Think On This

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. (Matthew 8:1-3 NLT)

“Willing”, is an interesting word defined as having a mindset to do what is asked. That was the attitude of Jesus when He was asked by a man to be healed of leprosy. Within this word is “will”. Was the man really saying, “I know you can heal me, but is it within your will to heal me?”

Is this how I am to approach Jesus with my prayer requests? Am I only to pray for the things I know Jesus can do? Of course, we know that NOTHING is impossible for God! So, if I know He can do what I am asking, do I trust Him enough to say, “Is what I ask within your will?

So my prayers must be based on trust and faith. Faith that He can do what I am asking and trust that Jesus’ perfect will is perfect for me.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  Pray then like this, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6: 7-10 ESV)