ask a favor

Sometimes, when I approach God in prayer, it feels like I'm asking Him a favor.  It's like I'm putting myself forward, hoping that He'll look my way, and grant my request.  The mother of James and John did the same.  She came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of Him (Matthew 20:20).  She asked that her boys might be the sidemen to Jesus in His Kingdom, his "bodyguards".  After all, Jesus calls them the "sons of thunder", and in His Kingdom, He'll need protection, right?

Perhaps I'm reading in here, but notice how Mom brings her kids with her, probably cleaned up for the occasion, and they all kneel down before Him (Matthew 20:21).  If I were Jesus, I'd be suspicious of the request that's coming, especially since they're asking for "a favor". 

Even it were in Jesus' Authority to grant their request - He says that only The Father grants such placements - it's clear that, as Jesus says, they don't know what [they] are asking, not only because there will be a cup of suffering on the way, but also because they think that making a request of Jesus is asking "a favor" (Matthew 20:22).

I wonder how many times God's noticed me approaching Him the same way, seeking favor.  In Christ we have already received the gracious favor of God, a right-standing with Him purchased at The Cross which we don't deserve.  Paul says to the Corinthians, a proud church which might have tried to curry favor as did the Zebedees, now is the time of God's Favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).  As such, we can approach God's Throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

So when you and I come before The Lord in prayer, let's not be asking Him for any favors, the kind of prayer that usually includes a deferential "if it be Your Will".   Rather, let's rejoice in His Favor which we and all believers have received in Him, and boldly seek Him on that basis and in that glorious Grace.