But clearly the first thing we have to do in that partnership with him is to learn what his will actually is, and it is through prayer that we gain that knowledge.  For when we pray we become receptive to God’s influence and guidance, and as a result are able to see more clearly what his purpose is and also what he requires of us if that purpose of his is to be carried out effectively.  And once we see that, then, but only then, can God begin to set his will in motion.

And so, even if in ignorance or self-centredness, we start by asking for something which is not God’s purpose to do – if we ask, for example, for a wrong solution to our difficulty – nevertheless our sincere and persevering attempt to co-operate with him will enable us to see the situation through his eyes and will eventually lead to the right solution and to the performance of his purpose for us.

And when we pray for others, for a relative or a friend in sickness or misfortune, even if our prayers are not answered as we would wish by the removal or alleviation of their troubles, nevertheless our prayers do release a stream of God’s grace and power to enable them to rise above their adversity with patience and fortitude, and free them from any feelings of bitterness.