“You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend it in gratifying your lusts” (James 4:3).
Have you ever prayed with all your heart, pouring out every ounce of your being, yet felt like God wasn’t listening?
We’ve all been there—helpless, frustrated, and on the verge of questioning God. But maybe the real question isn’t whether God is listening. Maybe it’s about the nature of our requests.
Have you ever paused to consider if what you’re asking from God is truly good for you?
Even with the best intentions, our judgment can be clouded by selfish desires. We may covet something so intensely that we forget to ask if it’s good for others, or even for ourselves.
God, in His infinite wisdom, determines whether our prayers align with His will and purpose. His answers can be yes, no, or not now. When your prayers seem unanswered, ask yourself:
- Is my prayer motivated by wrong intentions?
- Does my prayer contradict God’s commandments?
- Will my prayer benefit others and myself, both in the short term and the long term?
Imagine praying to get rich simply to have a beautiful house, a car, and earn respect. This kind of prayer can create a barrier between you and God. Now, imagine praying for God’s blessing so you can help others with what you receive.
Do you see the difference? The latter prayer aligns with God’s heart and is more likely to be heard.
One powerful tip for prayer is to intercede for others. While it’s not wrong to pray for your own needs, God is especially pleased when we also pray for others. When our prayers transform to include the well-being of others along with our personal concerns, we touch the heart of God.
Have you prayed for someone today?
Ultimately, we must always seek God’s will above our own. Our thoughts are not His thoughts, and our ways are not His ways. Trust that God has only good things in store for us. Rest assured that our prayers, once presented before His holy throne of grace, are in the hands of a loving and sovereign Father. So, be at peace and let God direct your prayers.
Do you want to learn more about prayer? If yes, join our Becoming Christians Academy and access our “How to Pray” learning center. In this section, you’ll learn more about what prayer is and how you can draw closer to God. Sign up today!
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