Romans Chapter 1Paul's Gospel, Paul's Testimony Part 9

Praying in God’s Will (v. 9-10)

Romans 1:9-10 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.


Our Lord taught us to pray, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Our life’s hope, aim and chiefest joy is that we be found doing the will of God. Christ did only what He saw the Father doing. He came to do only the Father’s will. He emptied Himself. In all things we, too, are to be seeking the will of God. We wish to see His will done in the same way it is done in heaven – instantly, gratefully, joyfully, unquestioningly, lovingly. Oh, how this body of death clings and draws down the new man to detract from the attainment of that purest of hopes!

But the Apostle Paul displays most unself-consciously his absolute commitment to the will of God. His prayers for the Roman church seek God’s will first, above his own desire to be with them sharing in Christ. Even this good and desirable aim is subjected to God’s will and timing. Is this true of us? Are we clinging to the promise of old that…

Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee. {Isaiah 26:3}

When we pray, though we plead and ask and seek – sometimes importunately – are we nevertheless ready to submit to God’s answer, whatever that may be? Paul was. He wanted to go to Rome and prayed God to bring it about, but accepted in his deepest being that it would not happen unless God willed it. Where is the room for disappointment to a heart thus submitted? Is God able to disappoint? Will He ever? Not ever. So if it does not come to pass despite our prayers we may keep on praying until God’s will is clear to us, but we shall have learned patience, submission and obedience in the meantime.