How to Pray According to God’s Will and See Results

Introduction

Prayer is a fundamental practice in the Christian faith, a direct line of communication with God. 

Yet, one of the most perplexing aspects of prayer is understanding how to pray in alignment with God’s will. Pastor Mensa Otabil addresses this profound question by drawing insights from the Lord’s Prayer as recorded in Matthew 6. 

In this article, we will explore the essence of praying according to God’s will, using Pastor Otabil’s teachings to guide us through this spiritual journey.

Understanding God’s Will in Prayer

The Essence of Prayer: Alignment with God

At the heart of effective prayer is alignment with God’s will. Prayer is not about changing God or manipulating divine outcomes to suit our desires. 

Instead, it is about aligning our hearts and minds with God’s purposes. When we pray, we should seek to bring ourselves into God’s line, aligning our requests with His nature, character, and will.

The Lord’s Prayer: A Model for Praying God’s Will

The Lord’s Prayer, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-10, provides a blueprint for aligning our prayers with God’s will. Jesus begins by instructing His disciples to focus on God’s name, kingdom, and will before addressing personal needs. 

This structure highlights the importance of prioritizing God’s purposes in our prayers.

Key Aspects of Praying According to God’s Will

1. Aligning with God’s Name

Jesus begins the Lord’s Prayer with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” This opening phrase underscores the importance of honoring God’s name in our prayers. 

God’s name represents His character and nature, and our prayers should reflect a deep respect for who He is.

Honoring God’s Name

Prayers that align with God’s will must honor His name. God answers prayers that glorify Him and reflect His character. If our prayers seek outcomes that dishonor God or contradict His nature, they fall outside His will. 

For example, praying for something that requires deceit or harm to others is inconsistent with God’s character and will not be honored.

Consistency with God’s Character

God’s actions are always consistent with His character. He cannot answer prayers that violate His nature. Therefore, when we pray, we must ensure that our requests are in line with who God is. 

Praying for financial provision, for instance, should not involve expecting miraculous money drops that defraud others. Instead, it should align with God’s principles of provision and integrity.

2. Aligning with God’s Kingdom

The second petition in the Lord’s Prayer is “Your kingdom come.” This phrase emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s rulership and authority in our lives and circumstances. 

Praying for God’s kingdom to come means inviting His rule and dominion over every aspect of our lives.

God’s Rule in Our Lives

When we pray for God’s kingdom to come, we are asking for His authority to be established in our hearts and lives. This requires a willingness to submit to God’s ways and live according to His principles. 

Persistent, unrepentant sin can hinder our prayers because it reflects a life outside of God’s rule.

God’s Dominion Over All

Praying for God’s kingdom also means recognizing His dominion over all powers and principalities. God’s authority extends over every situation, no matter how challenging. 

By aligning our prayers with God’s kingdom, we invite His power to overcome obstacles and bring His will to pass in our lives.

3. Aligning with God’s Will

The third key aspect of praying according to God’s will is “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” 

This petition emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s specific will in our prayers.

Knowing God’s Will

Understanding God’s will can be challenging, but there are ways to discern it. 

First, we look to Scripture, where God has revealed His nature and desires. Direct statements from God about Himself provide clear guidance on His will. 

Second, we consider the testimonies of those who have experienced God in the Bible, such as David’s declaration that “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1). Finally, we look to Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection perfectly reveal God’s will.

Specific and Intentional Prayer

Praying “Your will be done” does not mean passively accepting whatever happens. Instead, it involves actively seeking to understand and align with God’s specific desires. 

This means praying with intention and specificity, guided by what we know of God’s character and purposes.

Practical Steps to Pray According to God’s Will

1. Seek Alignment with God’s Character: Begin your prayers by honoring God’s name and ensuring that your requests reflect His nature and integrity.

2. Invite God’s Kingdom: Regularly submit your life to God’s rule, asking for His authority to be established in every area.

3. Discern God’s Will: Study Scripture to understand God’s revealed will, listen to testimonies of faith, and follow the example of Jesus.

4. Pray Specifically: Be intentional and specific in your prayers, aligning your requests with what you know of God’s will and character.

Conclusion

Praying according to God’s will is not merely about uttering the right words but involves a deep alignment with God’s character, kingdom, and specific desires. 

By following the model provided in the Lord’s Prayer and seeking to honor God’s name, invite His kingdom, and discern His will, we can ensure that our prayers are effective and aligned with the divine purpose. 

As we grow in understanding and alignment, our prayers will not only change us but also bring about God’s desired changes in our lives and circumstances.