Catechism: Prayer and Worship - RelationshipSample

His Word, His Will, His Way (Prayers of Meditation). One of the most consistent patterns we can see in Jesus’ prayers is desiring and seeking God’s will. But what does "God’s will" mean? Simply put, it’s what God wants for us and what he has said is the right or best way for our lives.

But often we have our own will and our own way; we have expectations and desires that aren’t necessarily in line with what God has or wants for us. And because we don’t always see things from God’s perspective or with his wisdom, we need to not only ask him for guidance but also wait for his answer.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to begin praying by focusing on God’s name, God’s kingdom, and God’s will, desiring that what’s done here on earth lines up with the will of God in heaven. And when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will but yours be done,” he wasn’t just teaching us; he was modeling it for us to follow.

So, how can we know God’s will? We do this by reading the Bible, God’s inspired Word, which was written so that we may know him through his teachings and commands. When we read it, we see examples such as “love your enemies” or “give thanks to God in every situation.” Because Scripture reveals God’s will, after reading it, our next step should be to repent of where our will and actions have strayed from his Word and begin to respond in obedience to what God wants—what he wills.

Start by acknowledging in your prayers that you have desires and certain things that you want or would like to happen. God encourages us to ask him for blessings and seek him constantly. But to go a step deeper, keep praying!

Finish your requests to God by surrendering your will to his, realizing that his plans will be accomplished, even in the midst of the brokenness and pain of our world.

Consider: In Psalm 1, the blessed person listens to God’s wisdom over evil people’s advice. As you read today, consider how the author of Psalm 1 describes his attitude of the law (will) of God.

Reflect: Psalm 1:3 tells us that those who meditate on and obey God’s Word will be like a tree planted near a riverbank, bearing fruit and flourishing, in every season of life. Take a moment to reflect on the advice of the people around you and compare it with God’s commands. Which matters more to you and why?