Biblical Teaching on Prayer
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Pondering Point
This seems pretty simple, does it not: "If you lack wisdom, ask God". It doesn’t appear that James is being secretive or evasive. He later says we have not because we ask not (or ask with wrong motives – 4:1-4). Is this your perspective on prayer – your view in seeking God? How often have we merely failed to ask? If we apply this to our desire to find guidance or direction from the Lord, it’s no wonder we find ourselves without answers. “Oh, I’ve asked,” you say. Maybe.
Jesus taught us in Luke 18 to pray like the persistent widow – time and again. Let that trait be a defining characteristic of your prayer life – and then see if you still lack direction and guidance.
Prayer
Father God, help me learn to take You at Your Word – and where I lack wisdom, to ask for it. I seek Your wisdom now for… (ask what’s on your
heart currently).
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 4
The center of faith and trust is God. Faith and trust perfected, is prayer perfected. Faith and trust is not a belief that God can bless, that He will bless, but that He does bless, here and now. Trust always operates in the present tense. What prayer needs at all times, is abiding and abundant faith and trust.
[Got His book? Read pages 38-41]
~ Keep Me and Keep All, Smith
Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #46 on page 289: “What do you do when it looks like none of your prayers are heard?”