How often do you pray for God to lead in a decision but deep down you already know the answer you’ll choose?
I know at times I am guilty. I see one favorable or comfortable outcome and it’s hard for me to remain open to God’s leading in a different direction during my prayers. I might pray, but deep down my mind’s already leaning in one direction. “Ignatius of Loyola taught that the degree to which we are open to any outcome or answer from God is the degree to which we are ready to really hear what God has to say.” [1] Approaching our prayers for guidance with a heart of impartiality is important and here’s why.
What is impartiality?
Impartiality basically means being unbiased. Not forming a strong opinion prior to making the decision.
The Merriam Webster definition is: “Not partial or biased: treating or affecting all equally.” [2]
Impartiality is really approaching a situation or circumstance with openness. Even more, from a spiritual perspective, impartiality in our prayers is really about trust and obedience.
Impartiality and Trust
Often, I approach a decision having thought about the various potential outcomes. How could this decision affect my role, security, finances, health, relationships, comfort, position and so on. And many times, the potential outcomes I envision influence the direction I lean towards.
It’s good to think about the consequences of our decisions. But are we willing to follow God even if the way He tells us to go seems to be heading in the wrong direction? Ultimately, hearing God and obeying Him requires trust. And sometimes trust means doing things that might be hard and difficult. It might mean following God into circumstances that are far from comfortable or “safe.”
There are many things that can influence our decision making. Pressures like status, our security or other people’s opinions. It is important for us to try to separate ourselves from these pressures when making decisions. When we do, we remain open to hearing God’s will for our lives. That, I think, is part of what it means to trust God and to pray with impartiality. What we do, where we go and who we see become determined by God’s leading rather than the external pressures and circumstances.
Praying with Impartiality: Three Realities
- If our spiritual ears are closed, we will likely confuse our will with God’s will. If we approach our prayer for guidance clinging to one outcome verses another, we are prone to not hear God clearly. Praying with openness allows our ears to hear God’s will clearly without confusion.
- Good is not always God’s will, but God’s will is always good. [3] No matter where our obedience to God takes us, we can trust that God always has our best in mind (Romans 8:28). Whatever it is that we may experience and however we may be broken, God has a good end for us.
- Impartiality and obedience is learned and struggled for. Jesus did not fall mindlessly into obedience. He learned it, and so must we. Hebrews 5:7-8 says: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered.”
Praying with Impartiality: Three Suggestions
- Prepare your heart to hear God. When praying be sure to give yourself time and space to hear clearly. Limit distractions and posture your heart to listen.
- Name and confess the attachments that can take priority over God. Ask God for freedom from them.
- Pray for the grace to be impartial. “Lord, help me honestly accept your will for this prayer. I want nothing more than your desire for what I do.”
Praying with impartiality is not easy to do, but it’s where my heart wants to be. I want to allow the Spirit of God to lead no matter the results or outcomes. Because I know the safest and best place to be is at the center of God’s will. Let’s approach God ready to hear His words and pray with a heart of openness.
Growth Point:
Praying with impartiality allows God’s will to influence and guide your decision making.
Scripture Point:
Read and reflect on Hebrews 5:7-8
Action Point:
What are some of the attachments that influence your prayer life? Ask God to help you detach from these identities and be free in our prayers to approach Him with impartiality.
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