C.S. Lewis said in Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer; “The petition, then, is not merely that I may patiently suffer God’s Will but also that I may vigorously do it.” I love the phrase, “. . . vigorously do it.” when it is applied to my being engaged in prayer, listening for my Father-in-Heaven’s loving direction, and having the sense to truly follow it. Oh, that I would be so immediately obedient as to always vigorously do my Father’s will. Then, my life would be so much more like the glorious adventure He intends for me, and for each of His children. Oh, that I would listen so intently as to hear clearly without confusion His perfect will. Oh, that I would sincerely pray, “Thy Will be done;” and fully mean it. Yet here I am a man, approaching my seventies, having experienced the wonders of God’s grace and mercy for more than six decades, lived out in three countries among His wonderful people and amidst those He continues to gather for His own—and still my wondering mind and my flighty heart often stop to question, murmur and doubt when He shows me His good will. God, forgive me. Clean out my ears to better listen. Clean out my mind to better understand. Clean out my heart to better do Your will. Forgive me when I stand and wail before a sea You intend to part for me to walk on through toward the Promised Land. Take my hands and guide my feet to follow, faithful, in Your way.

Thy Will Be Done

So, when I pray “Thy Will be done,”
I am submitting all my heart and soul
to do today just as You say
sensitively seeking in my spirit
to hear Your clear yet gentle voice
directing me with my every step
and in every single moment
guiding me safely in Your way
as I understand each situation
and comprehend Your loving answer
for every question arising as
I, obedient, walk with Your purpose
in Your direction guiding me
by Your clear instruction
reaching out in perfect love
sharing life and joy and hope.

M.S.
July 21, 2020

And Elijah came near near to all the people and said,
”How long will you go limping between two different opinions?
If the LORD is God, follow him;
but if Baal, then follow him.”
And the people did not answer him a word.

I Kings 18: 21 (ESV)