In what manner do we tend to approach God? Do we go to Him with a wanting mindset, or giving intentions? Which thought occupies more time? "What am I going to get out of my prayers this time?", or "Lord, what can I do for you?"
How many times do we find ourselves contemplating the rewards? Not that it is wrong to desire and seek growth. After all 1 Corinthians 14:1 tells us to eagerly desire gifts of the spirit. The thing is, this isn't so that we can advance and benefit ourselves. Instead it is to advance and buildup the body of believers in the world. It seems that many are spending much of their meditation on the different ways to grow from the perspective of the flesh rather than of the spirit.
Maybe we are going about things the wrong way. When you go before God in any manner, don't go with the expectation of receiving. Go with the intention of giving. Give God your praise, your worship. Give Him honor and glory. Give your concerns over to Him. Give your will to Him. Seek His will. Consider instead of praying for the different scenarios we wish to play out, pray instead for His will to be done.
Sometimes what we want and what God wants are contrary to each other. Even if the intention is not meant to be selfish, perhaps we spend so much time seeking things for ourselves that we neglect moving in God's will. When our focus waivers from letting God work through us in the manner He intends to, then we hamper our own spiritual growth as well as the works He could be doing through us. Don't be afraid to ask for the things needed though. There is a difference in asking out of need. Nor should you be hesitant to ask for God to grant you the ability to be more effective for His kingdom and any spiritual giftings that would allow for this.
It is hard to imagine just what God can do through a willing servant until it is experienced. He can move through you and your life in ways that you would have never expected. Before this can happen though, we need to learn to approach Him as a humble servant rather than checking off on a list of 'I want this' and 'I want that'.
