Carol McClain

Forcing God to Your Agenda: How to Pray

Carol McClain   @carol_mcclain

A little boy I know came down with virulent cancer. I, along with many others, prayed intensely. One day God told me he’d be fine.

No. I am crazy, but I didn’t hear an audible voice. A sudden change in my psyche took hold. From that day on, my prayers became more sporadic.

On another occasion, a dear friend faced death. Again, I prayed. Only this time God said it was his time to die. My prayers shifted. I prayed for peace in the transition from earth to eternity, hope and serenity for those watching his passing.

You are forcing God to your agenda if:

1. You’re hoping by yammering–um–praying over and over and over again, God’s plan will conform to yours. If so, your prayer is futile. Yes, we’re told to pray for the sick and the hurting, for our success or a path through our failure. However, if you’re like me and saying, “God, make me a best-selling author” and you get discouraged when it doesn’t happen, perhaps you’re bending God’s will toward yours. Instead pray, Lord, show me the path you want for me. If it’s success, help me achieve it. If not, still let your glory shine.
2. When you think if you get one-hundred people to agree in prayer it will happen, you, again, deceive yourself. Yes, we’re to call on others to pray. Still, the idea is to achieve God’s desires and His glory.

You’re praying in God’s will if:

1. He receives glory whether or not He answers according to your desires.
2. Peace, joy, love, perseverance, gentleness, and the other fruits of the spirit become evident in your life and the lives of others.

We must pray. The effects of prayer are munificent. We grow close to God. Our character improves. Others see God’s love.

We must remember: God is God. We are not.