The article analyses theoretical approaches to religious motivation. It starts by identifying four core theoretical perspectives: selfdetermination theory, expectancy theory, sacralization theory, and religion-as-a-quest theory. In the self-determination approach, studies show the relationship between the level of religiosity, psychological well-being, and various psychological characteristics. The expectancy theory considers motivation as an assessment of achieving desired outcomes, depending on somebody`s opportunities and various situations. According to the concept of sacralization, particularly any target can be devoted to something spiritual, and thus religious motivation is not something special. Religion-as-a-quest theory considers religion as an attempt to answer important existential questions, reflecting the search for meaning. Overall, the psychology of motivation helps to understand many personal and socio-cultural processes connected with religion.