61b — God Searches Our Motives
Check Your Motives When You Pray —
We know that God promises to give his children good things when they ask. After all, Jesus clearly teaches this in Matthew 7:7-8.
So why do I not always get what I ask for when I pray?
Is it because I do not say the right words?
Is it because I do not feel the need deeply enough?
Is it because I do not pray for a long enough period of time?
NO — to all of these concerns! God takes our prayers very seriously and does not play with us or tease us in this way. HOWEVER — he does require that we understand and respect how he thinks.
James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” NASB
In other words, our motives in prayer are very important, because God is not a mindless Santa Claus or an over-indulgent parent. He is our loving Heavenly Father.
To understand this concept a little better, listen as Pastor Scott from Living Hope Community Church in Aurora, Colorado takes a minute to explain it.
My Prayer
Dearest Heavenly Father, Thank you for having my best interest at heart. Thank you for always watching over me for good. Help me to be aware when my motives are selfish or immature. Help me to respect your will and timetable for me and others. But also help me to never give up asking you for good things. Amen.
