But what's your motivation?

Before bible study started on Tuesday in Zac's I asked Sean if, at the end, I could pray for someone. I told him the situation and he said he was happy for me to pray but he wondered what my motivation was.

My first thought was ... bummer. I didn't want to think about my motivation.

So for the second time in three days I sat through a talk/discussion without really listening. I pondered hard. I had good reasons for wanting to pray: the person I was - and am - concerned about needed support. But I also wanted to make a point. And that point was aimed at one particular person who was in the room.

I looked across at that person and suddenly saw a sad, lonely, confused and probably frightened individual to whom my heart went out. I think this person is in the wrong and behaving badly but it's not to me to apply judgement. (Although I can't help thinking judgementally because of my concern and closeness to the other individual.)

We're all covered by the amazing grace given freely by God. I've been forgiven - and am constantly in need of being forgiven - for all sorts of things. What that person needs isn't unsubtle digs carefully composed as prayers but support while struggling through a mire.

I'm so glad Sean had the wisdom to query my motives.

(And in case you think I'm being terribly Christian in this, I should also admit that I'm a little bit scared of the person too!)