#57 “Identifying Barrier: To Answered Prayer!”

(Having Wrong Motives) 

“When you ask, you do not receive,

because you ask with wrong motives[“ask amiss”],

that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

James 4:3

New King James Version (MSG) 

When you ask you ask with wrong motives…this is another major barrier to answered prayer; having the wrong reason for asking for something will get you absolutely nothing for God. What does it mean by wrong motives? Let’s say you’re asking God to let you win a million dollars, but you have no intentions of honoring Him with the money but you want to buy big fancy car, home expensive clothes and lots of other things you can’t presently afford. This is what is meant by wrong motives that you may spend what you receive on yourself.  

Lord I need a better job so I can buy better things for myself and my children. Lord I want to be rich, but you only want people to look at you as some big shot. This is called wanting to promote your own agenda. This is why you do not receive what you ask for; because God know the heart and He knows what we truly need. “Your father knows what you have need of before you ask Him.” [Matt. 6:8]. When we pray our desire should be on pleasing God and doing the work of the Kingdom by sharing the gospel to all mankind.  It’s called getting our priorities right, then we’ll have no trouble getting the things we need for our daily living. 

 

The Lord told us not to worry about tomorrow, “Do not worry, saying “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For the heathens run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you have need of these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  This is why we should search our hearts prior to asking God for things, outside of our daily needs. Does this mean we should not ask God for the things we need? No, it does not mean that;  as you recall in the Lord’s Prayer  it says, “Gives us this day our daily bread.”  So it could not be talking about that. But asking for things you do not need or better yet are not ready for is what it’s talking about. You may ask God for a Mercedes Benz but you are not working and do not have a house, garage or funds to put insurance on the car or even pay for repair if needed… so why then would He give it to you?  This blessing would only bring hardship, because when you have a high dollar car you need high dollars to maintain that car. 

 

Lord I want a Lea jet or my own private plane! Can you afford to the jet fuel, monthly hanger fees or to pay a trained pilot? No? Then God want give you the jet! Keep this in mind, “The blessings of the Lord makes rich and adds not sorrow to it.” If what you are asking for will not make you rich (prosperous, happy, and productive) then they will add sorrow and these are not the blessings of the Lord.  So when you pray check to make sure your motives are in order. If you find that you have the wrong intentions then start by repenting. Remember, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Phil. 2:13) 

 

My Prayer: Lord God we thank you for providing for our every need, thank You for being the God that provides for us. Help us to know our own hearts and the reasons for what we are asking you for. Forgive us for those times when we asked You for things that were not according to your perfect will and purpose for our lives. We trust You Lord God and know that you know what is best for us and that would not give us anything that would harm us or cause us to fall. Thank You for keeping us in your perfect will and grace. These things we ask in your son Jesus Christ name Amen! 

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

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