Tire Alignments and Prayer

634.  "Tire Alignments and Prayer"                   
 October 23, 2012
1John 5-Part 5     (verses 14-15)
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoecver we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.  1 John 5:14-15 KJV

LET IT GLOW

My husband and I bought a tire shop several years ago. One of the services we offer is alignments. I have learned that tires need to be in line with each other so they function at their best. Otherwise, if they are not aligned correctly, it will effect the way the automobile travels, the wear on the tires, as well as the gas mileage. I sure want my car running the best that it can. So it is spiritually speaking. Am I aligned with God's will?
God has appointed us to work with Him and that brings our will into alignment with His will. He wants us to care about the things He cares about, enough to pray passionately about them. (Guzik)

How can I have the certainty of answered prayer?
We Christians can know with absolute confidence that God answers prayer when we approach the throne of grace, according to Hebrews 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Here's what I have learned concerning these our key verses:

• God wants us to ask in prayer. He is a loving God and a generous giver.
• We should pray about everything. (1 Thess. 5:17-18) God cares about our whole life. Nothing is too small or too big to pray about.
• God wants us to ask according to His will. He wants us to see and discern His will through His Word and to pray His will into action.
• When we ask according to God's will, praying His promises, we can know we have the petitions we have asked of Him.
• If God's will is our will and we are abiding in faith, our prayers will be accepted.
• To pray according to God's will is to pray in accord with what He would want, not what we would desire or insist that He do for us (John 14:13,14).
• John specified that answered prayer also depends on obedience to God's commandments and avoidance of sin (3:21). Genuine believers know God's Word and practice those things that are pleasing to Him, they never insist on their own will, but supremely seek God's desire (Matt. 27:39-42). He asnswers so the Father may be glorified in the Son.
• God always hears the prayers of His children (Ps. 34:15-17), but not always in the manner they are presented.
• We have confidence with God at the throne of grace.

[Resources: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, David Guzik's Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

What am I to do so God answers my prayers?
Obey His commands, avoid sin, seek His will, then ask according to His will, not mine.
Ask.Seek. Knock. (Matt. 7:7-8)
Ask in faith, nothing wavering like the winds of the sea tossed. (James 1:6)
Ask in faith, believing, and with confidence, when it is in accordance with His will.
In everything give thanks, no matter the answer-yes,, no, wait.

LET IT GO

My desires and will must be let go of and seek, ask, then do God's will.

Ask God to place His desires in my heart.

Thank my heavenly Father for His answer and give Him the glory.