The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1358, titled "How to Pray."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. Copyright 2001 by John MacArthur Jr., All Rights Reserved.

Question

When you pray, how do you know...like you're praying earnestly for something over and over and over again...how do you know you're not going to get something like a Saul in your life?

Answer

That's a good question and a fair question. You probably would have to really search your motives. And I think that would be the key. I think in the case of Israel it was clearly a pride motive. They were seeking a king and this is what they said, "Everybody else has a king, we should have a king." You know, that's like praying for a Cadillac because everybody on your block has one. There's a selfish motive there. But I would say that if you have examined your motives and your motives are pure, that you have nothing to fear.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986