You Do not Have Because You Do not Ask

During this sermon from the book of James on prayer, I share an amazing answer to prayer and how it happened.

Several weeks ago, we were in great financial need because of responsibilty for someone else. I saw no hope of solving the problem except to go further into debt. But my wife pressed me to wait on the Lord.

After I left the house, she prayed for wisdom. While she was praying, she became impressed that she should pray for $10,000. Before the day was over, I was given that exact amount of money anonymously. I still do not know where it came from. But we later learned that this is the amount of money that we need in order to resolve that other person's problem.

Why do most people see little results from their prayers?

James gives us some answers. The first thing for which we must pray is wisdom. Then and then only can we pray the way we ought.

Secondly, we must pray for God to be glorified in our praying and for human needs to be met. Praying only for our personal pleasures is an act of adultery, and it puts us as enemies of God and his plan for our good.

Thirdly, we must pray with faith that God will hear and answer our prayers in such a way that he receives glory and people's needs will be met.