Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, serving as a means of communication with God. The Bible emphasizes not only the act of prayer but also the motives behind it. The sincerity and purity of one's heart in prayer are crucial, as they reflect the true relationship between the believer and God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous teachings on the importance of motives in prayer. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of motives directly. In Matthew 6:5-6 , He warns against praying with the intent of being seen by others: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

This passage highlights the importance of praying with a genuine heart, seeking God's presence rather than human approval. The reward for such sincere prayer comes from God, who values the authenticity of the believer's intentions.

Purity of Heart

The purity of heart is a recurring theme in Scripture concerning prayer. James 4:3 addresses the issue of selfish motives: "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." This verse underscores that prayers driven by selfish desires are not aligned with God's will and, therefore, may go unanswered.

The call for purity in prayer is further emphasized in Psalm 66:18 : "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." This verse suggests that harboring sin or impure motives can hinder one's prayers, as God desires a heart that seeks righteousness and alignment with His will.

Alignment with God's Will

Praying with the right motives involves aligning one's desires with God's will. In 1 John 5:14 , the apostle John writes, "And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." This assurance is contingent upon the believer's motives being in harmony with God's purposes.

Jesus Himself exemplified this alignment in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:39 , He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." Jesus' prayer demonstrates submission to the Father's will, prioritizing divine purposes over personal desires.

Humility and Dependence

Humility and dependence on God are essential components of proper motives in prayer. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 illustrates this principle. The Pharisee's prayer was self-righteous, while the tax collector's prayer was humble and repentant. Jesus commended the tax collector, saying, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God" (Luke 18:14).

This parable teaches that God values a humble heart that acknowledges its need for His grace and mercy. Prayers offered with humility and a recognition of one's dependence on God are more likely to be heard and answered.

Conclusion

The importance of motives in prayer is a significant biblical theme, emphasizing sincerity, purity of heart, alignment with God's will, and humility. These elements reflect a genuine relationship with God, ensuring that prayer is not merely a ritual but a meaningful communion with the Creator.