On Earth as it is in Heaven

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."  Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)

Sometimes it is difficult to know "how" to pray.  We know what we want.  We know what we think we need. But we don't know His will.  How can we pray as we ought if we do not know His will.  I truly think most people are confused about the purpose of prayer.  Our prayers will never change God's purposes, but they can change the way He accomplishes those purposes.  His will is always of the utmost importance, not ours.  We often pray for what we think is best but we really have no idea what is best (although we think we do).  We are guilty of trying to manipulate God into doing things our way.  Many people have this mentality:  My way or the highway!  People get angry with God when He can't be bullied into doing what they want.  They don't realize that His will is the only will that counts.

"We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails."   Proverbs 19:21 (The Message)  If God's purposes will always prevail, then we should be praying for His purposes, His will.  We should also be praying to be used by God to bring about His purposes.  If we do not know what His will is,  then we must trust that the Holy Spirit does and that the "groanings too deep for words" that He employs in us describe the depths of our desires as well as the breadth of God's will.  Our job is to trust God.  Our job is to be obedient.  Our job is to pray for His will to be done and to be available to be used for His purposes.

So then, we need to "let go" of our own will!  We are all strong willed children and God wants us to offer up our strong wills to Him.  He doesn't want us to become mealy mouthed door mats; He wants us to become new creatures in Christ being conformed to His image.  As it says in Romans 8:28-30, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified."  (ESV)

Dear Lord, Help us to know Your will and to give up our own.  Use us to accomplish Your purposes in Your time and teach us how to pray,  "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven..."

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