Let me say at the outset that I believe God wants us to bring our burdens to Him. He was explicit in telling us to do so (Psalm 55:22; Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Peter 5:6-7). While this is true, I believe it’s important we don’t tip the scales too far in that direction as we spend time with our Lord in prayer. In studying the Lord’s prayer, the model He gave to us for praying, it’s important to note the words “I” and “my” never appear (Matthew 6:9-13).
There is nothing in His prayer about our individual gain or advancement. Too often, these things are the focus of our prayers, but it’s not the way Jesus instructed us to pray. So, what is the proper focus when talking to God, and how do we avoid praying selfish prayers?
One reason we pray selfish prayers is the fact we tend to live selfish lives. Instead of devoting ourselves to the mission of Christ, we get caught up in the spirit of the age and chase after the same things as those who have not accepted Jesus as their Lord (Romans 12:2). We treat Christ as just another interest or hobby rather than making Him the sole focus of our lives (Luke 9:23). It’s easy to do because the pressures of culture are a powerful force, always surging around us and sweeping us along in their currents (1 John 2:15-16). It takes a vigorous effort to swim against the tide (Matthew 7:13-14).
To stop praying selfish prayers, we first must see the purpose of our lives as being to seek the welfare of others before ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). That never means compromising the words of Scripture to capitulate to the whims and follies of the world (Romans 12:9). We never compromise truth and stand firm on God’s Word (Ephesians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 16:13). When we do that, we will find a vast harvest of souls waiting to be brought into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 9:37-38). The burden of our hearts will be more for the eternal destiny of those without Christ than it will be for a better job, bigger house, nicer car, or even a healthier body.
While we don’t see the words “I” or “my” in the Lord’s prayer, we do see the corporate words of “our” and “us”. We are to pray for the body of believers of which we are a part. The key here is we are praying for the needs of others alongside us. Praying for others keeps us from praying selfish prayers. It’s never about us but always about furthering the Kingdom of God and seeing His will done on earth as it is in Heaven.
There is so much to learn by studying the Lord’s prayer (see “Praying as Jesus Prayed“), but for today I hope you will see how following the model prayer of Jesus keeps us from praying selfish prayers. There is a time to bring your concerns and needs before the Lord, but keep those cares in the perspective of the greater mission. Jesus knows what you need and is eager to fill those needs (Philippians 4:19). Indeed, He already knows your burdens before you ever bring them to Him (Matthew 6:7-8). Whatever you lack, whatever your pain, remember to seek first the Kingdom of God, and know He is faithful to supply all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33). Rest in that fact today.