Hennie Symington

Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Matthew 6:10

The German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer who was killed by the Nazi’s, spent many months in prison awaiting his fate. Before and during this time he wrote many books on what it means to be a Christian, not only in dangerous times, but in the ordinary walk of life. One of these is "Life together" in which he explores the practical side of the Christian community.

Of prayer he says, that the most effective method of praying is to be guided by a word of Scripture. In this way, he says, we will not become victims of our own emptiness and desires. Instead, prayer should be a readiness and willingness to receive the Word of God and act fully according to his Word. He goes so far as to say that all prayers that we pray which conform to God’s Word are heard and answered in Jesus Christ precisely because they were prompted by the Word of God.

So, what should we pray for? Pray for guidance and wisdom for each day, for preservation from sin, for sanctification, for faithfulness and strength in our task. But most of all that we should be prompted not by our own needs and desires, but what God desires of us.

Prayer: God, how difficult it is for us to give up our desires and dreams and to fulfil the desires of Jesus Christ, the Lord of our life. Open our hearts to your Word so that your will be done.