Praying for discernment: Rowing Our Will With God
Rowing Our Will With God
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
How do we know whether we are following God’s Will, that is, what He desires for us? Are our personal goals and ambitions in line or at odds with God’s Will? Here is a series of prayer images that can help us discern with Jesus.
1. A Rowing Boat: You are rowing
In a gentle flowing river, you are in a small rowing boat. As you row, your back faces the direction of the boat. Jesus sits on the stern (back) side of the boat as he watches you row. The river is the flow of God’s grace and will. You decide where you’ll head toward and how fast you get there. At times it’s difficult for you to row because you’re going against the direction of the flow. Converse with Jesus about whether you’re going in the direction of Father’s Will or against His Will. He is attentive and smiling at you as you mention to him about what is going on with your life at this moment.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. A Rowing Boat: Jesus is rowing
You switch sides and allow Jesus to sit in the bow (front) side and row the boat. Symbolically you relinquish your plans momentarily to see where Jesus is taking you. You see the direction where he is taking you, and a part of you is drawn to the new direction yet you have some reservation as well. Converse with Jesus about what you are struggling to relinquish at this moment in your life.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39)
3. A Sailing Boat: The Holy Spirit propels the sail
Jesus raises the sail and allows the wind to propel the boat. The Holy Spirit is the wind filling the sail, pushing the boat forward. You relinquish both your desire to know where Jesus desires to take you and the desire to know how Jesus is going to take you there. You surrender your plans and ambitions, desiring only to please Jesus. Converse with Jesus about your readiness and willingness to desire only what He wants for you.
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Jesus desires for us to use our freedom to choose to serve--to decide to put others first in my care and concern. Are we willing to decide to serve others with love and compassion rather than for desire for a reward.
“Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to seek reward, except that of knowing that I do your will. Amen.” (St. Ignatius Loyola)
-Fr. Paul Yi
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
How do we know whether we are following God’s Will, that is, what He desires for us? Are our personal goals and ambitions in line or at odds with God’s Will? Here is a series of prayer images that can help us discern with Jesus.
1. A Rowing Boat: You are rowing
In a gentle flowing river, you are in a small rowing boat. As you row, your back faces the direction of the boat. Jesus sits on the stern (back) side of the boat as he watches you row. The river is the flow of God’s grace and will. You decide where you’ll head toward and how fast you get there. At times it’s difficult for you to row because you’re going against the direction of the flow. Converse with Jesus about whether you’re going in the direction of Father’s Will or against His Will. He is attentive and smiling at you as you mention to him about what is going on with your life at this moment.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. A Rowing Boat: Jesus is rowing
You switch sides and allow Jesus to sit in the bow (front) side and row the boat. Symbolically you relinquish your plans momentarily to see where Jesus is taking you. You see the direction where he is taking you, and a part of you is drawn to the new direction yet you have some reservation as well. Converse with Jesus about what you are struggling to relinquish at this moment in your life.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39)
3. A Sailing Boat: The Holy Spirit propels the sail
Jesus raises the sail and allows the wind to propel the boat. The Holy Spirit is the wind filling the sail, pushing the boat forward. You relinquish both your desire to know where Jesus desires to take you and the desire to know how Jesus is going to take you there. You surrender your plans and ambitions, desiring only to please Jesus. Converse with Jesus about your readiness and willingness to desire only what He wants for you.
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Jesus desires for us to use our freedom to choose to serve--to decide to put others first in my care and concern. Are we willing to decide to serve others with love and compassion rather than for desire for a reward.
“Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to seek reward, except that of knowing that I do your will. Amen.” (St. Ignatius Loyola)
-Fr. Paul Yi
