Praying in God’s Will

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.  (1 John 5:14-15) 
 
There is a well-known passage of Scripture in the Book of Matthew that says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”  (Matthew 7:7-8)  
 
Matthew goes on to write about how the Father gives good gifts to those who ask Him. While there is much truth in this verse, we should not take it out of context. Just because we ask God for something, doesn’t mean we will get exactly what we are requesting.  
 
This is where we need to remember the Scripture, 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. (1 John 5:14-15) 
 
God will not be manipulated. When we pray, we are to pray according to His will. The Bible tells us if we pray according to His will, we will have what He wants. The key is not for God to do your will; it is for you to find God's will and pray in that direction.  
 
It is okay to pray for something, believing it is God’s will until He shows you otherwise. If it is His will to answer your prayer the way you are asking, then He will do so. However, if it is His will to answer your prayer differently, He will make that clear, as well. He will show you what He wants to show you, and He will speak where He wants to speak. Let us be diligent to stay faithful in prayer long enough to know His will and to experience His will coming to fruition.