QuickThoughts: Contentment & Prayer

It can often be difficult to find contentment in what blessings the Lord has provided us (or withheld).

This is why it is so important to remember that Jesus’ atoning sacrifice has torn the veil and opened a path of communication with the Father.

The primary purpose of prayer is not to confess our sins, thank God for His blessings, or even to ask for health, wisdom, or the things we desire.

While it is appropriate to include such things in our prayers, they should not be our main focus.

The primary purpose of prayer is to bring our own wills into submission to God’s will, to find contentment in whatever our circumstance, to rest in God’s sovereignty and His loving dominion over every facet of our lives.

Even Christ Himself, who had all authority to ask and receive all things, submitted to the Father’s will in prayer:

📘 “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me, yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

Luke 22:42

Our loving Father welcomes our earnest petitions, but we must do so with a heart that seeks His will above our own.

📘 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Notice that we are to be thankful even before we make our requests known. God knows what we need even before we ask, and He has promised to work all things for our good, not only when we ask, but at all times.

And when the Lord says “no” to those petitions, be thankful regardless and He will give you peace in His will for your life.

📘 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

May we all find contentment in Christ Jesus, knowing that our greatest need has already been met to perfection in Him: our sin has been forgiven!

Rejoice in the Lord always, indeed!