Auto-generated Transcript:
Hello and welcome to another five good minutes, in which I answer your theological questions in five minutes or less. Today’s question is all about prayer. Specifically, someone has asked questions such as, “How do I pray?” or “What do I pray for?” They’re confused about what it means to pray in God’s will or to see God’s glory achieved through prayer.
First, let me say that not knowing how to pray or what to pray for puts you in very good company. Many of us feel despondent and heartbroken, and we approach God for help because we don’t know where else to turn. This is something Paul addresses in the Book of Romans, chapter 8, where he speaks about the Holy Spirit helping us in such moments. For example, Paul says, “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” That’s a promise from God that even when we’re desperate, and all we can do is cry before God on our knees, He hears us. We have a better prayer warrior than we could ever be—the Holy Spirit—who lives within us and intercedes on our behalf.
The other part of your question deals with God’s will. God will never answer a prayer that’s not in accordance with His will. God’s will is set from eternity past; it has been decreed, and God does not change His mind. We can pray confidently, “God, if it be Your will, heal this person,” and if it’s in God’s will, He will do it. The Bible says, “This is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” By saying “let Your will be done,” we acknowledge that we’re not demanding or requiring God to act; we’re expressing our desire while trusting that He knows best. God doesn’t change, and He is sovereign, all-knowing, and all-powerful. Even if I don’t think the outcome is the “right” thing, I trust that God’s will is always right.
Many people have a misconception that prayer changes things. There’s even a saying, “Prayer changes things, so keep on praying.” But the point of prayer isn’t to change God’s mind or alter His plan; it’s to change us. We ask God not to change His will, but to change our will so it aligns with His. Sometimes we treat prayer like a child going back and forth between Mom and Dad until one of them says, “Fine, I don’t care.” But that’s not what prayer is about. The point of prayer isn’t to get things from God; the point of prayer is to get God. He is the great reward of prayer. Yes, we desire certain things, but we’re not God, and if God doesn’t grant those things, then we trust it wasn’t according to His will—even if it’s painful.
So, what’s the point of praying if God’s will is already set? We pray because it’s an act of worship and a reminder that we’re not in control. We pray because God commands us to do so, and we need that communion with Him. Prayer is a relationship with God that strengthens us and aligns our will with His, not the other way around.
I pray this has been helpful. Thank you for watching. This has been another five good minutes.