Freely Speaking - Devotional by Susan Hales

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotional is written by Susan Hales, and narrated by Angela Gray.

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven’” (Matthew 6:9-10 NIV).

Have you been praying for something for a long time? Do you feel God isn’t listening?

I am there with you. However, I read a devotional by Elisabeth Elliot about prayer that asked, “Is it ‘Thy will be done’? If so, leave it to Him. Is it ‘My will be done’? Don’t waste your time and God’s by praying. Have it your way.”  1

Whew! When I examine my prayers, I realize I am trying to rearrange my life according to my will, instead of seeking God’s will. I think, God, I trust you with some things, but not everything.

God wants a relationship with us, but He cannot be controlled or contained in a box. So, trust the creator of the universe with everything. He can do it.

Surrender is scary when we are not in control. But God's plan and timing are always what is best for us. Even when our prayers aren't answered as we expected, or we receive a "no," God's will always prevails.

Even Jesus prayed for His Father’s will to be done. Right before His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and subsequent crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “…if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39b, NIV).

How do we know God’s will? Get to know Him by spending time with Him, like you would when getting to know a friend. When we learn the character of God, His will becomes our will. God is holy, just, loving, and merciful. He wants to spend time with us!

Today, talk with God in prayer, and don’t forget, “Thy will be done.”

 Thank you for joining us today. To learn more about OhSoFree Ministries & Gracelight Collective, please visit us at www.gracelightcollective.org.

Elliot, E. (1985). A Lamp for My Feet (p. 61). Ann Arbor, MI: Servant Publications.