Are you bold in your prayers? I am … not. But I want to be. God assures us that He will hear and answer when we pray according to His will. But I think that’s the point, right? Praying according to His will. At a minimum, my prayers are greatly influenced by my will.
Deep down I want to want what He wants, but that takes courage. I find I am reluctant to pray without reservation or qualification. Why do I hold back? Sometimes I fear disappointment or I lack confidence that its really God’s will. But most often I fear the cost. When I pray for a closer relationship with Him what will that require? When I seek the good of others, how will He use (or not use) me? In other words, do I love my comfort, my control, more than Him or what I am praying for?
Part of praying in faith is trusting the character of God. He will never overcharge me. He will never exact a cost that is unnecessary or allow pain that is pointless. Do I really want His will and what am I willing to release for it?
A.W. Tozer admonished us not to have “dainty prayers.” When I dare to pray with unconditional desire for Him, I know He will answer. His answer will not always, or maybe almost never, look like what I imagined. It won’t be in my time or in my way but will always be better than my plan – eventually.
I want my prayers to reflect His will with a “whatever it takes” posture. Honestly, it's intimidating just to write those words. I have a long way to go in my faith journey, but I know if that’s the desire of my heart, it will always be worth it. Let’s keep reminding one another of that truth.
Lord, help me to pray with open hands, giving all to you.
And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. 1 John 5:14
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