Section 2: Praying in Alignment with God’s Will (2)

Section 2: Praying in Alignment with God’s Will

Prayers aligned with God’s will are powerful and effective. The Bible assures us that when we seek His purposes above our own, we can pray confidently, knowing He hears us. Praying in alignment with God’s will requires submission, discernment, and a focus on His glory and kingdom purposes.

1. Understanding God’s Will in Prayer

Key Scriptures

Matthew 6:10 "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." 1 John 5:14-15: "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." Romans 12:1-2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

God’s will is revealed in Scripture, through the Holy Spirit, and in His overarching plans for humanity. When we align our prayers with His will, we align ourselves with His purposes for our lives and the world.

Biblical Example: Jesus in Gethsemane

Luke 22:42:

What Happened: Facing the cross, Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but Yours be done." Despite the pain and suffering that awaited Him, Jesus submitted to God’s will, trusting in His greater plan for salvation.

Lesson: True prayer requires surrendering personal desires and trusting God’s wisdom, even in the face of hardship.

Current Real-World Example

Surrender in Career Decisions: A Christian professional was offered a high-paying job that conflicted with their values and faith commitments. After praying for God’s guidance, they felt convicted to decline the offer, trusting God to provide a role that aligned with His will. Months later, a position opened that allowed them to glorify God through their work and maintain integrity.

Takeaway: Aligning with God’s will often involves sacrifice, but it leads to peace and purpose.

Additional Examples

A believer prays for clarity in choosing a college, focusing on how their education can be used to serve God’s kingdom. A family praying for relocation senses God leading them to stay where they are to build deeper relationships and serve their church.

Practical Application

Seek God’s Perspective: Pray using Scriptures like Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." When we delight in Him, our desires naturally align with His will.

Practice Submission: Include “Your will be done” in your prayers, as Jesus modeled in Matthew 6:10.

Listen for Confirmation: Spend time in silent prayer, asking God to confirm His will through His Word, godly counsel, and circumstances.

2. Praying with a Kingdom Focus

Key Scriptures

Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." John 14:13-14: "Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." James 4:3: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."

Kingdom-focused prayers prioritize God’s glory, His mission, and the well-being of others over personal desires. Such prayers align with God’s eternal purposes, inviting His power and provision to accomplish His will on earth.

Biblical Example: Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom

1 Kings 3:5-14:

What Happened: When God appeared to Solomon in a dream and invited him to ask for anything, Solomon prayed for wisdom to govern God’s people effectively. His request pleased God because it prioritized His kingdom’s needs over personal gain. As a result, God not only granted him wisdom but also added wealth and honor.

Lesson: Prayers that seek to fulfill God’s purposes often lead to blessings beyond what we can imagine.

Current Real-World Example

A Church Praying for Revival: A small congregation in a struggling urban area began praying for their community, asking God to use them as His hands and feet. Their prayers led to outreach efforts, partnerships with local organizations, and a movement of unity and salvation in the neighborhood.

Takeaway: Kingdom-focused prayers invite God to work powerfully for His glory and the good of others.

Additional Examples

A parent praying not just for their child’s success, but for their spiritual growth and calling in God’s kingdom. A student praying for boldness to share the gospel with their peers, prioritizing eternal impact over personal comfort.

Practical Application

Shift the Focus: Begin prayers with worship and adoration, focusing on God’s character and His purposes before presenting personal requests.

Ask for Big Things: Pray boldly for God to use you in significant ways to advance His kingdom, trusting that He will provide the resources needed.

Seek to Glorify God: Frame every prayer with the desire to bring God glory. For example, instead of praying for financial blessings for comfort, pray, "Lord, provide so I can give generously and serve Your kingdom."

Summary of Section 2: Praying in Alignment with God’s Will

Understanding God’s Will in Prayer

Key Scriptures: Matthew 6:10, 1 John 5:14-15, Romans 12:1-2.

Biblical Example: Jesus in Gethsemane submitted to God’s will even when it meant suffering, trusting in God’s greater plan (Luke 22:42).

Current Example: A Christian professional sacrifices a lucrative opportunity to remain faithful to God’s values.

Practical Steps: Pray using Scripture, practice submission, and seek confirmation from the Holy Spirit.

Praying with a Kingdom Focus

Key Scriptures: Matthew 6:33, John 14:13-14, James 4:3.

Biblical Example: Solomon prayed for wisdom to lead God’s people, prioritizing the kingdom’s needs over personal gain (1 Kings 3:5-14).

Current Example: A church prays for revival in their community, leading to outreach and transformation.

Practical Steps: Shift prayers to focus on God’s glory, ask boldly for His purposes to be fulfilled, and seek ways to participate in His work.

Reflection Questions

Are your prayers more focused on your desires or God’s will? How can you prioritize God’s kingdom in your prayers this week? What areas of your life require surrender to God’s purposes?

By praying in alignment with God’s will, we deepen our relationship with Him and experience the power of prayers that reflect His eternal purposes. As we seek first His kingdom, we grow in trust and participate in His transformative work in the world.