God urges us to reason with Him, inviting us with the words, "Come now, and let us reason together." Abraham reasoned with God concerning Sodom, and as a result, God promised He would not destroy the city if there were only ten righteous people there. Moses also reasoned with God about the rebellious Israelites, leading God to change His mind about destroying them due to Moses' intercession. Reasoning with God does not mean arguing or making excuses, nor does it involve trying to alter His laws; it means presenting reasons for our requests. God told Israel to reason with Him in their defense, saying, "Let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted." We are to plead our case before Him as one would before a judge, using sound reasons. However, if our requests are not according to His will, if they would be detrimental to us or others, or if they do not align with His master plan, God will not grant them. His decisions are based on what is best for everyone, and reasoning with Him must be according to His will. We have confidence that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us favorably. Effectively reasoning with God requires understanding His will, which comes from constant contact with Him and consistent obedience. Abraham could reason with God because he was close to Him, submissive, and understood His plan. God knew Abraham intimately and called him His friend. Christ teaches that if we abide in Him and His words abide in us, our desires will be granted. Understanding God's will also requires obedience, as seen in Abraham's life and in the assurance that we receive what we ask when we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight. God wants us to reason with Him, using this interaction to gauge our spiritual growth, whether we are carnal and self-centered or showing love for others. He desires to know our sincere reasons for asking, and how we reason with Him can influence His flexible responses to our prayers. Reasoning with God according to His will has the power to change the course of history and impact us and our brethren profoundly.