Motives

Why do we pray and ask God for things each day?  Why do we go before His throne and bring our requests?  Do we do it with a heart of selfishness or with humility?  Don't worry.  This is not a beat down type of blog today.  I am talking to myself, too.  Recently I took the time through a Bible study I was a part of to take a serious look at my motives when I pray.  I thought about why I was asking God for certain things to happen or to be blessed in certain ways.  I had to ask, "Was it for Jessica or for Jesus?"  

Did I pray for protection so that I would be comfortable or so that I could be a fit vessel for Him to use each day?  Was I praying for financial blessings so I could have the finer things in life or so that I could use what I was blessed with for the glory of God?  Did I ask for open doors of opportunity so that I could just be happy and content or was it so that God could place me where He could best use me?  Man, these questions were powerful and changed the way I was not only thinking but praying.

I was touched by a woman I met not long ago named Ester.  I was invited to her home for a women's Bible study and after commenting on what a beautiful home she had I was blown away by her response.  She shared how she and her husband had prayed for God to bless them with a home where they could host events and groups each week that would glorify His kingdom and bring people to salvation through Jesus Christ.  I knew she was serious for I was standing in her kitchen while she spoke and was a product of that promise.  

Are praying with the same motives Ester and her husband had when they prayed for a home?   Remember, God wants to bless His children but only so we can be a blessing in His name to others. I can promise you that each time someone compliments Ester's home she is quick to tell them her home was a product of prayer and obedience to God.  What a great testimony!  The scripture above says, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4  

I challenge you today to examine your prayers and the motives behind them just like I did and am still in the process of doing.