Matthew 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
This passage of scripture shows us clearly the need for our will to be submerged in, and subjected to God's will, lest we push the envelope of personal opinion, and end up walking contrary to what God knows is best for us. In this instance Christ was literally asking for another way out of His predicament, not that He regretted having pledged to save us, but rather because of the enormity of our guilt that was now beginning to rest its weight upon His shoulders, and also because He was beginning to feel the separation from the Father on account of our sins. As He pondered the prospect of what was before Him His soul shuddered, and He expressed His preference in words of anguish mingled with tears. Let's read:
Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.
Christ obviously would have preferred another way out, yet He humbly submits to The Father's will, knowing that God knows best, and that even though tremendous suffering and very fierce temptations were now knocking on His door, yet He was assured that He would be victorious in the impending battle with the forces of darkness. Christ's attitude of complete submission to The Father's will stands in stark contrast to the dispositions often manifested by us, by which we endeavor to force God's hand in matters we seek His guidance on. Whenever we pray, and we bring our petitions to the throne of grace, it should always be with a heart that is willing to accept what God thinks is best, even though this may be at odds with what we would prefer, for when this humble attitude is manifested and harbored, God is then able to guide us into safe and wise paths.
In many Christian and evangelical circles today, there is now manifested a determination to have our own will, regardless of what God knows is best and right, and because of this, some are apparently trying to bully God into having their own way, hence the reason why at some of these meetings some Christians can be seen praying and prophesying vehemently, in a very emotionally charged manner, as if The Lord will be moved by much agitated speech or bodily contortions. Often when these attitudes are manifested, God allows us to have our own will to our detriment, because we insisted on urging our own will instead of His. Let's read:
Psalms 106:13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
When we approach God, let it then be with the attitude of a little child, placing our cares, burdens, and plans before Him for confirmation or for disposal as He sees best. And if we are humble enough to follow where He leads the way, we will find that our prayers will begin to receive quick and direct answers, for then God will be pleased to work with us.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reaffirms the correct attitude to be cultivated when bringing our petitions to God, and it is His will that as Christians we learn the valuable lesson of walking humbly with Him in all things.
James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 6 ... "Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God".... 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!