Some people approach prayer with a list of demands. “God, I want you to do this. And when you get that done, here’s another thing. And sorry for the reminder, but you forgot to do the thing I asked for two days ago. I needed it … yesterday. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Some even teach that praying with real faith is telling God what you want, when you want it, and that you will not take “no” for an answer. So…is praying, “Your will be done,” a cop-out? Let’s learn from Jesus.

Matthew 26:39
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

This was the most intense prayer of Jesus’ life. Luke tells us that his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground, a sign of unimaginable stress. Jesus emotionally expressed his desire but concluded, “Not as I will, but as you will.”

When I talk to God, I can, and should, express my personal desires just like Jesus did. And, just like Jesus, I hand over my desires to the perfect will of God. I am not omniscient. God is. I don’t know what will happen in the future. God does. I want what I think will be good for me today. God knows what will be good for me tomorrow.

Father, thank you for the privilege of bringing my desires before you. Thank you for allowing me to share my heart openly and honestly. But Father, I always want your will done in my life—your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.