Motivations For Prayer
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

A Need to Reevaluate Prayer

Sometimes the world crowds out what truly matters. Many of us feel this deeply—we find ourselves praying less than we’d like or lacking the focus we desire in our prayers. This lesson challenges us to pause and reevaluate our motivations for prayer. What truly drives us to our knees? Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” This verse reminds us that when our heart is set on what pleases God, He will respond to those desires.

1. A Desire for God to Be Glorified

The first and greatest motivation for prayer is a desire that God be glorified. In Daniel 9, the prophet prays not for personal gain, but that God’s name might be honored. Daniel pleads with God to restore Jerusalem—not because the people deserve it—but so that His great name would be exalted once again (Daniel 9:18–19). This mirrors Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:9: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” To “hallow” is to treat with reverence and honor. Every prayer we offer should begin with this purpose: that God’s name be lifted up in the world and in our lives.

2. A Desire for Fellowship With God

Another vital motivation for prayer is the desire to be near God. Psalm 63 expresses this longing: “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You... in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). In a spiritually barren world, prayer is our direct line to the fountain of living water. Through prayer, we draw close to God—we commune with Him in the most personal and intimate way. David said his soul longed for God. That’s the kind of fellowship prayer offers. And it’s a fellowship we must long for daily.

3. A Desire for Spiritual Strength

Prayer is more than just asking—it is strengthening. When Jesus faced His greatest hour of trial in Gethsemane, what did He do? He prayed (Luke 22:41–44). And the text says, “An angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” If Jesus needed prayer for strength, how much more do we? Our prayers are a source of comfort, resolve, courage, and peace. They connect us to the power of God that sustains us.

4. A Desire for God’s Will to Be Done

Another godly motivation is the desire for God's will—not our own—to be accomplished. Again, Jesus prayed this in Gethsemane: “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Prayer is not about bending God to fit our wants; it's about aligning our hearts with His will. When we seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), our requests take on greater meaning, and our lives become more fruitful.

5. A Desire to Cast Our Burdens on the Lord

Prayer is also the faithful expression of dependence on God. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” God invites us to bring our burdens to Him. Paul said in Philippians 4:6–7 that when we pray with thanksgiving, making our requests known, God’s peace will guard our hearts. One of the most powerful motivations for prayer is simply knowing God is listening and willing to help.

Sermon Outline: Motivations For Prayer

1. Delight in the Lord
   • Psalm 37:4 – God honors righteous desires.
2. Desire for God's Glory
   • Daniel 9:3–19 – Daniel prays for restoration for God’s name.
   • Matthew 6:9 – “Hallowed be Your name.”
3. Desire for Fellowship with God
   • Psalm 63:1–2 – David thirsts for God’s presence.
4. Desire for Strength
   • Luke 22:41–44 – Jesus receives strength through prayer.
5. Desire for God's Will
   • Matthew 6:10; Luke 22:42 – Jesus models submission in prayer.
6. Desire for Relief from Burdens
   • 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast your cares on God.
   • Philippians 4:6–7 – Peace comes through prayer.

Call to Action

If we want a stronger prayer life, we must return to the heart of why we pray. Let your motivation be rooted in a longing for God—His glory, His fellowship, His strength, His will, and His peace. Do not let the world crowd out your time with the Father. Reignite your desire for prayer by remembering the kind of God you’re praying to: a God who hears, who cares, and who desires to draw near to you. Let’s be people who pray earnestly and consistently, motivated by a heart that truly delights in the Lord.

Scripture Reference List

• Psalm 37:4
• Daniel 9:3–19
• Matthew 6:9–10
• Psalm 63:1–2
• Luke 22:41–44
• 1 Peter 5:7
• Philippians 4:6–7