As we saw in our last visit when I pray for God to be glorified in and through my life I know God will answer that prayer. I’ve found, however, He answers it in ways I don’t always expect.
God’s Spirit often directs me to be more specific. For example, “Lord, to glorify You, I need Your Spirit to control me and manifest His fruit through me. I surrender to Him. Fill me with the Holy Spirit.” This request is based on what the Bible says in Ephesians 5:18 and Galatians 5:22-23.
The Holy Spirit might prompt me to be even more specific. He might prompt me to pray, “Lord, enable me to be honest in working out the contract with Mr. Cole this afternoon.” After all, Romans 12:17 reminds me that God cares about such things. Or it might be, “Lord, there’s a lot of gossip going on at the office. Enable me to resist the temptation to join in.” That prayer would be based on Ephesians 4:15 & 29.
Another example might be when I pray for someone who is unemployed. I can pray, “Father, You know the kind of work Carl is capable of doing. You have commanded all of us to work, so give him guidance and wisdom to find a job. Open up an opportunity for him to use the gifts and tallents You have given him.” This kind of request is based on what is found in Ephesians 4:28, 1 Thessalonians 3:10-12.
In Category A, there’s no need to tack on the well-worn, “If it be Thy will.” Knowing God’s will, based on the Bible’s clear, specific statements, we can pray with humble confidence that God will hear and say “Yes” to our category A requests.
