Motive is defined as something that causes a person to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing. For example, “what is my incentive or reason for doing something?” Or “what’s in it for me?” Well, the Apostle James teaches us a very important lesson about motive in James 4:3 (NLT):

      “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong — you want only what will give you pleasure.”

      When it comes to prayer, motives are very important. As the Apostle James said, your motives are the reason why some prayers go unanswered. It’s because the motive behind the prayers are selfish, and God does not like and will not answer selfish prayers. Since most petitions have some degree of selfishness, how do you know if your prayers are prayed with the right motive?

      Here is what I have learned from the text. If your prayers are only about you – your needs, wants and desires – then you need to check your motives. Praying for just your needs is wrong. Further, when was the last time you just prayed for others and not for yourself?

      If you are only praying for your needs, and you are not praying for others, then chances are your motives are not right. Remember, Jesus spent much time praying for others. That kind of prayer is called intercession! When you pray for others, God answers and meets your needs.

Be Blessed,

Bishop Jemmott