In the Church, we often hear people talking about God’s will. We will hear people talking about seeking God’s will, doing His will, and the sovereignty of God’s will.
When I was young I heard people tell me that I should seek God’s will as I looked for a college or thought about a career. I felt like I had to figure out what God wanted me to do as if He was keeping it a secret from me. As I’ve grown in my understanding of God’s will I now see it’s not a secret I have to discover because God has given us His word and this guides me to His will.
Scripture speaks about God’s will in two distinctive ways; doing God’s will and accepting the sovereignty of the will of God. These prayers will help us focus on these.
For this is the will of God, your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3 ESV)
God, reveals to us here that His will for us to be sanctified. This means that we are growing more and more like Christ. This can only be done after you have been saved and through the work of the Holy Spirit. God’s will for your life is to have a relationship with Him and know Him and His ways so we can walk in them. What a giant relief that He reveals this to us!
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will (Ephesians 1:11 ESV)
This verse is another amazing reminder that God is sovereign and His plans can not be changed. He will accomplish His will. If we are His, through the blood of Christ then we are part of His plan, part of His will and it’s a good one!
It is not always easy to accept God’s will in our lives. We often feel like the events in our lives are not in line with what we would have thought was best. However, if we truly trust in God and His heart for us is to redeem, purify, and make us whole, we will begin to rest in being able to accept His will.
These are God’s words about His will for us…
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:3-5 ESV)
My prayer for you, as you seek God in prayer, is that you will be encouraged to accept God’s will with confidence. We would love to be praying for you during this season because we know it brings many challenges, so please comment below. We would love to lift you up in prayer.
Short Prayer To Accept God’s Will
God, you alone have made the world and put it into motion. You are in control of all things. I know nothing is outside of your hands. I desire to honor you with my life and to do your will.
Lord, I pray that you will reveal clearly how I can do your will in my life. When you reveal this to me I pray that I will accept it with confidence with no fear to carry it out.
I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer To Accept God’s Will When I Don’t Understand
God, I thank you for your Word. I praise you that you have opened my eyes to be able to see your plans. Thank you for loving me so much that you made a way through Christ so that I could be in a relationship with you. I do not deserve that grace.
God, right now I do not understand what you are doing in my life. I have prayed and waited and yet you are still quiet. I have looked in scripture and am comforted that you are in control and yet I still feel in the dark.
Father, you are leading me right now to wait and trust even though I do not understand so I pray that you help me to accept your will even though I am confused. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer To Accept God’s Will When It’s Scary
Father in Heaven, you are holy. You are good to call me to yourself. You are good to guide me so clearly on these next steps in my life, but I’m scared.
God, you have called me to do this thing that is outside of my comfort zone. You have called me to follow you and obey you in areas where I feel weak.
God, even though this is scary I pray that I will accept your will. Help me to stand firm on the foundation that you have already defeated the greatest problem in my life, sin. You sent Jesus to die for my sins and now I no longer am condemned but I live a justified life in your eyes because of what Christ has done. You have redeemed me! I pray that I lean on these truths when I’m scared.
God, hold me close and allow me to feel your steady hand as I accept your will that feels scary. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer To Accept God’s Will When It Goes Against What I Want
Father, your will, not my own.
God, I wanted something different. I wanted what others have. I wanted my own safety and satisfaction. I wanted comfort. I wanted ease. I wanted to be seen as having it all together.
You have humbled me. I repent of my selfish desires and pride. I pray now that you help me to accept your will. Help me to be like Christ. As I follow after your will in my life and it is not what I want give me the strength to pray and accept this prayer.
“Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42 ESV)
God, please help me to accept your will even when it goes against what I want. Amen.
Prayer To Discern God’s Will
God, I thank you for your word. I thank you that I have a Bible to read and that you have given me the ability to read it. I understand that your will for my life is that I will be sanctified. To grow to be more like Christ.
Your word is sufficient and I know that all your guidance can be found in it. However, sometimes I don’t understand. Will you please give me the wisdom to discern your will as I read your word?
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Thoughts
God directs all of our lives and His will for our lives are good. However, sometimes it can feel overwhelming or scary. There have been many days as I wrestle with God in prayer about the direction He is guiding me. I have shared my own fears, doubts, and tears about God’s will in my own life. You are not alone.
I hope that you will continue to cry out to God as you accept His will. He always has the best plan even if we don’t see it or understand it.
We would love to pray with you during this time as you pray for accepting God’s will. If you will comment below we will be able to join with you as you pray to our God who loves you and cares for you.