Balancing Two Major Forces in Prayer

[Danny_OC]

How do you go about striking a balance between a) asking God for certain intercessions and b) expressing contentment with God’s will, regardless of whether or not it conforms to your current desires?

I always pray for the conversion of my loved ones… but what if it is in God’s plan for them not to be converted? Should I not so persistently pray for it? I don’t know if I could ever stop this plea… but also the question of this thread pops up in many different situations of prayer.

What do you all think?

Thanks

 

[beckycmarie]

Dear Danny,

God wills salvation for everyone. Keep praying for the salvation of others. You may not see their conversion in your lifetime, but your prayers may be answered at the last nanosecond of their lives when they get the choice of Heaven or Hell.

As far as conversion goes, God does not force anyone’s will, but he is a mighty persuader. If you are not sure whether or not God wills their conversion, then simply pray with Jesus, “not my will, but Thine be done.” But be confident that it is His will for them to be saved.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Hi Danny. Good question. I have kind of a simple “formula”. Which isn’t really mine. I’ve heard it, over and over.

When I pray, I do ask Our Lord for favors and graces. But I try to always follow with the words… “Thy Holy and Perfect Will be Done”. In that way, you’re expressing your willingness to follow His Will… even if your prayers aren’t answered in the way you want.

It’s an expression of Faith… not only in His Will… but also in His Goodness. You’re telling Him… “I believe that You love me, Lord. I trust You. And whatever You Will… I know that I will be ok”.

Hope this is of some help. God bless.

 

[Danny_OC]

Thank you Marie and becky, that does help

 

[LilyM]

Hi Danny. Good question. I have kind of a simple “formula”. Which isn’t really mine. I’ve heard it, over and over.

When I pray, I do ask Our Lord for favors and graces. But I try to always follow with the words… “Thy Holy and Perfect Will be Done”. In that way, you’re expressing your willingness to follow His Will… even if your prayers aren’t answered in the way you want.

It’s an expression of Faith… not only in His Will… but also in His Goodness. You’re telling Him… “I believe that You love me, Lord. I trust You. And whatever You Will… I know that I will be ok”.

Hope this is of some help. God bless.

Did Jesus not persist in praying that the cup of suffering be taken from Him, even though ultimately that prayer wasn’t granted?

And I don’t doubt He persists in praying that all His followers may be one - 2,000 years after He first prayed it. Talk about persistence!

 

[MarieVeronica]

Did Jesus not persist in praying that the cup of suffering be taken from Him, even though ultimately that prayer wasn’t granted?

And I don’t doubt He persists in praying that all His followers may be one - 2,000 years after He first prayed it. Talk about persistence!

AMEN Lily!