James 4:2

New International Version (NIV)

You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

For meditation

Lack of prayer is a major cause of struggles and quarrels in the church. When Christians fervently pray and seek God’s face, they are better resourced and more content. As a result, the tendency toward covetousness may decrease in our fellowships.

Consider the elder brother’s response in the Parable of the Lost Son (Lk. 15:11-32). His proposal is interesting. He claimed that if his father had given him even a small gift from his flock to enjoy with friends, he would not have been so angry at the rousing welcome given to his younger brother (28-29). He had been slaving obediently for his father all those years (29). Meanwhile, his younger brother took his share of the estate, spent it, and became bankrupt overseas. Yet, as his father implied (Lk. 15:31), how could he have received anything when he never asked? Unfortunately, he kept his needs and desires hidden, allowing them to fester into anger and jealousy toward his younger brother (28-30).

Many of God’s children struggle with not receiving what God has promised, even though all that our Father has belongs to us and He instructs us to ask and receive (Matt. 7:7). This often happens because we do not engage Him in meaningful prayer—asking, seeking, knocking, or interceding for others. If we do not talk to God about our needs, how can we receive from Him, as James teaches (James 4:2)? Instead, we sometimes complain when others ask, receive, and enjoy their blessings—like the Prodigal Son who spent everything, repented, and returned home to a loving welcome. Ultimately, is it not the Father’s prerogative to give and receive as He wills?

This parable shows the importance of prayer. Asking and receiving from our Father in heaven can help us avoid negative emotions toward others and God. When we deny ourselves what God offers through prayer, we bring unnecessary torment upon ourselves.

Let us resolve to deepen our fellowship with the Lord and to pray for every need. Be intentional—bring your requests before Him, trusting that He is eager to give, as all He has is already available for you (Lk. 15:32).

Commit today to speaking with God more in prayer. Take hold of what you need for joy and contentment, and let your confidence in God inspire you to celebrate with others who also seek and receive from Him through prayer over their past and present.

Shalom

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for the privilege of prayer. Help me by your Spirit to seek your face and pray on every issue, even the most mundane things. It is freeing to know how much you want to receive me and meet my needs through Christ Jesus. Amen.