Praying Only for His Will and the Power to Carry It Out

In one paragraph

This message was part of First B Jackson's ongoing series on the 12 Steps of Recovery. Pastor Ray focused on Step 11, seeking through prayer and meditation to improve conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out. He showed how this step holds together everything that came before it and sets the pace for daily life in recovery and faith. Pastor...

Read together

1. 1 Peter 5:7 cast all your worries and cares on him because he cares for us, used to open worship
2. 1 John 5:14-15 confidence that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us, under the prayer section of step 11
3. Philippians 4:5-9 let your gentleness be known, do not be anxious, pray with thanksgiving, meditate on what is true and honorable and lovely
4. Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus led by the Spirit into the wilderness, tempted by the devil, answered each temptation with scripture, used to illustrate guidance
5. John 15:4-11 remain in me and I in you, bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing, so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be full
6. John 21:20-22 Peter asks about John and Jesus says what is that to you, you follow me, used to illustrate praying only for knowledge of God's will for oneself
7. 1 Peter 4:1-7 arm yourselves with the same purpose as Christ who suffered, live no longer for human lust but for the will of God, be of sound judgment and sober for prayer
8. 1 Peter 4:8 keep fervent in your love for one another because love covers a multitude of sins
9. 1 John 1:7 if we walk in the light we have fellowship and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin
10. 1 John 1:9 if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse from all unrighteousness, cited for keeping short accounts with God
11. James 3:17 wisdom from above is pure, peace loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, used under meditation on helpful books
12. Proverbs 3:5-6 trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not lean on your own understanding, acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight
13. 2 Timothy 2:15 be diligent to present yourself approved to God, accurately handling the word of truth
14. Philippians 4:6-7 in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known, the peace of God will guard your hearts
15. Matthew 6:25 do not be worried about your life, seek first his kingdom and all these things will be provided
16. Isaiah 26:3 the steadfast of mind you will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in God, cited under prayer and meditation producing peace
17. James 1:5 if any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives generously without reproach
18. Colossians 1:16-18 in Christ all things were created, he is before all things, in him all things hold together, he is head of the church

Talk about it

1. Ray talked about prayer shifting from asking God to fix other people's problems to asking 'Lord, what is your will for me today?' How has that kind of praying changed anything for you, or what would it change if you tried it?
2. Ray walked through how Jesus answered every temptation in the wilderness with scripture he had been praying and meditating on. What does that tell us about why a regular practice of getting into God's word matters, especially when we are under pressure?
3. Ray said that when Peter asked Jesus about John, Jesus basically told him to mind his own business and follow Him. How does comparing our calling to someone else's get in the way of actually doing what God has put in front of us?
4. Ray described a rhythm of evening examination and morning prayer as a practical way to live out step 11. What does your own beginning and end of the day look like right now, and is there one small thing you could do differently?
5. Ray mentioned that people who visit AA meetings are often surprised by how much joy is in the room. What do you think it is about honestly admitting weakness, seeking God, and walking alongside others that produces that kind of joy?