Sovereignty and Prayer

I believe most Evangelical Christians would  argue that prayer is very important. The reason(s) why may differ from person to person, but we recognize as a whole it is important. I bring this up because I have heard people say, "If God has decided everything, why should we pray, evangelize, or do anything?" To quote Pastor Daniel, "Because God tells us to!" We are told many times to take things to the Father in the Name of the Son, Jesus Christ. 


Jesus says in John 14:12-14 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."


If we believe in Jesus, we will do the things that Jesus does. He said so! It is the evidences of God's grace and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Secondly He said whatever we ask for in His Name will be done. I think it is important to see here the order in which these things are said. First we will do the works Jesus does and then He will give us whatever we ask. I do not believe this means we have to get the works right to get what we want, though many interpret these verses like that. What I see is Jesus showing that we have had a change of heart because He has changed our hearts and therefore we do His works. Because He has changed our hearts to do His works, He also changes our hearts of prayer to match His heart. Therefore, if we are praying in the power of the Spirit in Jesus Name to the Father, we will be asking for those things which God intends to do. This might be a bit crazy sounding to you. I still am struggling to wrap my head around it. But I have see things and heard things that are amazing simply because people prayed in the will of God. 


I do want to say here that God wants to hear our hearts. He knows we struggle. He knows our prayers are not perfect. He knows we hurt and wonder because we are only human. He wants to hear those things too! Prayer ought to be a conversation with our Father that is real and genuine. That does not mean that all of our prayers will be answered in the way we think they should be, but be assured, Christian, God hears your prayers and He will answer them based on His glory and will. 


I am still struggling with this everyday. But I am thankful to be struggling through it as it is teaching me to pray and to be bold with my prayers asking for things that I know from Scripture are God's will such as salvation, growth, closeness to Him, reconciliation of believers to the church and each other and for strength, wisdom, grace and mercy for the saints. I still have much to learn on this and as God shows me I hope to share more with you.


Today I challenge those in Christ to pray boldly before the Father. Take all things to Him. And then rest in knowing He will handle it in the way that is best.