Knowing God's will isn't complicated. The beautiful thing about the will of God is that it has been made plain in the Bible. There's no mystery; it's simple to see. God has given us His general will for His children, which is His Word. This includes specific instructions and commands given to us in the Bible. However, God also provides His particular guidance for our lives, leading us on a clear path. The good news is that we don't have to fear missing His plan. If we focus on the general will, He will lead us to His specific will for our lives. Here are eight prayers to consider to help you focus on God's will.
1. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Heavenly Father, You have instructed me to live a life of gratitude. Teach me to see the good in my life and give thanks. I acknowledge today that everything I have is from You. I do not deserve the blessings You provide in my life. Yet, You are rich in grace and mercy, continuing to supply all my needs. Thank You, Father. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
2. It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality. - 1 Thessalonians 4:3 NLT
Lord, Your will is to sanctify me and mold me into the image of Your Son. Give me the strength to live a pure life. I cannot accomplish this on my own. I pray for Your Spirit to empower me to live a life of purity. May my attention be fixed on You, not myself. As I pursue You, I pray You would stir my affections for You, so my focus would only be on falling in love with You. As I love You daily, I pray You will drive out any addiction and strongholds in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
3. God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. - 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gifts You have given me. Lord, I pray I will not shrink from using my skills to serve Your people. Remove any fear and let boldness arise. Help me to be a person of action. Lord, I trust You will use me to bless those You've placed in my sphere of influence. You have blessed me with unique qualities and gifts. Give me eyes to see these gifts. I also pray my life will be free from comparison. Help me to keep my focus and refuse to compare myself to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
4. Love each other with genuine affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. - Romans 12:10 NLT
Lord, You are my most remarkable example of what it means to love. You are love. Teach me to extend the love You freely give. You loved me so much that You died for me even while I was a sinner. As You continue to fill my life with Your love, may I love those around me with genuine affection. Teach me to honor others in a way that pleases You. May I walk in humility. This is Your will for me, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
5. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. - Philippians 2:3 NLT
Heavenly Father, Your will for me is to live a life of humility. Thank You for being an example of what it means to die to myself and serve others. Father, You sent Your Son to give His life as a ransom for many. Your will for me is to consider others better than myself. I find this hard when pride gets in the way. I ask You to remove my pride and teach me to walk in humility and serve, just like You did. I can only do this in Your strength. I acknowledge this now. In Jesus' name. Amen.
6. Share each others burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2 NLT
Lord, You are calling me to share the burdens of those You've placed in my life. I ask for a willing heart to carry others' loads. Please give me discernment as I consider whose burdens I need to take. I also pray for the strength to set healthy boundaries when needed. My desire is to obey the law of Christ in doing this. For this is Your will. I ask for strength to do this. In Jesus' name. Amen.
7. It is God's will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. - 1 Peter 2:15 NLT
Lord, I pray my life will be marked by honor. When people see my life, may they notice that I am living for someone greater than myself. That someone is You, Lord. I desire to please You by the way I love and honor people. It is Your will for me to live an honorable life. Teach me to do this in the way I spend my time, money, and talents. May my good works silence those who make foolish accusations against me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
8. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
Father, I desire to build and encourage those You have placed in my life. Teach me to use my words to elevate others. Lord, loving others was always at the heart of Your ministry. Thank You for showing me how to love. It is Your will for me to love and serve, even when I don't feel like it. I ask You for strength to walk in this love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
