Prayer Starter - Monday, June 23, 2025 Can your prayers change God's mind?


If God is all-powerful, all-knowing and unchanging, then what possible influence will our prayers have on Him? Another way to say it: "Can our prayers change God's mind?

If God already knows everything and has a perfect plan, why pray? And if our prayers don’t change God’s mind, what’s the point?

This is part of the larger paradox between God’s sovereignty (His complete control over all things) and human agency (our ability to make real choices). On one hand, God is all-knowing and His will is perfect. On the other hand, Scripture invites us—commands us—to pray, to ask, to seek, and to knock.  Matthew 7:7-8.

The key insight thought might better be stated:
Prayer isn’t primarily about changing God—it’s about God changing us. It’s a relationship, not a transaction. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God’s will, grow in trust, and learn to want what He wants.

In short:

  • God’s plan includes our prayers.

  • Our prayers are part of how God works in the world and in us.

  • Prayer doesn't force God's hand—it opens our hearts.

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Read the statement in context of Matthew 21.  Jesus’ words are not a blank check to get whatever we want just by asking and believing. God does not grant requests that would harm us, hurt others, or go against His nature and will.

Christ’s teaching is not an unlimited promise, but a call to align our desires with God’s kingdom. The stronger our faith and trust in Him, the more our prayers will reflect His will—and when they do, God delights to answer them.

Holy Father, God.

We know You love us more than a Father loves his children. We are learning to trust You and lean on You. We want to do Your will. We pray Your Spirit will help us know Your will and do it. Help me as I grow in Your Spirit, to align my prayers with Your will.

Continue to prayer your personal prayer, doing your best to keep it aligned with His will.

Final thought: Prayer is how the co-laboring of humans and God happens. It is a mystery beyond my simple mind. Our will and His will become mingled just as His Spirit and our spirit abide together in the stillness of prayer. Phil. 2:12-13 NET,  Romans 8:26-27 NET.


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