Basic Principles to Getting Your Prayers Answered - #2

Pray According to His Will.

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."—I John 5:14-15.

Be careful that you don't let your personal desires lead you astray from God's will. The power of suggestion from others also must be carefully guarded against. Every experience must be tested and analyzed to make sure of His will.

Someone has suggested six tests that will prove God's will in a given situation:

• The test of Scripture. Does it agree with the Bible?
• The test of facts. Do I have enough light on the matter to decide?
• The test of motives. Is the true reason behind my action right and proper?
• The test of time. Is it just a passing fancy that will fade away, or is it a permanent need?
• The test of opportunity. What about open and closed doors?
• The test of peace. Do I have a settled peace about a given matter?

The will of God can be obvious. The salvation of the soul is always His will. (II Pet. 3:9). Second, it is God's will that all His children be sanctified, dedicated Christians. (I Thess. 4:3). Third, it is God's will that we live clean, separated lives. (Rom. 12:2). Fourth, it is God's will that we be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18). 

—taken from the booklet 'You Can Get Your Prayers Answered' by Dr. Tom Wallace. You can purchase this booklet and read the unabridged version here.