Spiritual Warfare: 'Selfishness Hinders Prayer'

God's Power for Our Battles — Monday, November 9, 2026

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.

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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.

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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