What steps can we take to evaluate our motives in prayer, reflecting on Mark 10:36? Hearing Jesus’ penetrating question Mark 10:36: “What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired. Before we say a single word in prayer, Jesus’ question invites each of us to pause and look inward. What do we truly want? Why do we want it? The question itself is a mirror for the soul. Why motives matter to God • James 4:3: “And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.” • Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active… it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • 1 Samuel 16:7: “…man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” God answers prayer in harmony with His character; He will not endorse selfishness, pride, or anything that competes with His glory. Practical steps to evaluate our motives 1. Invite Scripture to examine you • Open your Bible and read passages slowly, asking the Holy Spirit to spotlight anything in your heart that clashes with God’s Word. • Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God… See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.” 2. Apply the glory-of-God filter • 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • If granting your request would bring God honor, your motive is headed in the right direction. If it chiefly exalts self, realignment is needed. 3. Check kingdom alignment • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” • Ask: Does this prayer advance God’s reign in me, my family, my church, or my community? 4. Submit to the Spirit’s spotlight • Romans 8:27: “And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” • Sit quietly and let the Spirit surface hidden ambitions, fears, or resentments shaping your request. 5. Gauge love for others • Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride… look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” • If your prayer blesses others and reflects Christlike service, your motive mirrors His heart. 6. Embrace humble surrender • Luke 22:42: “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” • Hold your desire with open hands, ready for God to reshape, delay, or deny it for greater purposes. 7. Cultivate gratitude and contentment • 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” • Content hearts are less vulnerable to praying from entitlement; they pray from appreciation. Living out the lesson When Jesus asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?” allow the question to slow you down. Let Scripture, the Spirit, and a glory-focused mindset sift every request. Requests refined by these steps rise from pure motives, honor the Lord, and keep you in joyful step with His perfect will. |
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