It has become acceptable in the church to pray, “God, if it be your will…”

This should be the least acceptable prayer. We know God’s will. He gave us His Word so that we would know His will. We shouldn’t have to add, “if it’s your will” if we’re praying for healing. Jesus took on the cross so that we would be healed. We shouldn’t have to ask, “if you want to” when we need provision. God already said that He will supply all our need according to His riches in glory. Why do we add “if You can”? Is it to give us an out should our prayer not be answered?

“What do you mean, ‘if I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

Mark 9:23 (NLT)

What is the look on God’s face when He hears “if” prayers? Does He roll His eyes as if to say, not again. Or is He angry with us because He’s already been pretty clear about what He is able to do?

Let’s stop praying “if” prayers. If you have a need, go to the Bible and find out what God says about it so that you can go to Him confidently. And if you still can’t stand before Him confident that He is more than able to accomplish what He says He can, ask for help!

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24 (NLT)

The question is not if God can do it, but whether or not we believe He can. If you’re not to the point of believing, ask God to help you believe! Start there. And build your faith so that, when you pray, you can go to God and say, “because it is Your will…”

Daily Bible reading: Numbers 28-29, Mark 9:1-29