## **TODAY’S SCRIPTURE**
JAMES 4:2-3 “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

### **THOUGHT FOR TODAY:**
In this passage, James uncovers our tendency toward selfishness that leads to conflict and violence. He sheds light on the motivation behind our prayer requests. When we become focused on satisfying our own agenda instead of God's, our lives unravel and relationships fail. This is a very honest and difficult truth for James to address, but it is vitally important. God is redeeming his world through us, not for us. Our prayers and focus can easily become myopic and self-centered.

James writes, "You do not have because you do not ask God." The Message paraphrase puts it this way: "You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way."
That's a no-nonsense way to put it and a tough pill to swallow, but part of our prayer life should include honest confession and sincere examination of our motives.

### **PRAYER**
Loving Heavenly Father, shine your light on what motivates my prayers. Help me to grow up and move away from petty quarrels, conflicts, and destructive practices. Do your work in me so that you can do your will through me. Remind me today to seek your agenda, your kingdom first, and all of the things that seem to matter so much to me will line up in light of what is really important. Forgive me. Guide me. Empower me. Amen.

*You can also join us as we pray for people at HCC under “Pray with us” on the HCC App.