The Balance of Prayer: Resting in What’s Already Ours and Trusting God’s Sovereign Will
Have You Ever Struggled with What to Pray For?
Have you ever hesitated in prayer, unsure of what to ask for? Perhaps you've wondered if it’s appropriate to ask for something God has already promised—or if you're seeking something outside His will. This tension is common for many believers, but understanding the balance between what God has already given and what He sovereignly decides to grant can revolutionize your prayer life.
In this blog post, we’ll explore this balance, focusing on how we can pray with confidence, thanksgiving, and trust. We'll address two key aspects of prayer: (1) recognizing what God has already given us, and (2) trusting Him with the things only He sovereignly determines.
What God Has Already Given Us
One of the greatest privileges of the Christian life is living from the reality of what God has already provided. Scripture is clear: we have been given “everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him” (2 Peter 1:3). This means that many of the things we might feel inclined to ask for have already been granted to us in Christ.
Take a moment to reflect on these truths:
Forgiveness of sins: When we confess our sins, God’s forgiveness is not something we need to beg for; it’s a reality secured by Christ’s finished work. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Spiritual blessings: Ephesians 1:3 tells us that we have been “blessed... with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” This includes our identity as beloved children of God, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and access to His wisdom and power.
God’s presence: Believers often pray for God to “be with them,” but Hebrews 13:5 reminds us of His promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” His presence is a permanent reality.
Victory over sin: Romans 6:6-7 declares that we are no longer slaves to sin. While we still face temptations, we have the power through Christ to walk in freedom.
Eternal security: John 10:28 gives this assurance: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
When we pray, we can shift our focus from asking for these realities to thanking God for them. For example:
Instead of asking, “God, please forgive me,” we can say, “Thank You, Father, for Your forgiveness, which is already mine in Christ.”
Instead of pleading, “Lord, please be with me,” we can confidently declare, “Thank You, God, for Your abiding presence in my life.”
This shift from petition to praise not only aligns with the truth of Scripture but also deepens our trust in God’s promises.
Trusting God’s Sovereign Will
While much of what we desire is already ours in Christ, there are still areas where God’s sovereign will determines the outcome. These are the moments where we are invited to approach God with both faith and submission.
For example:
Healing: While ultimate healing is guaranteed for believers in eternity, physical healing in this life is subject to God’s sovereign plan. James 5:14-15 encourages us to pray for healing, trusting God’s wisdom and timing.
Provision: Jesus teaches us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). While God knows our needs and has promised to provide, this prayer reminds us of our dependence on Him.
Guidance in decisions: Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
In these areas, prayer becomes an act of surrender. It’s not about convincing God to act but about aligning our hearts with His will. Jesus models this perfectly in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His prayer reflects both the honest expression of His desire and the ultimate trust in His Father’s plan.
The Lord’s Prayer: A Framework for Confidence
The Lord’s Prayer, recorded in Matthew 6:9-13, provides a beautiful framework for balancing thanksgiving and trust. Each petition highlights either a promise already fulfilled or an area where we depend on God’s sovereignty.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”
This opening line emphasizes worship and intimacy. As His children, we approach God not as distant servants but as beloved sons and daughters (Romans 8:15).“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”
Here, we align ourselves with God’s eternal purposes, trusting His perfect plan. This reflects Jesus’ surrender in Gethsemane and reminds us to prioritize His will over our own.“Give us today our daily bread”
While this acknowledges our dependence on God, it also reflects the confidence that He knows and meets our needs (Matthew 6:25-34).“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”
Forgiveness is a finished work through Christ’s sacrifice. As we thank God for His forgiveness, we’re reminded to extend the same grace to others.“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”
This petition reflects our trust in God’s protection and strength. He has promised to be faithful and to provide a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever”
The prayer concludes with praise, reinforcing the theme of trust in God’s sovereignty and sufficiency.
Each component of the prayer teaches us to approach God with confidence, gratitude, and surrender.
Practical Steps for Prayer
To apply these principles, consider the following steps in your prayer life:
Praise for what’s already yours: Begin by thanking God for His promises and blessings that are already fulfilled in Christ. This shifts your focus from lack to abundance.
Submit to God’s will: In areas where the outcome depends on God’s sovereign plan, pray with honesty and surrender. Trust His wisdom, even when His answer is different from your desire.
Balance petition and praise: When asking for something, balance it with gratitude. For example, “Lord, I trust You for healing in this situation, and I thank You for the ultimate healing that is mine in eternity.”
Reflect on Scripture: Use God’s Word as a guide for your prayers. Meditate on passages that reinforce His promises and character.
A Closing Encouragement
Prayer is not about persuading God to act; it’s about aligning our hearts with His truth and will. As we grow in our understanding of what’s already ours in Christ and our trust in His sovereign plan, our prayers become less about pleading and more about resting.
As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
May your prayer life reflect this peace as you rest in the promises of your loving Father.