What is Following God's Will?
Following God's will is the spiritual practice of aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God's plan for our lives and for the world. The Catholic Church teaches that God has a specific plan for each person and that following His will leads to true happiness and fulfillment. Following God's will is not about blindly obeying rules or giving up our freedom, but about freely choosing to cooperate with God's loving plan for our lives. This practice involves prayer, discernment, spiritual direction, and the development of virtues that help us recognize and follow God's guidance.
The Bible provides many examples of people who followed God's will, from Abraham who obeyed God's call to leave his homeland, to Mary who said 'yes' to God's plan for her life, to Jesus who prayed 'not my will, but yours be done' in the Garden of Gethsemane. Scripture shows us that following God's will often requires faith, trust, and sometimes sacrifice, but that it leads to the greatest joy and fulfillment. The Bible also teaches about the importance of prayer in discerning God's will and about the grace that God provides to help us follow His plan.
Why Practice Devotion for Following God's Will?
Practicing devotion for following God's will is important because it helps us develop the spiritual tools and attitudes we need to recognize and follow God's plan for our lives. When we practice these devotions, we're not just learning about God's will - we're developing the relationship with God and the spiritual sensitivity that help us hear His voice and respond to His guidance. This practice helps us avoid the confusion and anxiety that can come from trying to make decisions without God's guidance and ensures that we're living according to His plan rather than our own limited understanding.
Devotion for following God's will also helps us develop the virtues needed for spiritual growth and holiness. When we practice these devotions, we're asking God to help us develop humility, trust, obedience, and love - virtues that are essential for following His will effectively. This practice helps us remember that our lives are not our own, but are gifts from God that should be used according to His plan. Most importantly, practicing devotion for following God's will helps us develop a deeper relationship with God and grow in our understanding of His love and care for us.
How to Practice Devotion for Following God's Will
To practice devotion for following God's will effectively, begin by creating a regular prayer routine that includes time for listening to God and seeking His guidance. You might start each day with a prayer asking God to help you follow His will throughout the day. You might say something like, 'Heavenly Father, I want to follow Your will today. Please help me to recognize Your guidance and to have the courage to follow it.' Take time to be quiet and listen for God's voice, asking Him to help you understand what He wants for you.
Practice regular spiritual reading and reflection, particularly on Scripture and the lives of saints who followed God's will faithfully. Take time to examine your conscience regularly, asking God to help you see where you may have strayed from His will and to give you the grace to return to His path. Seek spiritual direction from a priest or other qualified spiritual guide who can help you discern God's will and develop the spiritual practices needed to follow it.
What Devotions to Practice
There are many Catholic devotions that can help you follow God's will more effectively. Daily prayer is fundamental and should include time for listening to God and seeking His guidance. The Rosary can be prayed with the intention of understanding and following God's will, meditating on how Mary and Jesus followed God's plan for their lives. Eucharistic Adoration provides an opportunity to spend time in Jesus' presence, asking Him to help you understand and follow His will.
Other helpful devotions include reading and meditating on Scripture, particularly passages that speak about following God's will and trusting in His plan. The Divine Mercy Chaplet can help develop trust in God's mercy and love, which is essential for following His will. Novenas to saints who are known for following God's will faithfully, such as St. Joseph or St. Thérèse of Lisieux, can provide inspiration and intercession. The key is to choose devotions that speak to your heart and that help you develop a deeper relationship with God.
Frequency of Devotional Practice
Devotion for following God's will should be practiced regularly, ideally daily, as understanding and following God's will is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and prayer. Many people find it helpful to practice these devotions in the morning before starting their day, asking God to help them follow His will throughout the day. You might also practice these devotions at specific times when you're facing important decisions or when you're feeling confused about God's plan for your life.
It's important to be consistent with these practices, but don't be discouraged if you miss a day or if you don't immediately see results. Spiritual growth takes time, and the benefits of these devotions often develop gradually. The key is to maintain a regular practice and to trust that God is working in your life through these devotions.
Overcoming Obstacles to Following God's Will
Many people face obstacles to following God's will, such as difficulty hearing God's voice, fear of what following His will might require, or confusion about what God wants for them. These obstacles are normal and don't mean that you can't follow God's will. Devotion helps us work through these obstacles and develop the spiritual sensitivity and trust we need to recognize and follow God's guidance.
When you're facing obstacles to following God's will, bring these obstacles to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you understand what might be preventing you from hearing His voice clearly and to give you the grace to overcome these obstacles. Remember that God wants you to follow His will and that He will help you develop the understanding and trust you need if you ask Him.
The Power of Divine Obedience
One of the most important aspects of practicing devotion for following God's will is recognizing that following God's will is not about giving up our freedom, but about finding true freedom in cooperating with God's loving plan. The Catholic Church teaches that true freedom comes from following God's will, not from doing whatever we want. When we follow God's will, we are not being controlled or manipulated - we are freely choosing to cooperate with the plan of a loving God who wants what is best for us.
Following God's will has the power to transform our lives and bring us the greatest joy and fulfillment. When we practice devotion for following God's will, we're not just learning about God's plan - we're developing the relationship and spiritual sensitivity that help us recognize and follow that plan. Trust that God's will for you is good and that following it will lead you to the greatest happiness and fulfillment.