Christ answers prayer to glorify the Father in the Son

We are often reminded that Jesus promised to do whatever we ask in His name, but this is far too often oversimplified. As Christians, we need to understand our role in prayer. As I often say, God is not a genie, and we are not His masters. Rather, He is our Master, and as a result, prayers are not a means of bending Him to our will, but rather, a way in which we submit to His.

There are many factors that affect how God will respond to a prayer, and ultimately, although the Bible thoroughly equips us for a healthy prayer life, it never offers any sort of guarantee as to how God will respond. What's particularly interesting is that Jesus Himself once prayed a prayer that God did not answer as Jesus desired. When He was due to be crucified, He prayed "Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42).

As you know, the Lord did not grant this request. It was, indeed, the will of the Lord that Jesus would be crucified for the forgiveness of sins, and so even though Jesus asked, God said no. This is a beautiful example of how we, ourselves, should pray. First, we should feel comfortable praying about what concerns us. Even if we think God might say no, there is no evil in asking (unless, of course, there actually is evil in asking. Do not ask God to sin, or to let you sin, for example). Can I go to this school? Can I get this job? Can I marry this person? Can I have children? These are all requests God might deny, but you can certainly ask Him. The question is, how ok are you if He says no? The answer should be "overjoyed".

See, the reason Jesus answers our prayers, according to His own words, is "that the Father may be glorified in the Son". If answering your prayer will bring God glory, it is well worth answering, and so the Lord will quite gladly answer it. If not? Then why should He answer it? When God does not answer a prayer, we should rejoice, because answering that prayer would not bring Him glory. He has decided that the best course of action is to not answer that prayer. As Christians, our calling is to submit to God's will. That includes when we ask Him for things in prayer.

Recommended songs: Thy Will Be Done - Hillary Scott

Unanswered Prayers - Garth Brooks