Oftentimes, we have a long list of requests when we approach the Throne of Grace in prayer. If we are to follow the way Christ taught us to pray, we subject all our requests to God’s will, because we probably have come to realize that God will always do His Will, anyway. We cannot force His Hands, we can only plead for mercy and hope that what we have requested is in accordance with His Will and His plans. Which is not to say we should not be persistent in prayer, because in His Mercy, He has been known to change His mind in acknowledgement of our contrition and humility, and granted our fervent requests.
God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are far higher than ours. While we often come to Him with requests concerning our earthly lives, which He is happy to give us according to His plans, how it must please Him when we come with requests that do our souls good and build up our faith, the faith of others, and the goals of His Kingdom. Any wonder the insightful Apostle exhorted us to set our minds on the things above, in that higher realm of Godly thoughts. (Col.3:2)
In promising that His Word will always accomplish what He pleases, that is, His Will and His errand, (Is. 55:11), we are encouraged to never tire of seeking mercy from and reconciliation with the Father through the Son, (Is. 55:7). While we may not always be sure of God’s Will in certain areas of our lives, we can bank on His Will regarding the requests that help us to set our minds on Godly ways and thoughts (Is. 55:8). This is confirmed in our being blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places through Jesus Christ, (Eph. 1:3).
Mere gentlemen of honor live on a code that assures that their word is their bond, how much more a God who says that He will not let His Word be returned to Him without accomplishing His will and pleasure. We can thus be comforted by the assurance of three things that God promises in His Word to give as soon as we ask for them: 1) Forgiveness/Mercy-numerous references 2) The Holy Spirit – Luke 11:13. 3) Wisdom – James 1:5.
At the Throne of Grace, we are told to boldly ask for mercy and then, grace to help in our time of need. It may thus be helpful to begin our time in prayer with a request for the things that are in the higher realm of Godly thoughts, the things that accomplish what He pleases. May the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts in prayer, so that our requests for both our spiritual and earthly needs will be founded on pleasing God. Amen.
Hilltop Thoughts, Valley Strengths 