A Prayer for Discerning the Will of God
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps. (Prov. 16:9 NIV)
Sovereign Father, this promise brings me immeasurable peace, humility, and joy. You’re vitally engaged in determining and directing every one of my steps. You’re working all things together after the counsel of your will. You’re 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.
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. If all of this were true, I wouldn’t really need you.
Father, 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 name.
Amen.