The Father's Will

   Our prayers at times may not be in accord with the teachings of Jesus.  He taught His disciples the prayer we call the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father.  All prayer should be based on this simple prayer since everything we need is contained within it.  We may ask in many ways and words, but all we ask should be in harmony with God’s will.

   We must keep in mind that we are mostly ignorant of God’s will.  He will always do what’s best for us even when we don’t and can’t understand.  His ways are far beyond our ability to know in this life.  All we can do is accept that He wants to give us only what is best and that His plan is always the right plan.  In that acceptance is our faith and love for the Father.

   A friend whose boyfriend had left her told me that she prayed everyday for God to change his mind and bring him back.  What she failed to understand is that God knows far better what will bring her happiness.  Perhaps the young man would have brought her nothing but pain and suffering had he returned.  God protected her by sending him away, saving her for the joy He has planned for her.

   Turn to God in prayer often and always remember that His will, not ours, is what we should be asking for.  Even Jesus, when faced with death, asked that the cup of suffering be removed, but only if it were the will of the Father. “My Father, if it is possible, let this chalice pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt 26: 39)

   Regardless of what we ask in pray, we must always pray that God’s will, not ours, be done.

Father, I ask many things of You.

Let none of them be other than Your will.

You know and love me completely.

In Your will is my joy and salvation.

Amen