The elders having given the church a focus of Praying to be in the Will of God. What does this means and how can we find out what God’s will is? Consider this passage from Paul’s writings.
Romans 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
In Chapter 11 Paul has a long discussion of God’s mercy as it applied to both the Jews and the Gentiles- and Paul says in light of this mercy, do not conform to the pattern (thinking) of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Think back to what we saw in the study of the Truth Project. Thinking like God. Looking at things through the god lens instead of through our cultures lens.
So how do we go about changing our way of thinking? How do we renew our minds? Lets look at Ephesians 4.
As you can see from Paul’s writing here- look again in verses 22-24
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
renewing of your mind- how you do that- verse 25-32 talks about how we treat each other- not thinking about ourselves and how people treat us- but focus on others.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
By focusing on doing to others and treating others well we begin to think like God- renewing our mind. this selfless living becomes second nature and our prayers- instead of being about us- will be about others and what is best for others. That is how to get into the Will of God. Something to think about….