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A Prayer for Knowing the Will of God

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Prov. 16:9

Sovereign Father, this promise brings immeasurable peace, humility, and joy; for I wake up today with little decisions demanding to be made and very big ones looming on the horizon. I am so thankful for all the major things this one little verse affirms. I feel much less pressure.

Father, you are vitally engaged in determining and directing every one of my steps. You are faithfully working all things together after the counsel of your will. You are actively working in all things for your glory and for our good. You open doors no man can shut and you shut doors no man can open. Indeed, you’re no mere life coach; you’re the Lord of all things—including me. Hallelujah!

Many years I labored under the arrogance and anxiety of assuming that if I prayed hard enough and long enough, that if I was really filled with and “tuned into” the Holy Spirit, I could know the specifics of your will for my life well in advance of any decision that needed to be made. Of course, my assumption was that if I was in your will, life would be enjoyable, pleasant, and hassle free.

If I bought the right car, it would never break down. If I bought the right house, the roof would never leak. If I married the right person, we would never disagree. If I went to the right college, I’d get the right job and life would be all right. If I sent my kids to the right school, they would never act out and would end up on the mission field. The truth is, Father, if this is the way life works, we wouldn’t really need you. We’d just have to be real smart and good gamblers.

You’re certainly honored when we work hard to make good plans in keeping with our understanding of the Scriptures. It’s important for us to seek and heed the wise, prayerful counsel of good and godly friends. But help us to live with more confidence that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, not a consulting partner; a very present Lord, not an absentee landlord; the reigning King, not an impotent bystander.

Because of Jesus, I’m confident your will is being done, on earth as it is in heaven. I pray in his exalted and faithful name. Amen.

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