There’s a question I’ve been asked more than once along the way, and it goes something like this: “If God is in complete control of the world, then why should l pray?” In other words, if everything is always going to happen the way God wants it to happen, then what difference do my prayers make? Why should I try to change his mind? Can I change God’s mind?
There are two issues in this question, so let’s look at them one at a time. First, is God in complete control of all that happens?
I’ve written about this topic in this series and this post among others, but the answer is yes, God is in complete control of his creation.
“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11)
Read such passages as Job 42:2, Psalm 33:11, Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 11:33-36, and Colossians 1:15-17. And don’t forget this:
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
There is nothing greater than God’s power and nothing beyond his knowledge. No surprise in your life was a surprise to God. God is in complete control of every atom and every galaxy in his creation. God is sovereign over all things, and he has a plan.
The second question, then, is, does God command us to pray? Check out Proverbs 15:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and this verse:
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)
So the answer is, yes, God tells us to pray. And God is in absolute control. So how do these two truths relate to each other? If his will is going to be done, what difference do my prayers make?
When it comes to accomplishing his sovereign purpose, God wills both the ends and the means of accomplishing that purpose. God wills that something happens, and he also wills how that thing comes about.
That’s how God’s will works in so many ways. God constantly wills something to happen by first willing that something else happens.
God provides you with a job, but first, he wills that you apply. God provides a cure for your sickness, but first, he wills that you go to the doctor. God wills that you make a good grade on a test, but first, he wills that you study. God wills that someone hears the gospel, but first, he wills that you share it.
Sometimes God wills the results of our prayer by first willing that we pray. God wills something to happen, but it happens only through our prayer. Prayer doesn’t change God’s mind, it’s the means by which his will is done. God plans our prayers just as much as he plans the results of our prayers.
Of course, our prayers aren’t always part of God’s plan. We’re not perfect, and our prayers don’t always match God’s will. But we can always pray with boldness and confidence because we know that our good and loving and sovereign God will always give what is best. We may never see nor understand why his will is best in a given situation, but we know that the God who loves us is in control of all things, working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
Our goal, though, is for our prayers to line up with God’s will. That’s why prayer is not about us convincing God to do something. Prayer is about learning to synch our hearts with God’s heart so that what he wants, we want. Prayer is demonstrating that we are as concerned as God is that his will be done. That’s what Jesus meant when he said:
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7)
God is sovereign, but that should never keep us from praying. His sovereignty should motivate us to pray. His will is going to be done, but there are times when his will includes willing us first to pray. We never change God’s plan when we pray, but God’s plan is that we pray. Prayer is often the means that God wills in order to accomplish his ends.
That’s one reason why prayer is such an incredible gift. When you pray, you’re being invited to join with the Creator in bringing his will to pass. The God of the universe is giving you the honor of playing a part in the accomplishment of his plan. When you pray for a healing, for a job, for a child, for a good grade, for your family, you are joining the Creator in his purpose. When his will is eventually done, you will have played a vital role.
Never underestimate the importance of prayer or lose sight of what an incredible gift prayer is. God’s sovereignty should never be an excuse not to pray. When we understand that prayer is as much a part of God’s plan as the result, how can we not pray?