always struck me as trying to work the system just a little bit. Of course, we do that because Jesus is recorded three times in John’s gospel telling His disciples that anything they ask for in His name will be given them. Never mind that all three times were firmly within the context of doing God’s will, all we need to do is tack on the magic words… Only it doesn’t work like that!
Yeah, I hate to be the one who has to tell you that God thought of that one already.
Our prayers that are outside of God’s will aren’t guaranteed to be answered, because God is all about His purposes, and we are His servants, not the other way around. So, the question really is, what is within God’s will? It isn’t always in God’s will that nice things happen, that the sick are always healed and that the bad guy looses the game. In fact, it can be quite difficult to discern His will in some situations, especially when we are emotionally invested. There are some things that are always within the scope of God’s eternal purpose, can you guess what they are?
Yep, that’s right, you got it! Things that pertain to saving the lost and making disciples are always within His will. Not things that just make it easier for us, or that make us look like heroes, but things that get those “Kingdom things” done. In this area, prayer is so powerful it can be scary… in a good way.
We must pray big prayers, with boldness, and with the sure expectancy that God will do great things with them, but we need to ensure that our prayers are to advance God’s priorities, according to God’s ways of doing things.
OK, here we go… big bold “God’s will” prayers, and no more little “me” ones. Just watch and see what amazing things He can do!
Life Project Blog 
“trying to work the system just a little bit” – beautiful!!
I heard the other day a coin flip: Jesus doesn’t “intercede” for us with God. Jesus and God don’t need that. Rather Jesus intercedes in us, if we listen – to point our thoughts, or word, our prayers towards what is already “in their mind”. Kinda like that one.
You might be on to something there!
He will give us what we truly need, and in such abundance that we overflow with devotion and love for Him. Many of us are too busy asking for bigger houses, more money, and a new car that we overlook that we should be asking for guidance, peace, and more compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be praying for those that are in need, and seeing what we can do to help, and not turning our noses up at those who have found themselves down-trodden. Sorry, stepped on a soapbox there.
No worries, and great points all, thanks!
This same subject was brought up recently in either a Sunday school class or a Bible study, of course coming to the conclusion that God will always answer our prayers when we are praying His will. He may or may not when we are praying for what we want rather than what we need. What we want may not be what God feels we need and His way is always best. Once again it is amazing to me how He sends messages to us through many different venues to get out attention. It is obvious to me right now that He is trying to let me know that some of my prayers are perhaps frivolous or unrealistic and not good for me if they were to be answered. Nice to know that He does hear them and act on them though!
Yes it is, and it’s a real blessing that He doesn’t just give us everything we want, at least in my case!
Reblogged this on Ascend In Him.
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings and commented:
Well-written and worth the read!
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Reblogged this on The King's Daughter writes . . ..
I’m so encouraged by this post, it is truly a life-changing perspective. I was so moved that I reblogged, ( first time ever!) at http://www.thekingsdaughterwrites.com and tweeted @editorsoffice
God’s Will , (the advancement of the Kingdom) should really be our no1 priority, what we want or need God already knows and He will do it in His time and if its the best thing for us. Thank you again for this post -imagine if everyone could change their prayers to have this perspective, that would be something wouldnt it?
It would be truly amazing! Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
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As I read this I thought “Maybe I should ask Don if he would be willing to pre-screen my book for me”. It is all about prayer. You mimic some of my thoughts on the subject. What do you say, would you be willing? It’s about 120 pages. Not real long. If you are willing, please email me at pgard7@gmail.com, and I will send you back a copy.
Thanks Don.