Good Morning.

You do not have, because you do not ask God. James 4, verse 2 (the last part)

Why don't people pray? Atheists don't pray because they say there is no God; agnostics don't pray because while there might be a God, they don't believe in Him--so, why pray? Others pray sporadically, thinking they are allotted just so many prayers, and they don't want to waste them. Still others pray half-heartedly, because they just don't put too much stock in prayer, honestly thinking God is a weak, impotent being. Finally, there are those who are simply ignorant about how and for what they can ask God. . .

But, here's the question--what is prayer, anyway? If you immediately thought, 'talking to God,' I would challenge that. People lie to God (like Eve, for instance)--is that prayer? No. I believe prayer is the inner desire of an individual to interact with the heart of God--to talk to Him, to praise Him. . . to bring our requests for our needs to Him, but also to keep our consciences pure before Him. That is my definition of prayer; yours might be a little different, but I would challenge you to broaden your notion of prayer. Down in verse 8, James says "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you," (Do you want to be close to God?) and then "wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites." (How do you do that?) Confess any sin that is between you and God. . . go ahead, you won't shock Him. No sin is either too great or evil, but no sin is too small, if it comes between you. Know this: it is God's heart to show you mercy, and to forgive you.

How do you draw close to God in prayer? I pray off-and-on throughout the whole day, but I endeavor to start my day with a 'set apart' time. I write my prayers on a spiral-bound notebook page because my mind is prone to wander. I write four large letters down the left side of my page to organize my thoughts in prayer. A-stands for adoration, praise to God; C-confession of sin; A-asking for my needs, for others' needs--for WISDOM--don't forget James 1:5! T-Thanksgiving--I thank Him for His good gifts--for life, for family, friends, freedom, health, my roses, God's protection and provision, Heaven. . . I like to finish my prayers thanking God; you see, practicing gratitude changes us; it changes our attitudes and outlooks, friends.

Back to my atheist friends who don't pray. . . funny thing is, when they are scared out of their minds, facing terminal illness or the threat of losing a child, they will often utter these words: "God, if You are there, and I don't believe You are--but just in case You are, help my child... please, God! If you do, I'm Yours forever, I'll. . . " So, did God change during the difficult circumstances? No, the person just got desperate enough to consider that prayer was a worthwhile avenue to potential help when there was no other visible help. How apt is this quote by C.S. Lewis: God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Fact is, we are often more open, more pliable when we are in pain. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting a friend's dad in the i.c.u. who appeared to be at the end of his life. I went by myself and was standing alongside his bed when he awakened; I introduced myself, and talked with him for a little while, before I asked if I could pray with him. The family had been concerned he would be gruff or unkind to me, but he wasn't. Struggling through the oxygen to get his breath, he asked if the family and I thought he was dying--I said,'maybe' . . . I asked him if he thought he was dying, and he said, 'ah--50/50.' I said something like, 'well, just in case you are, do you know where you'll be when you take your last breath here on earth? You can, you know. . .' And that launched us into deeper waters. . . that conversation would not have been possible only days before. . . He would not have been ready or receptive. We talked. . . it was good. I held his hand ad prayed for him. . . he was gone within 48 hours. I was the last to pray with him. Note to self: when I get the opportunity to pray for a hurting soul, NEVER pass it up.

You see, the fact is that God is a loving, benevolent God whose greatest desire is communion with us. You do not have, because you do not ask God. What do YOU not have because you have not asked of God?

Ask Him... today,

Christine