What is praying according to God’s will? (Part Three)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. We read, "This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him" (1 John 5:14-15). God only answers prayer that’s according to His will for us, not our will for us! When we ask God to work in us and accomplish His will, He answers our prayer! Scripture teaches that God hears and answers when we make requests according to His will (1 John 5:14-15). Did Jesus pray according to God’s will? He certainly did! As believers, are we to follow His pattern? We certainly are! Yes, Jesus prayed in accordance with God’s will: Jesus's prayers demonstrated His submission to God's will. Jesus prayed to His Father, asking for wisdom and power, and submitting to His Father's will. He said, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Jesus's prayers demonstrated His humanity and His dependence on His Father to carry out what was best for Him. Jesus prayed with empathy and love for God, based on His knowledge of God and His truths. Jesus's prayers are an example for us to follow, showing that we should rely on God through prayer for strength and wisdom. Jesus's prayers included praying for others. Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and for Christians who would live later in history. Jesus's prayers were always answered because they were in accordance with God's will. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9–10). Tired of not getting your prayers answered? Be encouraged to pray according to God’s will for you!