I'm More Interested In What You Want (prayer life part 1)

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Matt 26:39 (NIV)

Something I've notice about Jesus is that he has the relationship with the Father to be able to make the statement "Yet not as I will, but as you will" and mean it. I want to have the same kind of relationship that will allow me to be comfortable enough to say the same. I want the confidence in the Father to be able to ask Him something and then relax knowing that, whatever the answer is, He has my best interest at heart. So, how does one get to this point?

I believe the answer to the prayer was important to Jesus, but the Father's will was most important. So, the answer can't be the main focus. It's the trust/faith of the relationship that makes the statement a reality in the life of Jesus. I see that the answer is to be received in the knowledge that the Father is faithful and has our best interest at heart. Faith is the most important part of our prayer life.

With all of this in mind, I want to encourage you to read your Bible in order to get to know God. Jesus says, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." John 14:9 (NIV) So, watch Jesus in scripture and you will see the Father.
Reading for the purpose of getting to know him is different than reading for facts alone. Knowing facts about the Bible is no substitute for faith. Work on getting to know him and I think you'll begin to trust him. It's really like the development of any other relationship. It takes an investment of time and the desire to get close. Here's the promise, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." James 4:8 (NRSV)

More to come.......
Deny