A Prayer About Ambition

A prayer about Ambition

When I need to reevaluate my ambitions

Holy God,

I long to be a part of your great work in the world. But sometimes I think I cross the line into wanting to achieve status through doing your work. I know that’s dangerous because that’s when I stop thinking about serving you and start trying to use you. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to take hold of my selfish ambition and keep it from becoming a hook for Satan to tempt me away from you. Remind me of Jesus’ example when he was offered worldly power. Give me the wisdom to see when the things I want to do would draw me closer to you and when they would pull me away. Then teach me the self-discipline to make the right choices. May my desires for things in this world never keep me from better things you desire for me.

The devil took [Jesus] to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’” Matthew 4:8-10