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"Do not be like servants who serve their master in order to receive a reward, rather, be like servants who serve their master not in order to receive a reward" (Pirkei Avos 1:3). With a slight difference in punctuation, this statement can also be read "be like servants who serve their master in order not to receive a reward." Both versions are correct, but the latter refers to a higher rung of divine service. There is one type of prayer in which the worshipper directs all of his thoughts only to fulfill the will of G-d. It doesn't matter to him whether G-d answers his personal prayers or not, for all of his intentions are only for the sake of heaven. But there is a higher level of service, referred to in the second version: There once was a man who had a burning desire to speak to the king. The king issued a decree that anyone with a request should come forward and it would be granted. Everyone lined up with their entreaty, and each person received what they desired. But this poor man was in a quandry: if he asked for anything, the king would grant it, but then he would no longer be able to speak to the king, which is all he really wants. Thus he hopes that his petition will not be granted, so that he he will always have reason to come before the king. This man serves the king "in order not to receive a reward." Degel Machane Ephraim
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