The Compromised Heart.

"Get it out of your mind that this is about you, where you now will be able to get something that you want... God is drawing  you into Himself so that you might understand who this great God is, how powerful He is, and how loving He is, and how He wants you to experience His grace and love and be an avenue of that grace and love." -Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel

What are the markers of a compromised heart?

Asking in ignorance. Our wisdom, at best, is finite. There are occasions where we really have no idea of the future consequences of our request. As Pastor Sam said, "If God should give you everything you ask for, you would be in so much trouble."

Mixing faith with doubt. If we are engaging the process of prayer while at the same time thinking that God is unable to address our prayer, then our prayer will not be heard. (see James 1:5-7)

Concern with personal will instead of God's will. This involves engagement of spiritual disciplines (tithing, prayer, etc.) not for the purpose of worship, but in an attempt to manipulate God into giving us what we want. As our pastor noted, "That is the attitude of the witch doctor."

The rationalization of disobedience. Pastor Sam referenced the error of King Saul, in which Saul decided to disobey God's order as a means of acquiring what was pleasant and convenient for himself (then explained away his disobedience as an act of worship). (see First Samuel 15)

As we engage the spiritual work of prayer and fasting, let us remember that we are not involved in this prayer effort to acquire what we want. We are in this prayer effort to understand what God wants.

Lord God, we are praying... and we are listening.