Let's consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:34-36, Do not think that I came to send peace on the earth. I did not come to send peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man's foes will be those of his own household. This is a reminder that when we pray for God's will to be done, it may not always align with our immediate comfort or expectations. Sometimes, things may seem to get worse before they get better, but God is always working for our good and his glory.
Firstly, it is crucial to examine our motivations and expectations when we pray. In 1 John 5:14-15, we read, This is the confidence which we have before him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him. God answers prayers according to His will, not ours. Sometimes, we may think we know what's best, but God sees the bigger picture.
Secondly, spiritual warfare is real. When we pray, we are engaging in a battle that is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places, as described in Ephesians 6:12. The enemy may indeed counterattack, but we must stand firm in our faith, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord.
Lastly, we must remember that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says Yahweh. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. God may be using these situations to draw us closer to Him, to teach us, or to prepare us for something greater. In Romans 8:28, we are reassured that, We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. All of these verses are from the World English Bible.
Let us pray together. Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus, seeking Your will and Your ways. We thank You that You hear our prayers and that You are always working for our good. Help us to trust in You, even when our circumstances seem to worsen. Help us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that the battle belongs to You. Give us wisdom and understanding to know Your will and to align our prayers with Yours. Help us to remember that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Help us to claim the victory that is ours in Jesus' name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
In addition to this, notice that no other name is mentioned that allows us to pray to God. It is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to God. Acts 4:12 underscores the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ, stating, There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, through which we must be saved. This is why we pray in Jesus' name. He is our Savior, our Mediator, and our Intercessor. If we do not mention this, we are not praying to our Creator.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You. Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. Bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, and Your righteousness. Help and strengthen me God to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. 
