Devotion: The Heart of Prayer — Checking Our Motives
Scripture:
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." — Matthew 6:5 (KJV)
Reflection:
In the first-century Jewish community, prayer was not merely a religious ritual—it was a vital pillar of life, alongside Torah study and almsgiving. Early Christians, still within the framework of Judaism, practiced these same disciplines. Jesus, however, called His followers to go deeper—not just to pray, but to examine how and why they prayed.
Our Lord didn’t discourage prayer; He elevated its purpose. In Matthew 6:5, Jesus warned against performative prayer—words spoken to impress others rather than to commune with God. He made it clear: God is not impressed by eloquence or public display. He is concerned with motive.
This principle is penetrating. Why do we pray for what we pray? If we ask for healing, is it so we can be more comfortable—or so that God may be glorified in our bodies? If we pray for a loved one’s salvation, is it to ease our conscience—or to see the power of God magnified in a transformed life?
Jesus always sought the Father's will. His prayers were never detached from His mission. He prayed, listened, and acted in step with the will of heaven. The more time we spend in prayer, the more our own desires should conform to God’s will—not the other way around.
Contemplation:
What are my most frequent prayer requests? What are the true motives behind them?
Do I spend more time telling God what I want than asking Him what He wants?
Is my prayer life shaping me to look more like Jesus—not just in private, but in how I live publicly?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for the times I have prayed with selfish motives or shallow words. Search my heart and purify my intentions. Teach me to seek Your will in my prayers, not simply my comfort. Let my communion with You in the secret place shape how I live in the public place. May I become Your ambassador—speaking truth, showing love, and serving others in Your name. Align my heart with Yours so that my prayers, like Christ’s, reflect Your purpose and bring You glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s Challenge:
Before you pray today, pause. Ask God to search your heart and reveal your motives. Write down one prayer request and next to it, write why you’re praying it. Then ask God to align your desire with His will. Let this shape your conversation with Him and your actions afterward.
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