Imagine: our prayers can be world changing, our prayers on behalf of another can move the hand of God. Since that is true, we must consider what we should ask for. We don't want to rush at God's throne with the first thought that pops into our head, with the obvious solution, or the simplest answer. It is critical we discern God's will in a situation and pray for that to be released. But how do we do that?

Does this sound familiar? "Sandie, would you pray for Mrs. Smith's niece who is interviewing for a position with a large company here in town? Mrs. Smith would love to have her niece living close to her."

Undoubtedly you've found yourself in similar situations. You find yourself agreeing to pray for something you know very little about.

"OK. I'll pray." But I would rather pray God's will over this situation than cover it with a Band-Aid prayer of pleasant-sounding platitudes. In God's grand and sovereign scheme of things, He has brought this request into my frame of reference. He has assigned me to intercede on behalf of someone I have never met and may never meet on this earth. Two things I know for sure: it is a privilege to be asked, and I want my prayers to be worthwhile.

I have little to go on. But I know that praying God's will is critical if I want to receive an answer. "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 Jn. 5:14–15, italics added). How do I pray according to His will for this request? Here are three things to consider.

1. Acknowledge God's sovereignty.

Let God be God! "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him" (1 Cor. 1:27–29). Acknowledge that your ways are not His ways, that His thoughts are higher than yours (Is. 55:8–9). Bring each request before Him, and ask Him how He would have you pray today. Remember: yesterday's wisdom is not always today's wisdom.

When Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites for water, God told him to strike the rock to bring water initially and speak to the rock to produce water the second time. Falling back on a traditional, time-tested, request-and-answer-to-prayer cost Moses the privilege of entering the Promised Land. Refrain from praying the obvious or traditional without asking God first.

If you are asked to pray "on the spot" and do not have time to be still before the Lord to get a sense of what He would have you pray, be confident in praying Scripture over a situation. God's Word will accomplish what He desires—it will not return to Him empty (Is. 55:11).

Refrain from the obvious: "Father, I pray that You would give Mrs. Smith's niece this job, so she can move here to be close to her aunt" (unless, of course, the Holy Spirit has specifically directed you to pray this).

Instead, consider praying: "Father, I know that Your Word says that You prepared in advance the good works You planned for Mrs. Smith's niece to do. I know You have a plan for her—a plan to prosper her, a plan with a hope and a future. I claim Your plans for her future now in Jesus' name. Accomplish in her the specific things You have prepared for her to do" (Eph. 2:10, Jer. 29:11–12).

2. Don't hem God in!

Don't fall into the trap of giving God options. "God, we ask that You would either A or B." In Jn. 9:1–3, Jesus' disciples gave Him options, and neither was correct! "‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' ‘Neither . . . ,' said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.'"

Often we believe that our list of possibilities gives God a "safety net." If He doesn't accomplish something one way, we give our permission for Him to do it in another way that makes sense to us.

Consider that it may not be God's will for Mrs. Smith's niece to live in this city—maybe His plan includes Mrs. Smith's niece remaining jobless for a bit longer. His plan is the best plan, the perfect plan. Desire, and ask for, His best for this situation. Don't limit God by putting Him in a box—even if it is a large box with a nice, pretty bow! He is so much bigger than the possibilities we might think to present. His resources are limitless!

3. How is it in Heaven?

Jesus wanted things on earth to be just the way they are in heaven. He prayed (and instructed us to pray), "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Mt. 6:10). Right now, in heaven, God's will is being done. What does that look like? What do we know about heaven? Well, we know that God is being worshiped and glorified around the clock; we know that time means nothing in heaven; we know that there is perfect unity and relationship in the trinity; we know that God is exalted as King of kings and Lord of lords. Identify some things that are God's already-accomplished will in heaven. Then pray them for this earthly situation.

An example might be: "Father, we declare that You are Almighty God and Lord over this circumstance; glorify Yourself through this situation. Show Yourself strong on her behalf. Bring her into a place of oneness with You, Lord—a new level of knowing You as You accomplish Your purposes for her in Your perfect timing. And we thank You in advance, Lord, for You alone are worthy of glory and honor and praise! Not our will, but Yours be done."

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you put these principles into practice in your prayers for others. As you discern God's will and effectively present it before His throne, your intercession will release it. The results will be earth changing.

Sandie Higley is an editorial assistant with Pray!. She is a gifted intercessor, who as part of her responsibilities oversees our personal intercessor program.