Prayer and God’s will

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Prayer is concerned not only with the well-being of the one who prays. A vital aspect of its purpose is to allow the will of God to be done, and to bring glory and honour to his name.

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True motives for prayer

The desire that God’s name be honoured

Matthew 6:9–13 KJV 1900

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

See also Nu 14:13–16; Jos 7:7–9; 2 Sa 7:25–26; 1 Ki 18:36–37; Ps 115:1; Jn 17:1

The desire that God’s will be fulfilled

Matthew 6:9–13 KJV 1900

See also Mt 26:39; Mt 26:42; Heb 10:7 Submission to God’s will characterised Jesus Christ’s prayer life.

God answers prayer that accords with his will

1 John 5:14–15 KJV 1900

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Petitioners may enquire of God to discover his will

Psalm 143:10 KJV 1900

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

See also Ge 25:22–23; Jdg 1:1–2; 2 Sa 2:1; 1 Ch 14:14–15

The Holy Spirit helps believers to pray in God’s will

Romans 8:26–27 KJV 1900

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

God’s response to prayers allows believers to discern his will

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 KJV 1900

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

See also Ex 33:18–20; 2 Sa 12:15–18; Job 19:7–8; Ps 35:13–14

God does not respond to the prayers of the wicked

John 9:31 KJV 1900

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.