Pray with the right Motive

 Pray with the Right Motives

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." (James 4:3)

The issue of our hearts and intentions has to be dealt with and made sure it rightly align with divine purpose for us to pray and get the attention of heavens. God examines the heart of man whenever we call to Him in prayers and not just the physical gymnastics done for humans' applause. Prayers driven by selfish desires may not align with God's will. Many get involve in prayers and fasting for self glorification that they may boast of it among brethren and friends that they prayed for hours and fasted for days. 

For instance, a brother embarked on a long hours of fasting till about 11pm all because his roommate shared with him that he fasted till up to 9pm before eating. He went 2 hours extra to proof to the other party that he could do more. The intention of his fasting was not to pray specifically for anything but to prove a point. Why do we Pray and get nothing? Why do we ask and do not receive?  Why do we pray for miracles, signs and wonders and yet nothing happened? It's because we ask with the wrong motives. We ask for selfish purposes. We ask so as to be seen and be applauded by men. God is always willing and ready to work among His people but our misplaced motives, strives and competitions are reasons He seems far away. 

 "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart" Ps.15.1-2

The power of God was with the Prophets of old because all their concerns were for the glory of God. Their motives were not about money or gains. Gehasi lost his place in the history of the Prophets when he missed the essence of his ministry.  He went after Namaan's gifts rather than seek the Giver of grace and power for exploits. Gehasi got leprosy in return. Unlike his master Elisha, who understood the mission and went after the double portions of power of Elijah and that was granted unto him.  In like manner, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, followed Jesus but love the monetary gains, his place among the Apostles was given to another. What is your purpose as a believer. Why do you pray, and why do you call upon God. For personal aggrandizement or that the Lord’s name may be glorified? Check your motives! That's all that matters to God.

Readings: 2 Kgs 2:1-15; 5:14-27; Psalm 15; Acts 8:14-24; James 4:1-10.

Prayers:

Oh Lord my Redeemer. purify my heart and help me to access your throne always in Spirit and with the right motives. Help us to pray and worship in Your presence in Truth and with pure conscience. This I ask in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.