A man with leprosy was walking along the road when he encountered Jesus. The man fell on his face and begged, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean” (Luke 5:12). Jesus replied, “Be clean!” And the leprosy left the man.

At some point, just about everyone approaches Jesus with a prayer of, “If you are willing.”  The leper called Jesus, “Lord,” so he had heard of Jesus. He asked Jesus if He was willing, not if He was able. When we come with questions, are we unsure of His ability, willingness, generosity, or maybe His faithfulness?

Perhaps our prayers should start with “Teach me to do thy will, for you are my God” (Psalm 143:10).

Knowing God, His love, and faithfulness takes a lot of questioning away. We know we can ask, and we can trust His answers. God’s Word is meant for transformation, not just information. This transformation, the power of the Holy Spirit, and God’s Holy Word, can change our prayers from hesitant to certainty. Then we can pray as Jesus did, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”

“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.” —Romans 12:2

 Sovereign Lord, forgive me the times I come to You, lacking faith. Especially when I know, that I know, that I know, You are faithful! You are the only trustworthy One. Transform me from the inside out, changing my heart to seek You first, because that is your will for my life.  Your plan for my life is for my good, and my future. Pour your Word deep into my heart and soul, that I never stray from You. I praise You and pray in your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen