On Selfish Prayer

Matthew 18:15-20

The Germans were fond of the slogan, Gott mit uns.*
They wore these words on belt buckles and helmets
and they hoisted them on a sign in the Great War.
The Brits responded, We got mittens, too.

Jason and Jamal each prayed to win
the state championship, but for opposite teams.
Jamal’s team won and he was chosen MVP.
After the game he said, I give thanks to God!

When you pray for victory, what answer do you expect?
Prayer is not a zero-sum game.
The scripture says, Again, truly I tell you,
if two of you agree on earth about anything
you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.

When two or more pray for a selfish purpose,
it does not matter if the group agrees or not.
Nothing will be done by your Father in heaven
except what God decides is best for you.

*God is with us.

Photo credit Lenny Warren of the Militaria Collectors Network