Treating God as a blessing vending machine

[Errham]

The title pretty much sums it up. I ask for God’s help even in the most trivial little things. And I feel like it’s ruining my relationship with him. I no longer see myself as a humble prayer warrior, I see myself as a stubborn, lazy, entitled man who doesn’t stop pestering God day and night with the most trivial things. I know that Scripture tells us to pray unceasingly, however it feels like I’m going about it in quite the wrong way. Compare to Orthodox Hesychasts. Instead of begging for divine mercy like in the Jesus Prayer, I find myself constantly begging for every earthly, worldly, material desire that pops into my head. It feels almost like gluttony - I just can’t stop, it’s become so ingrained into my head. And fasting - saving the prayers for situations that really matter and will seriously affect me - just doesn’t work either.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation before? How did you solve it?

 

[Bonnie]

Instead of begging for divine mercy like in the Jesus Prayer, I find myself constantly begging for every earthly, worldly, material desire that pops into my head.

Because you are aware of it, perhaps you could add to your prayers “not my will, but Yours.”

 

[Bookcat]

frjacquesphilippe.com/book-themes

 

[Ophelia23]

Remember to praise. Actually praise. Not just “I love you, Lord” or “I praise you, Lord” but “I love you Lord, because xyz.” The more time we devote to emphasizing why and how we love our Lord, the closer we get to Him. Just give it a try. Think of a person in your life–spouse, parent, friend–and give yourself time to think about why you love them. What have they done for you? How have they made you feel? How have they contributed to your life? I guarantee you that your heart will swell for them just a little bit more than before.

It is normal to ask God to help us in all things. He wants you to. But if you are able to shift your focus from your wants as a priority to His praise as a priority, I think you may find growth. Something we teach in our youth group is a simple formula to aid in this: ACTS.

A: Adoration. “Jesus, I love you because…”
C: Contrition. “I am so sorry for…”
T: Thanksgiving. “Thank you for …”
S: Supplication. “Please help me with…”

It’s a simple formula to keep the prayer priorities in line.

Just some ideas for you, friend. You are loved by God and by His creation. Be well.