DJD110 - Pray for God's Will

Read More Daily Jesus

Scripture: 
Luke 21:36

Starting Question:

What are you learning to do?

Pray for God's Will

My son Michael just got his learners license. This means he can drive a car. Well, no, it doesn’t. The license does not make him capable of driving the car, at all. It just gives him permission to learn.

Today, we were practicing at a primary school. We were doing a loop - entering one end of the parking lot, parking, reversing, doing a loop around a tree in the gravel area and exiting the school grounds onto a road. Then we would drive back to the entrance and do it all again. As we ventured onto the road the 5th or 6th time, I repeated my instructions, “Come to a complete stop. Look both ways. If it is clear, turn the wheel sharply left and proceed onto the road.” He did as I said and proceeded into the road only to hear me shout, “STOP!” 

Michael slammed on the brakes. A car drove past. “Did you see that car?” I asked.

“No!” He said. “Thanks for shouting stop.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” I laughed. We did another loop and as we approached the road, I said, “Come to a complete stop. Look both ways. Then look a second time! If it is clear, turn the wheel sharply left and proceed onto the road.”

Our relationship with God is a lot like learning to drive. God sees where we are, what we are doing and He knows the best next step. Sometimes, even though His instructions are clear, we misjudge the world around us and have a near miss. God is patient. As we continue to listen, He continues to lead us. 

At the end of Michael’s very first lesson, he said, “Dad, I did a lot of things wrong and don’t feel very confident. What do I need to work on?”

I said, “You did great, Mike! Experience is all you need. Every time you drive you will get better at it and more confident. I would be worried if you were confident now!”


Confidence in prayer is a lot like confidence in driving. The more we pray, the more able we are to live God’s way. He knows us and our needs better than we know ourselves. That’s why we ask Him to do His will when we pray.

Reflection Question:

What do you want God to help you learn?

Prayer time:

Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today?

Further Reading:

The Review and Herald, November 19, 1895.