In the stillness of the soul, when the noise of self and the world are hushed, there rises a prayer that is both simple and supreme: “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God” (Psalm 143:10, BSB). This is the prayer of prayers—the humble cry of a heart longing not merely for blessing, but for transformation into the likeness of the Lord’s own desires.

Hints for Teachers

The psalmist does not ask first for deliverance or success, but for alignment. He longs to be taught the very will of God. Elsewhere in the Psalms, the prayer “Teach me” appears with different endings—“Teach me Your paths” (Psalm 25:4), “Teach me Your way, O LORD” (Psalm 27:11), “Teach me Your decrees” (Psalm 119:12). But here in Psalm 143:10, it comes to its highest point: “Teach me to do Thy will.” Not merely to know it, but to do it—this is the mark of true spiritual maturity.

We see this spirit beautifully embodied in Daniel, a man whose life was a living prayer. In Daniel 6:10–11, when faced with the threat of death, Daniel did not compromise. Five characteristics mark his praying.

First, Daniel’s prayer was reverent. “He knelt down on his knees three times that day.” Like a courtier before his king, Daniel approached the Lord with humility. True prayer begins in awe, not assumption.

Second, it was constant. He prayed “three times a day,” as regularly as the chiming of a faithful clock. Prayer was not an occasional refuge but a daily rhythm.

Third, his prayer was mingled with gratitude. “He prayed and gave thanks before his God.” Even in crisis, Daniel lifted his heart in thanksgiving, like a bird lifting its head between sips of water.

Fourth, his prayer was believing. He faced Jerusalem as he prayed, not out of superstition, but in remembrance of God’s promises concerning His holy temple—promises of atonement, forgiveness, and revealed grace (1 Kings 8:29–30).

Finally, Daniel’s prayer was known. The fragrance of his devotion could not be hidden, like the lingering scent of perfume. Real prayer leaves an unmistakable mark of grace on the soul.

To pray, “Teach me to do Thy will,” and to mean it, is to commit ourselves to a certain kind of life—one shaped by the following seven resolves.

First, we must obey instantly, without question. As Paul exhorts, “Give thanks in all circumstances… the One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:18–24, BSB). We are to respond to God’s leading at once, not pausing to argue or delay.

Second, we must obey implicitly, without doubt. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:12–14, BSB). Trust His work even when the path is unclear.

Third, we must obey continually, without halting. Paul prayed that believers would be “filled with the knowledge of His will… bearing fruit in every good work” (Colossians 1:9–11, BSB). It is a lifelong walk, not a single step.

Fourth, we must obey consecratingly, without sin. “Now may the God of peace… equip you with every good thing to do His will” (Hebrews 13:20–21, BSB). A life set apart to God will long to be pure.

Fifth, we must obey scripturally, without self. “Then I said, ‘Here I am… I have come to do Your will, O God’” (Hebrews 10:7, BSB). The Word of God defines His will; our opinions must yield.

Sixth, we must obey trustfully, without worry. Epaphras is praised as one who labored earnestly in prayer “that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12, BSB).

Lastly, we must obey fully, without reserve. In Gethsemane, our Lord prayed, “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, BSB). Here is perfect surrender—the Son trusting the Father’s heart even in the deepest sorrow.

Dear friend, are you praying this prayer of prayers today? Are you willing not only to know God’s will but to do it—instantly, implicitly, continually, consecratingly, scripturally, trustfully, and fully? May this simple but searching prayer rise from our hearts until it is fully answered in the beauty of a life conformed to His will.

For deeper meditation, ponder also:

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Psalm 40:8 – “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”