Here’s a Struggle for You

Earlier I wrote about struggles in our lives that we, as men, face on a daily basis and how to handle them.

This morning spent some time in John 14.   That’s when one of my struggles became evident.  Verses 13 and 14 say. . .

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Let me say up front that I DO NOT believe that God is some genie who exists to fulfill our personal desires and grant our wishes.  I don’t believe in the “name it and claim it” approach to God.  I thing that our prayers should be in accordance with His will and His character.  I also know he knows my every need - even before I do.  And that He invites me to approach the throne of grace with confidence - not arrogance, mind you, but confident in knowing that God desires to hear our requests (Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16).

So here’s my struggle this morning:  How do I pray for my needs - finances, opportunities to speak, selling stuff, etc. and not sound selfish? I’ve asked God to teach me how to pray according to His will and character.  I want Him to show me how to present my needs and my heart to Him in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Maybe you can shed some light on your experiences with praying for needs.  I could definitely use some help here.

Mike