For the glory of Your name

(photo credit: ubfriends.org)

"Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name." (Psalm 79:9, New Living Translation)

I read this quote from Oswald Chambers this morning: "Think about the last thing you prayed about--were you devoted to your desire or to God?"

Between this verse and this quote, I am pondering the glory of God in our prayer lives this morning. Whether we are praying for ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, our nation ... what is our motivation?

Did you notice these phrases: "for the glory of your name ... for the honor of your name"? Help us, save us, forgive us ... the glory of God is to be the ultimate objective in these prayers. We are short-sighted if our prayers are only motivated by relief or benefit of ourselves or others.

Many of us have loved ones who are not Christ-followers. We pray for their salvation. There is nothing wrong with praying for them to be saved so that we will one day see them in heaven, but it is a short-sighted prayer. Their going to heaven is not God's ultimate purpose. As we pray for their salvation so that God might receive glory in them, we are connecting more with the heart of God.

Similarly, when we pray for those who are sick and suffering, certainly praying for healing and relief is a good thing. Connecting with the heart of God in prayer for His glory to be displayed in their lives is an even better thing.

Question: How will you connect with God in praying for others today?

Leave a comment below.  I'd love to hear your perspective.