Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Prayer Filled Life – Day 109 – 1 John 5-13-15 – According To His Will – Growing As Disciples
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 (NIV)
My Will
Do you know my will? That is a very good question. Often times, I do not know your will. Would you like to know my will? That is also a very good question. Why is that? I can think of times when I liked my will. What does that mean? It means that I didn’t want to know your will if it differed from my will. I preferred my will over your will. That’s honest, that is wise to acknowledge. How about now? I want to know and do your will. If my will is not in alignment with your will, I want to know. I will change my will to line up with your will, that is my desire, plan, and goal. I want to love and follow and serve you with all that is within me. I want to go and do whatever you ask of me without any wavering or hesitation. That is very good. Let’s take a step back for a moment. I have a few questions for you. I’m listening. When you wanted your will, what kind of prayers did you pray? I prayed prayers that were according to my will. What kind of answer could you expect from me when you prayed prayers according to your will? I could expect that they would not be heard or answered. If they were answered, the answer would have been no. Why is that? You wanted and still want my will and my prayers to be in accordance with your will. You want me to be in alignment with you in my thoughts and words and actions. You want me to pray prayers that you can hear and answer. Yes, I do. So, if you don’t know my will what will you do? If you do not know how to pray what will be your course of action. I think it would be wise to assume that I don’t know your will or how to pray. Why is that? Then I will draw near to you in prayer. Then I will draw near to you in your word. Then I will draw near to you in praise and worship. When I seek you with all my heart, I will know you and your ways. When I draw near to you, you will draw near to me. You will give me prayers to pray. You will guide me to pray prayers that you will hear and answer. Yes, you can be sure of that. Will you draw near to me in prayer, in my word and in praise and worship? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Then I will surely hear and answer your prayers. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, looking back over time, I can recall prayers I prayed that were clearly not according to your will. They were according to my will, but not yours. Help me to prayer prayers that are according to your will. Help me to pray prayers that you will hear and answer. Amen
Key Question… When has God heard and answered your prayers in a way that you did not anticipate?
Living It Out… Pray prayers that are in accordance with Gods will, that He can hear and answer.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will hear and answer the prayers you pray that are in accordance with His will.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what prayers you are now praying to God.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you pray prayers, in accordance with His will, that He can hear and answer.
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