James 4:2-3

I believe in the importance of prayer. Notice I did not say I believe in the power of prayer. Prayer in and of itself, is not powerful. Prayer is but the name we use to describe communication with all-powerful God. Very little of that communication should be asking for things. We do not want people to talk to us only when they want something, God does not either.

In the Bible God is referred to by many names; none of them is Santa Claus. Still, God does want us to come to him for our desires. As a child when I would ask my parents for important things, we would have a discussion. I would tell them why I wanted it, and what I would do with it if I got it. They would talk to me about the responsibilities that came with what I was asking for. We would talk about options. Might it be better to wait, or better to make another choice? I could never know for sure what my parents would think of what I wanted until I talked to them about it. It was only when I asked that I could know their answer. My parents were much like God. He also wants us to seek his guidance. He wants us to share with him our hopes and our dreams. One of the most important parts of talking to God is the time we spend listening. When we spend time with God if we do all the talking, it is not really prayer.

James tells his readers: “You do not have because you do not ask God”. Ask God; trust that he is capable of delivering. If you are ashamed of what they really want, ask Him to help change your heart’s desires. If you ask God, his answer may be no, his answer may be not yet, or his answer may be yes. You cannot know God’s answer until you ask. Ask God; listen for his answer.