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

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Pamela Reeve:
"Faith is realizing that I am useful to God not in spite of my scars but because of them."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Waiting for His Day in Court' (Acts 23:35)
"[Paul had arrived in Caesarea to appear before the Governor, Felix, who told him:] "I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive," the..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 33:16
"Do you doubt, O Christian, do you doubt as to whether God will fulfil his promise? Shall the munitions of rock be carried by storm? Shall the..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 103:15-18
"As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But....."

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