Spiritual Warfare: 'Selfishness Hinders Prayer'

God's Power for Our Battles — Sunday, November 9, 2025

You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires.
— James 4:3 AMP

Today's Prayer

Lord, forgive me for my selfishness. I know my prayers have reflected this. I have come to You in prayer day after day asking for a new list of wants—like You are just my Santa in the sky. I’m so ashamed of that now, and I ask You to help me change. Help me to pray as a soldier for the cross of Christ, anxious to accomplish Your list instead of my own. Use me, my talents, my resources, and my abilities to fulfill YOUR agenda each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, November 9, 2025

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Shorten That Time!' (Mt. 24:15-22)
"[Talking to his disciples about coming conflicts and disasters, Jesus continued:] "The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Made Holy in Every Way' (1 Th. 5:23)
"Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. "
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Proverbs 3:9
"Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All Whose Hearts are Pure!' (Ps. 32:11)
"So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"

Illustration

Illustration of James 4:3 AMP — You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires.

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare