Why do we pray? Some want health, others wealth. Some pray for the longevity of their parents, the safety of their children or that some other desire of theirs gets fulfilled. These prayers, like all others, have power and energy that bring them to life.

It is the intensity of supplication and the heartfelt hope that the prayer will be answered – if not immediately, some time later. But the question is, do we always know what is best for us?

Suppose there is a new video game that child wants. But this game is not without dangers – it has gore, violence and profanity and might not be in the best interest of the child.

What if the child still wants the video game and repeatedly asks his parents for it? They may refuse the child a few times, but after a while, may ultimately give in to their child’s demands. But is the video game good for the child’s mental, emotional and spiritual growth?

We ask God for things that we want, but are those things always the best for our spiritual growth? As the saying goes, ‘be careful of what you wish for, because you might get it’. It is important for our spiritual growth to let God decide what is best for us.

On the eve of his crucifixion, Christ knew the fate he would suffer the next day. Though he was divine in nature, he was in human form and did not want to die. He said the following prayer. “Father, it Thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my Will, but Thine, be done.” Christ put God’s will above his own. “Thy Will be done.” This is the essence of faith in its truest and purest form.

Putting everything into God’s hands requires tremendous courage and faith. Because somewhere deep down inside, our heart and mind, we wish and hope that the Lord’s Will coincides with ours.

But true and pure faith knows that the Will of God is best for you. Like in the case of Christ, if he had not died on the cross, he would not have therefore been glorified through resurrection and thus his mission would not have been accomplished.

“If Thou Art be willing then let Thy Will be done, not mine.” This prayer – if said with utmost faith and sincerity and with the knowledge that God loves you and will do whatever is in your best interest – will yield the sweetest fruit.