“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:8-13 (NKJV)
We often think our prayers need to focus on our wants and needs. We want a bigger income or promotion at work. We want stronger relationships with the people in our lives. We want healing for an illness. There is nothing wrong with wanting any of those things, but if we expect God to answer our prayers, they need to be in alignment with what He wants to do in, through and for us. As we align with His plans, things in and around us change to match His kingdom. Let’s pray God’s will instead of ours.
Prayer:
God, thank you for hearing my prayers. I choose to pray for your will instead of my own. Use me today to pray and reflect your kingdom in the world around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.