A second reason we come to this week is found in James 4:3. Here it is written: "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." In other words God does not answer prayers that are prayed in selfishness.
Jesus teaches us to ask in the Lord's Prayer for God's will to be done. He even sets the example for us when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Abba, Father . . . everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will" Mark 14:36.
God does not always want for me what I want for me. That is a good thing. There are many times I think I know what I want, but what I want is not always what I think it is. God sees the big picture. I only see the small one. He has an eternal perspective. I have a limited one.
If you are feeling frustrated that your prayers go unanswered, consider what you are asking. Are you only asking for yourself? Are you asking for others? Are you asking for your own welfare for the sake of your own welfare? Or are you asking for your own welfare in order to turn that blessing into a blessing for others?
Readings for next week:
| 12 | Jeremiah 19:1-21:14 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28 Psalm 82:1-8 Proverbs 25:9-10 | |||
| 13 | Jeremiah 22:1-23:20 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Psalm 83:1-18 Proverbs 25:11-14 | 14 | Jeremiah 23:21-25:38 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Psalm 84:1-12 Proverbs 25:15 | |
| 15 | Jeremiah 26:1-27 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 Psalm 85:1-13 Proverbs 25:16 | 16 | Jeremiah 28:1-29:32 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Psalm 86:1-17 Proverbs 25;17 | |
| 17 | Jeremiah 30:1-31:26 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Psalm 87:1-7 Proverbs 25:18-19 | 18 | Jeremiah 31:27-32;44 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Psalm 88:1-18 Proverbs 25:20-22 |
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