"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven ....'" (Matthew 6:9-10 NIV)

Confession: I sometimes have trouble complying with "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

I believe all that.
It is easy to pray the prayer, to merely say the words, when His will matches my will. In those times I can confidently pray, "Your will be done." When I know it means that I will get what I want, when I want it, I like to pray, "Your will be done." But, when it means I must adjust my life so that it conforms to His, I am not so quick to pray, "Your will be done." In those times I am more likely to pray, "Father, let your will be the same as mine."

Thankfully, He does not conform His will to match mine. When He shows mercy to a sinner, I sometimes may want justice. Sometimes when He gives justice, I may want mercy. When I want rapid results, He often acts slowly and when I want Him to be slow to act, He may act quickly. When I want things, He offers peace and contentment with what I have. When I want peace and contentment, He may take away my things. Then, when I feel peace and contentment, He may multiply the things I asked to receive. When I pray for healing, the person may die. When I pray for Him to end the suffering, He may allow the person to continue in their suffering. When I pray for answers He may offer none.

I am just as thankful that in my relationships He does not conform to my will. When I pray, "Your will be done!" in my relationships, what I really mean is that I want these people to do things that suit my needs and my desires. I want my children to act the way I think they should. I want my wife to do what pleases me in everything she does or says. I want my friends to respond as I think they should. I want my work to produce the kinds of results that affirm my worth.

I know the Lord knew what was best when He said, "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done as it is in heaven ....'" I know this is how I should pray. And I try. I know that His will must and will be done regardless of whether I agree with it or not. It is always best. And I know that my own will must conform to His in all things.

I know all that. I believe all that. Completely. Wholeheartedly. I know it is best. I know it is right. I know that even when I struggle with praying it, I still must pray it. Because I know all those things are true I will continue to pray, "Father, may Your will be done in all things on earth as it is in heaven."