Keys to answered prayer (2)

Knowing God’s will. John wrote, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (vv. 14-15 NIV). One of the surest ways to know you’re praying according to God’s will is to pray according to His Word. Use the scriptures to back up what you’re praying for. Say, “Lord, you promised it in your Word, and I’m believing you for it.” Sometimes there are things we want to pray for, but we aren’t sure whether those things are God’s will for us according to scripture. In that case, you need to ask God to give it to you if it’s His will—and to help you be satisfied with His decision. Saint Augustine prayed, “Grant that I may do Thy will as if it were my will, so that Thou mayest do my will as if it were Thy will.” D.L. Moody put it this way: “Spread out your petition before God, and then say, ‘Thy will, not mine, be done.’ The sweetest lesson I have learned in God’s school is to let the Lord choose for me.” Now you may have to wait, because God’s timing is part of His will. Be patient; it will happen. You may not see it yet, but God has promised and it’s on the way. And remember, if He doesn’t give you what you asked for, He will give you something better when you walk in faith and keep a good attitude.