How can we discern God's will to align our prayers with it? The Assurance We Carry into Prayer “ And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14) • Confidence rests not in eloquence or intensity, but in praying what God already desires. • “He hears us” means He welcomes, attends to, and acts upon such requests. Defining “According to His Will” • God’s will is whatever is consistent with His unchanging character and revealed purposes. • It never contradicts Scripture, promotes sin, or glorifies self above Christ. • James 4:3 shows the opposite: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…”. Scripture: The Primary Voice of His Will • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete.” Practical steps: – Read broadly to grasp God’s story and heart. – Meditate slowly; turn verses into requests. – Keep a list: promises to claim, commands to obey, examples to follow, warnings to avoid. Living in Obedience Keeps the Channel Clear • John 14:21 — “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them… I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” • Ongoing sin dulls spiritual perception; obedience sharpens it. Simple checkpoints: – Confess known sin quickly (1 John 1:9). – Make restitution where needed (Matthew 5:23-24). – Walk in the light daily (1 John 1:7). Abiding in Christ Deepens Discernment • John 15:7 — “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” • Remaining (abiding) = sustained, intimate fellowship. Habits that foster abiding: – Unhurried time with Jesus at the start and close of each day. – Continual conversation: praise, thanks, petitions as life unfolds. – Yielding every decision, calendar slot, and relationship to Him. The Spirit’s Inner Witness • Romans 8:26-27 — “The Spirit Himself intercedes… according to the will of God.” How the Spirit guides: – Illuminates Scripture—truth suddenly grips the heart. – Produces inner peace or unrest that aligns with His Word (Colossians 3:15). – Brings Scripture or hymns to mind at just the right moment. Wise Counsel and Corporate Discernment • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • God often confirms direction through mature believers who know both the Word and your life situation. Guidelines: – Seek counsel early, not merely for rubber-stamping. – Submit the final decision to Scriptural truth, not popular opinion. Marks of a Prayer Aligned with God’s Will • Christ is exalted rather than human ego. • Requests advance God’s kingdom priorities (Matthew 6:9-10). • Motives spring from love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). • The outcome leads to thanksgiving and righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:11). • Faith remains steady whether the answer is “yes,” “wait,” or “something better.” Putting It All Together Every Day 1. Start with Scripture; let today’s reading shape a prayer list. 2. Search your heart, confess, yield every area to Christ. 3. Voice requests that flow from the passage, trusting the Spirit’s help. 4. Record God’s responses; note how they mirror biblical promises. 5. Repeat, growing ever more confident that “He hears us.” |
    |