04/12/2025
THE PRINCIPLE OF PRAYER AND RECEIVING ANSWERS
The Problem Of Selfish Asking (Ep 02)
When we approach prayer, we must understand one fundamental truth: God knows the human heart. He knows that often, our asking is selfish, motivated by our desires, our ego, or our need to prove something to others.
Many believers pray to show themselves or others:
“See, I am a believer, I prayed, God answered me.”
“Let me pray this so people will know I have faith.”
But this kind of asking is misaligned with God’s kingdom purpose.
1. The Example of Solomon — Kingdom-Centered Asking
Let’s turn to the Word:
Solomon offered a sacrifice, and the Lord appeared to him in a dream. God asked:
"What shall I give you?”
Notice what Solomon did not do:
He did not ask to be famous
He did not ask for personal wealth
He did not ask to be the most powerful king
Instead, Solomon asked for wisdom to govern God’s people.
“Give me wisdom and understanding to lead your people rightly.”
Because his request was kingdom-centered, God responded:
He granted wisdom beyond anyone before or after him
He gave wealth and honor as a byproduct of his obedience to kingdom purpose
This is why Jesus said in Matthew 6:33:
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
The problem for many believers is that we ask for what satisfies us, not what advances the kingdom.
2. Returning to the One Who Sent You
Before you ask, you must return to God, your Sender, to discern His mind concerning you.
Understand your ordination
Understand your purpose
Understand why you were placed on earth
You are not asking independently. You are asking as one sent by the Creator.
God already has a plan for you:
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Your prayer must align with God’s plan, not your personal desires.
Even Paul studied law, but God made him an apostle. Your education, your dreams, your ambitions—these must all submit to God’s plan.
3. The Holy Spirit: Your Helper and Intercessor
Because of our human limitations, God sent the Holy Spirit:
"Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
The Holy Spirit:
Intercedes on your behalf
Groans through you when you cannot articulate
Brings your matter to God accurately
Prayer is not only about asking; it is about being led into asking by the Spirit.
4. The Holy Spirit’s Presentation Before God
The Spirit does more than intercede. He presents you before God in a manner that is accepted in Heaven.
Consider approaching a king:
If you approach wrongly, you may face judgment or punishment
If you approach wisely, with the right posture, preparation, and presentation, your request is granted
This is what the Holy Spirit does for us:
He prepares the heart
He rehearses your case before God
He positions your request for maximum effect in the court of Heaven
Even Solomon had an “open cheque” from God. But because his request was kingdom-centered, it was granted.
Many believers, however, pray selfish prayers, and even when God opens doors, they remain stuck because their prayers are misaligned with their purpose.
5. Key Takeaways
1. Selfish asking limits God’s response
2. Kingdom-centered asking invites supernatural provision
3. Return to God to understand your purpose before asking
4. Allow the Holy Spirit to groan and intercede for you
5. Your presentation matters—Heaven responds to proper spiritual alignment.
To Be Continued in the Next Episode 03, Please navigate through and read the continuation..
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Authored by Apostle Orizu Kelechi
