Story Behind the Song: ‘Your Will Be Done’
There are times when we find ourselves lost for words. It could be that a loved one tells us they are terminally ill, or we learn about a horrific crime or injustice. Perhaps it is just the overwhelming feeling of anxiety or stress. Can you think of a time when you’ve been lost for words? I certainly can.
Sometimes we even feel lost for words when we pray. But rather than give up on prayer in that moment, we can look to prayers from the past. Prayers our brothers and sisters spoke before us and prayers our Saviour taught us and modelled for us. Last week we introduced the song ‘Your Will be Done’ which was written after its writers found themselves unsure about what to do or what to pray, especially in the midst of our current reality.
This is what the writers (CityAlight) of ‘Your Will be Done’ say about the song: “We are at a loss in so many ways, unsure of what to do, unsure of what to say, and unsure of what the future holds. But there is a prayer, however, which can be prayed when our own voices fail us. It is a prayer that our Lord Jesus prayed as his own world seemed to be falling apart – an innocent man praying alone in the garden, abandoned by his friends, betrayed by those he trusted, and awaiting his death. Even at his lowest point, Jesus was able to pray, ‘Father not my will, but yours be done’, because he knew that, in the chaos, his Father loved him and that his Father’s will was always good. If there was any plan that Jesus trusted in that dreadful hour, it was his Father’s. We offer this simple song, simply played, in the midst of this present trial, so that you might be able to pray these words along with our Saviour. There is a God who is still ruling on the throne, and He is our good and loving Father. If there is anything in which you can put your trust at this uncertain time, let it be the will of your loving Father. Church, in the chaos – in bedrooms, living rooms, hospital rooms, and virtual rooms – let us lift our voices in prayer and sing, ‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’”
We needn’t be lost for words when we pray. In fact, God’s word also says that the Spirit intercedes for us when words fail us (Romans 8:26). Let me encourage you to pursue and put into practice God’s will for us; to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). If you lack the words to pray, I would encourage you to look to the examples in the Bible. Pray what Jesus taught us, pray what Jesus modelled for us, and pray the promises Jesus has purchased for us.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12)
Love, Emma
Listen to the song ‘Your Will be Done’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nLXXephYRI
