Praying In Vain

James 4:3 " Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lust".


God hears and answers prayers, but at the same time He cannot be tempted neither does He tempt any man. Many of our prayers go unanswered because of what we are praying for. I remember when getting off of drugs I prayed real hard for a car, then it dawned on me that I didn't even have a drivers license so what good would a car do me.

Many pray to change things, people and our situations when what really needs to change is us and how we see our situations. Why pray for a big house when our little apartment is a struggle to keep clean. Why pray for a good husband/wife when you know yourself you are no good. Why do we pray for a job when we are such lousy employees. Let us pray that God better prepares us for the things we are praying for. you want a good job, pray that God makes you a better employee. Desire a good spouse, Pray that God makes you a good husband/wife. Want a bigger house, take better care of the little apartment God has blessed you with. I find that when your prayer are requesting a change from the inside out, God seems to answer them a lot faster.

Let us stop praying for things out of lust and the need for self elevation. When praying first make sure you are ready for that which you are praying for. Ask yourself is this a need or a want, will it bring glory to God or is this for self gratification. Then always remember the JOY of praying, Jesus- Others- and then You. Make your prayer life one of worship and that will bring Glory to God and not stuff to yourself.