Certain people have created some level of controversy over this question. Some seem to believe that when we bring our petitions before the Lord we are exhibiting a lack of faith if we acknowledge our desire that His will be done rather than ours. This purportedly a. casts a shadow on God’s character, for of course He lives for nothing other than doing our will and b. binds God’s hands such that He cannot bless us, because of our lack of faith. We are, according to this perspective, to pray believing that what we think is best is best. They also expect us to believe God has already given us what we are about to ask for.
Poor Jesus
If only Jesus had been blessed with the eyes of faith. There are multiple reasons why this perspective is out of whack. None is more potent, however, than the obvious example of our Lord and Savior, the spotless Lamb of God, praying in just this way. On the night in which He was betrayed, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed that the cup He was facing would pass. That cup, the wrath of the Father, was about to be poured out on Him. Jesus, understandably, asked if there were any other way possible for His bride to be redeemed. Was there some plan b available, and if so, could He please take it?
Plan B
“Nevertheless,” He prayed, “not My will but Thine be done.” Did Jesus lack faith in His Father? Was His Father just about to say, “Yes, there is a plan b. Much less painful for You, and just as redeeming for them. Let me tell… What? Did You just say, ‘Nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done?’ Oh Ye of little faith. Now I have no choice but to follow plan A. Such a pity.” How preposterous.
Following Jesus
If Jesus prayed this way, and He did, how much more should I? Have you ever prayed something foolish? Have you ever asked Him for something that would harm you or others? Do you really think that He, as our loving Father, would give us gifts that harm us, if we ask for them?
Resting
This error carries with it the aggravating circumstance of spiritual pride. It argues that refusing to pray, “Nevertheless not my will but Thine be done” is a deeper exhibition of faith, that praying such exhibits a woeful lack of faith. Which position, however, requires the greater faith? That depends a great deal on what we mean by faith. In one sense it takes a great deal of faith to believe that our desires not only can but should trump God’s will. It takes a faith on par with believing up is down, in is out and the moon is made of green cheese. That prayer, however, that requires more trust, a deeper belief in, resting in, God’s goodness and power, is the prayer of Jesus- Father, You know best. I trust You. Do as You wilt. As we pray such with Jesus we say with Him, “Father, into Your hand we commit our spirits.