We all seem to struggle with the sovereignty of God at some level. It is often a result of our own desire to be in control, with an expectation of entitlement. I have heard others say that if God is completely in control, then we are merely robots and they will not believe that. But then they are confronted with the words of Jesus in the gospel of John chapter 6.

John 6:37 (NASB)
37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.

John 6:44 (NASB)
44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:64-65 (NASB)
64 “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.
65 And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”

We all, this side of heaven, have a view of God that is not pure. But if we don’t at least base our view on what Jesus says about God, then our prayers will miss the mark. It’s a good thing that Jesus intercedes for us as we pray. It is like the love of a father, who gently corrects our mistakes and incorrect thinking.

C.S. Lewis said about prayer, “May it be the real I that speaks. May it be the real Thou that I speak to….Every idea of Him we form, He must in mercy shatter.”

It is also the ideas we have about ourselves that must be shattered too.

Holy Spirit, be merciful to me. Conform my image of God into reality. Conform my image of me into reality. Transform my soul into your likeness. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,