Why do so many come to prayer as if it is either the last resort, or just something we are supposed to do, before we “get to business”?  As a last resort, it says to God “I’ve done everything I can, now I give up” which is wrong because God wants us to pray first – to truly go to God and allow God to supply an answer.  The “supposed to do” concept says “before a meeting, pray.  After the meeting, pray.  In between, work.”  The prayer itself is the work, and by asking God, God will guide the meeting, or whatever you are doing.

James tells us:  If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. James 1:5-8.

Ask in faith.  Do not pray just because you are supposed to, do not pray as if it is a quaint ritual, rather ask God with faith that God will answer your prayer.

Sermon ended – now the hard part.  As I prayed before our meal today, I went away from the standard prayer I say before meals and instead yelled at God.  Well, I didn’t exactly yell, but I did beg, I pleaded.  Perhaps my faith has been shaken as I’ve waited for an answer and then I read today’s passage from James. 

As you journey through this week, keep James’ words close to your heart, as well as these from Matthew 9:23-24: “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Peace,

Pastor Bill