Today, Gene reminds us that it is possible to abuse the power of prayer. James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Sometimes we don’t receive because we’re asking with the wrong motives. We’re abusing the power of prayer because we’re more concerned about having our pain and discomfort removed, than in having God’s will done.

Instead we should pray: “Oh God, give me the courage to face what I need to face; the wisdom to learn what I need to learn; and to grow through this so that I might grow up in my faith.”

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.