And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2–3)
Jesus prayed: “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Jesus cleansed the Leper. The Father’s will sent Jesus to the cross.
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Christians – the redeemed, those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – are able to draw near to God with confidence. Our confident access to the Father is through Christ by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 2:18)
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So we pray. And we try to pray in Christ’s name, that is, to pray according to His character, His will. But, of course, we are human and sometimes (often?) pray for what we think are our own best self-interests.
God answers our prayers according to what He knows what is best. And we can—must—trust His answer because of His everlasting, faithful love for us.
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We are told when we are anxious we are to pray, AND we are to pray with thanksgiving, knowing God’s response is best.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)
Trusting in God, regardless of circumstances, brings peace. (See Trust)
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Father, help us righteously pray, and help us know Your way is always best.
