Matthew 6:10
Introduction
As believers, we are called to submit to God’s comprehensive rule in every area of our lives. This includes submitting to His will over our own. But like navigating traffic on the highway, this is not always easy to do as there can be roadblocks, detours, distractions, and unexpected turns. Just as in driving, we can easily change lanes and go the opposite way than God has directed for us.
So how do we make sure we stay in alignment with His will when we are praying? Jesus provides us with amazing insight on prayer pertaining to the will of God. It is all about His will being done and not ours. In order for us to understand what His will is, we must first spend time in His word. In God’s word, He reveals to us four critical aspects as it relates to His divine prerogative: First, His will is comprehensive. Second, His will is compassionate. Third, His will is commanded primarily for us as believers. Fourth, His will is absolute and does not change. Understanding these four aspects helps us to better live out our God-given purpose.
Let us not be like Jonah who was swallowed by a great fish because of his prideful disobedience in prioritizing his will over God’s. Let us not be like Satan who became self-centered and caused a third of the angels in Heaven to rebel with him. Not only did Satan influence the angels to sin, but all of humanity as well. We must die to our will much like Jesus died to His will to accomplish the Father’s will. God’s will, while not always pleasant, brings us our greatest pleasure and joy! Jesus submitted to the will of the Father unto death, providing eternal life to those who believe, and ultimately resulting in His name being exalted above all. Not only does our obedience to God the Father benefit us, but our submission also impacts others for His Glory. The ultimate purpose of prayer is pleading for the Father’s will on earth, so that He may be glorified in Heaven.
Getting Started
- How did this week’s sermon impact your understanding of prayer?
- When you pray what topics often dominate your prayer life?
Let’s Get Personal
- Is prayer a priority in your life? If yes, share with your group what that looks like. If no, what has prevented you from making it a priority?
- If we were to view your prayer life, how much of it would be about God and His will being done compared to your personal issues and own will being done?
- When you look at your prayer life, what needs to change regarding what you pray about?
- Why is it so easy for us to focus on our desires versus the Father’s desires when we pray?
Take the Next Step
- What can you do this week to focus on more of the Father’s will in your prayer life?
- Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 3:5-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; Philippians 2:1-8; John 3:30; Colossians 1:9-10; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 5:14-15.
Renew Your Mind
“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.”
1 John 5:14-15
